Lindley M. Garrison to Woodrow Wilson

Mr. JE Davies of Wisconsin has just left me. He came in to explain to me in person that his situation at home was such that he did not feel justified in leaving it to come to Washington and accept the office of Assistant Secretary of War.

Incidentally he said to me that during my absence in the West it had been suggested to him that he might be sent as Governor General to the Philippines, but that he has since been told that this could not be.

With respect to the office of Assistant Secretary of War, I gathered from my latest talk with you on this subject that if Mr. Davies declined, Mr. Breckinridge was to be appointed; and, as you know, he is entirely satisfactory to me.

With respect to the Governor Generalship of the Philippines, I am endeavoring to gather for your consideration the names of the very best men that can be procured for that service. I think that primarily, however, we should consider the question whether this office should be filled at once, that is, at this time, or whether you will decide that I had best go there before acting on these Philippine matters. You will recall that at our latest talk respecting this you said that you desired to seriously consider the matter before reaching a conclusion. Should you determine that I had best go, then I would seriously counsel postponing appointments until my return. I do not believe that any interests of the Islands or of this Government are suffering or will suffer by reason of delay in this respect. Of course, if you should conclude that you do not at the present time desire to have me absent from Washington for so long a period, then I think we should have a general talk upon the Philippine appointments and determine our policy and pick our men.

When you are free enough from your other engrossing duties, may I ask that you give the above matters consideration and advise me of your conclusion?