J. Pierson James to Woodrow Wilson
Title
J. Pierson James to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
James, J. Pierson
Identifier
WWP25373
Date
1918 October 31
Description
Describes a telegram from Mr. Kent.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
Kent, William, 1864-1928
Freedom of speech
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence
Contributor
Danna Faulds
Relation
WWP25373
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
The President,
The White House.
Dear Mr. President:
I am directed by Mr. Kent, in a telegram received from him today from Kentfield, California, where he is now owing to the serious illness of his son, to convey to you the following message:
“There is need for independent investigation of Pollak and Bouck cases. I am fully aware of form of indictment and accusation in each case, but do not believe them well founded. I urgently request dispassionate review of each case. Feel sure that prosecutors mistake their functions and desire conviction as justification for injudicious beginning.”
Mr. Kent further urgently requests that you grant an interview to Mr. George P. Hampton, of the Farmers’ Open Forum, who
“is absolutely reliable, devoted to the President, and was present at the meeting when Bouck was alleged to have made foolish and impossible statements”.
Mr. Kent adds:
“If these prosecutions are unfounded, which I believe they are, they will involve most serious social and political results.”
Yours truly,
J. Pierson James
Private Secretary.
[Several lines of shorthand appear in the lower left corner of the letter]
The White House.
Dear Mr. President:
I am directed by Mr. Kent, in a telegram received from him today from Kentfield, California, where he is now owing to the serious illness of his son, to convey to you the following message:
“There is need for independent investigation of Pollak and Bouck cases. I am fully aware of form of indictment and accusation in each case, but do not believe them well founded. I urgently request dispassionate review of each case. Feel sure that prosecutors mistake their functions and desire conviction as justification for injudicious beginning.”
Mr. Kent further urgently requests that you grant an interview to Mr. George P. Hampton, of the Farmers’ Open Forum, who
“is absolutely reliable, devoted to the President, and was present at the meeting when Bouck was alleged to have made foolish and impossible statements”.
Mr. Kent adds:
“If these prosecutions are unfounded, which I believe they are, they will involve most serious social and political results.”
Yours truly,
J. Pierson James
Private Secretary.
[Several lines of shorthand appear in the lower left corner of the letter]
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
James, J. Pierson, “J. Pierson James to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 October 31, WWP25373, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.