Woodrow Wilson to Nicholas I of Russia

In this solemn hour of trial, when the world–spirit of democratic self–control moves the free peoples of the earth to action in defense of the rights of mankind, my country could not longer remain an on–looker, and has been constrained to make common cause against the aggressions of military absolutism. Near and far, divided by the waves and mountains and by the diversities of race and speech, all liberty–loving nations are today one in the fellowship of progress. Accept for my own part and in the name of my countrymen the sincere greetings of brethren beyond the seas.