William Kent to Woodrow Wilson

William Kent to Woodrow Wilson

William Kent

WWP21803

1917 August 11

William Kent tells Woodrow Wilson that it would advisable for him to make a clear statement about the reason for war and the purpose of peace.

Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers, 1786-1957

My Dear Mr. President:

I wish to thank you for the engagement for Wednesday at 3 o'clock. An advance memorandum may be servicable.Miss Helen Todd is anxious to go on the stump on the same sort of mission as Mr. Darrow, and I believe would be equally efficient.Senator Borah stated to her that he would be glad to join in enlightening the Western part of the country as to the needs of backing this war for democracy. He, however, feels that a definite statement of America's part and policy should be made by you, as a text, if he is to go in to back the Administration. I am satisfied I understand your position and that you are definitely determined not to take over the old feuds and squabbles of our Allies, or their territorial ambitions, and that you do not regard the war from our standpoint as a punitive expedition. I talked with Secretary Houston the other evening and he thought it might be well for you to collate what you have said in the past and to express the American policy anew in clear and unmistakable terms.

I would not for a moment presume to advise you in this connection. I merely wish to say that such a statement would secure cooperation which would otherwise not be obtainable. I am aware of the delicacy of international relations and also realize the supreme importance of being clearly understood at home.

I am informed that Senator Borah would appreciate a request from you to call. While I disagree with Senator Borah on many things, I know his vigor, clarity of mind, and power of expression. It would be worth much to have him preaching the war gospel in the West where it is as badly needed as it is in the Ghettos. I have heard that Mr. Gompers has been expressing some violent views concerning war until Germany is crushed. I know this is not your view and it is not the view of the country, and I only speak from hearsay. But if he is correctly quoted by Miss Todd, damage may be done.

These are some of the matters I wish to take up with you and if in your judgment you would like to see Miss Todd and Senator Borah, I believe a meeting with them, together or separately, and I believe better together, might be of great use.

Yours Truly
William kent

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924