William Jennings Bryan to Woodrow Wilson

I will make this letter cover a number of matters which we have had under consideration, part of which are in answer to letters received and part conveying information that has come to my attention:First. You write in regard to Mr. Peter Augustus Jay, who is being displaced by Olney Arnold. I have asked Mr. Jay whether he would like to return to the diplomatic service as a secretary of an embassy or legation. I do not know what place we could give him, but if he desires to return I will try to find a place for him and bring the matter to your attention again.
Second. You write in regard to Captain John T. Vance, of Lexington, who desires the place of Deputy under Mr. Vick. I am very favorable to Mr. Vance — I think he is in every way qualified, but I wonder if you know that Senator Overman has a brother who is bring urged by him and Senator Simmons for this position. Assistant Secretary Breckinridge is sponsor for Mr. Vance and his endorsement adds to the already good opinion that I have formed of Mr. Vance from a personal acquaintance, but in view of the fact that Senator Simmons is Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Senate and in view of the further fact that Senator Overman has been with us on every proposition, so far as I know, I have thought you should, before deciding the question, have Mr. Overman’s claims before you. My impression is that Mr. Vick has recommended Mr. Overman. I do not know whether the appointment is with the War Department or with Mr. Vick, but I have no doubt that Vick would do whatever you want done if you express a wish in the matter.
Third. I appreciate the point which you make in regard to the sugar duty, and I think it is probably wise not to raise the question at this time, but in view of the equitable claim which the Cuban people have upon us to carry out the spirit of the treaty, I suggest for your consideration that the matter might be taken up in conference if at that time you think it would be safe. If not, you might at the regular session recommend a special act which would insure to them by law the advantages given them by the treaty. As the reduction does not go into effect until February, there would probably be time for the passage of this law before any harm was done.
Fourth. I am glad that you approve of the wisdom of appointing Francis to one of these commissions in case there is a vacancy, and I have no doubt that it will be satisfactory to Reed and Stone, but as a matter of precaution I will ask them before anything is done.
Fifth. I thought you might be interested in an answer which we received through one of the consuls from Colonel Calles, Military Commander of the Northen District of Sonora. In acknowleding receipt of the note which the consul at Nogales sent him, communicating notice to the authorities that they would be held responsible for harm done to Americans, he declares that protection has been given to Americans and will be given to them, and then he adds a word in regard to intervention, which I think is significant. I quote from his note as follows:“And therefore we believe that intervention would be an injustice on the part of the United States as all the world knows that today we are fighting for ideals and for the purpose of wiping out forever the revolutionary era which is sweeping our country owing to the ambitions of a few unpatriotic pretorians; but in the remote case that the United States should disregard the rights of humanity and the principles of international rights be disregarded, which we hope will never happen, all the Mexicans would have to unite to defend the integrity of our country, as in that case there could be no partition or division as we are all Mexicans. I beg of you to transcribe the foregoing to your Government and for which I hereby respectfully thank you.”This confirms what we have believed all along, namely, that intervention would unite the country against us and that we would have a long and difficult work upon our hands.
With assurances of respect, etc., I am, my dear Mr. President,