Woodrow Wilson to Herbert Hoover
Title
Woodrow Wilson to Herbert Hoover
Creator
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
Identifier
WWP19271
Date
1917 November 26
Description
Woodrow Wilson suggests that the Food Administration make use of state and local committees as councils for defense since US entry into World War I.
Source
Hoover-Wilson Correspondence, Hoover Institution, Hoover Institution Archives, Stanford, California
Publisher
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
Subject
United States Food Administration
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964--Correspondence
Language
English
Text
My dear Mr. Hoover
Since the United States declared a state of war against Germany, all of the states of the Union have organized councils of defense. So far as I have been able to learn these councils are made up of thoughtful and energetic men sincerely desirous of rendering any service, whether local or national, that may fall within their sphere. The organization of these state councils has been extended into the counties and the towns in nearly all cases, and the town and county organizations are in most instances made up of the most efficient men in their communities. By means of their direct contact with the people throughout the country, they constitute a nation-wide organization peculiarly fitted to bring home to the people the knowledge of the needs of the Government and to enlist them in its service.
It occurs to me to suggest, therefore, that it would be very serviceable to the Food Administration to make use of these organizations wherever it is possible to do so. Much duplication of work might thus be avoided not only, but an additional energy and spirit of service infused into the state organizations, which I am sure would be not only willing but glad to cooperate when invited to do so.
I venture to think this suggestion worthy of your most serious consideration.
Cordially and sincerely yours,
WOODROW WILSON
Since the United States declared a state of war against Germany, all of the states of the Union have organized councils of defense. So far as I have been able to learn these councils are made up of thoughtful and energetic men sincerely desirous of rendering any service, whether local or national, that may fall within their sphere. The organization of these state councils has been extended into the counties and the towns in nearly all cases, and the town and county organizations are in most instances made up of the most efficient men in their communities. By means of their direct contact with the people throughout the country, they constitute a nation-wide organization peculiarly fitted to bring home to the people the knowledge of the needs of the Government and to enlist them in its service.
It occurs to me to suggest, therefore, that it would be very serviceable to the Food Administration to make use of these organizations wherever it is possible to do so. Much duplication of work might thus be avoided not only, but an additional energy and spirit of service infused into the state organizations, which I am sure would be not only willing but glad to cooperate when invited to do so.
I venture to think this suggestion worthy of your most serious consideration.
Cordially and sincerely yours,
WOODROW WILSON
Original Format
Letter
To
Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964
Files
Citation
Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924, “Woodrow Wilson to Herbert Hoover,” 1917 November 26, WWP19271, Hoover Institute at Stanford University Collection, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.