Bainbridge Colby to Woodrow Wilson
Title
Bainbridge Colby to Woodrow Wilson
Creator
Colby, Bainbridge, 1869-1950
Identifier
WWP25311
Date
1918 October 24
Description
One of the founders of the Progressive Party writes to President Wilson about his statements on Germany.
Source
Library of Congress, Woodrow Wilson Papers
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
World War, 1914-1918--Peace
Contributor
Danna Faulds
Language
English
Provenance
Document scan was taken from Library of Congress microfilm reel of the Wilson Papers. WWPL volunteers transcribed the text.
Text
My dear Mr. President:
I have followed with spell-bound interest the series of utterances, which have proceeded from you, beginning with the speech of Sept. 27th, and culminating in yesterday’s reply to the overtures from the German government.
Your speech was a bold challenge to the established habitudes of men’s thinking. Was it Utopian? Could it be made to fit the gnarled and incorrigible old world? I asked myself these questions. The more I reflected upon it, the more clear it became to me, that you had stated with precise logic the only alternative, if alternative there is to be, to the unending succession of futile wars, broken treaties, secret alliances and all the countless duplicities that have made up the course of history.
As to your replies to the German notes, this can be said: -- You have preserved unimpaired every potentiality for good in the situation, and have done the utmost possible, to hasten, to help and to encourage the forces making for a just and permanent settlement. This has not been easy. The German communications were not lacking in subtlety, but you emerged from each exchange with increased authority and prestige. I fancied I could hear the rustle of the Chancellor’s silk in yesterday’s note. It was like a final decree. All the points were covered. There are no exceptions of value in the record. All that the defendant can do is to settle.
I think your countrymen are happy and proud today -- proud of your work and proud of you.
Sincerely yours,
Bainbridge Colby
The President,
The White House
I have followed with spell-bound interest the series of utterances, which have proceeded from you, beginning with the speech of Sept. 27th, and culminating in yesterday’s reply to the overtures from the German government.
Your speech was a bold challenge to the established habitudes of men’s thinking. Was it Utopian? Could it be made to fit the gnarled and incorrigible old world? I asked myself these questions. The more I reflected upon it, the more clear it became to me, that you had stated with precise logic the only alternative, if alternative there is to be, to the unending succession of futile wars, broken treaties, secret alliances and all the countless duplicities that have made up the course of history.
As to your replies to the German notes, this can be said: -- You have preserved unimpaired every potentiality for good in the situation, and have done the utmost possible, to hasten, to help and to encourage the forces making for a just and permanent settlement. This has not been easy. The German communications were not lacking in subtlety, but you emerged from each exchange with increased authority and prestige. I fancied I could hear the rustle of the Chancellor’s silk in yesterday’s note. It was like a final decree. All the points were covered. There are no exceptions of value in the record. All that the defendant can do is to settle.
I think your countrymen are happy and proud today -- proud of your work and proud of you.
Sincerely yours,
Bainbridge Colby
The President,
The White House
Original Format
Letter
To
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Files
Collection
Citation
Colby, Bainbridge, 1869-1950, “Bainbridge Colby to Woodrow Wilson,” 1918 October 24, WWP25311, World War I Letters, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.