Cary T. Grayson Diary
Title
Cary T. Grayson Diary
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP16406
Date
1921 November
Description
Cary T. Grayson’s remarks about the Alfalfa Club.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
ALFALFA CLUB DINNER IN WASHINGTON.
The famous Alfalfa Club, made up of men of conflicting political views, many of them agreeing on nothing else except the “Alfalfa Club”, gave in November, 1921, a dinner in honor of General Pershing, and at the conclusion of the dinner elected him the first, last, and only honorary member of the Club. The General in response spoke very simply - evidently, as he said, without any preparation whatsoever - and paid his personal respects to a number of those present, including such men as Speaker Cannon. After a little and apropos of nothing - for little reference had been made either to President Harding or former President Wilson during the course of the evening - General Pershing said, evidently without forethought, just as one slowly formulates into words a thought in his mind: “I am going to say something here because there are no reporters present, though I may some day write it in a book - no, I do not know whether I shall or not - I think I will let other people write about the war - but I do want to say this -- that no Commanding General ever had such support from a President as I had at all times from President Wilson.” It was said so simply, so obviously sincerely, that it took the diners completely by surprise. Instantaneously, every man in the room, without respect to his politics, was on his feet, cheering vociferously.
The famous Alfalfa Club, made up of men of conflicting political views, many of them agreeing on nothing else except the “Alfalfa Club”, gave in November, 1921, a dinner in honor of General Pershing, and at the conclusion of the dinner elected him the first, last, and only honorary member of the Club. The General in response spoke very simply - evidently, as he said, without any preparation whatsoever - and paid his personal respects to a number of those present, including such men as Speaker Cannon. After a little and apropos of nothing - for little reference had been made either to President Harding or former President Wilson during the course of the evening - General Pershing said, evidently without forethought, just as one slowly formulates into words a thought in his mind: “I am going to say something here because there are no reporters present, though I may some day write it in a book - no, I do not know whether I shall or not - I think I will let other people write about the war - but I do want to say this -- that no Commanding General ever had such support from a President as I had at all times from President Wilson.” It was said so simply, so obviously sincerely, that it took the diners completely by surprise. Instantaneously, every man in the room, without respect to his politics, was on his feet, cheering vociferously.
Original Format
Diary
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson Diary,” 1921 November, WWP16406, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.