"UNOSTENTATIOUS PILGRIMAGE TO GENEVA"

MRS. WILSON VISITS LEAGUE OF NATIONS BUILDING FOR FIRST TIME

Geneva, Switzerland (JFK+50) On July 6, 1925, Associated Press reports that yesterday former First Lady Mrs. Woodrow Wilson* "made a modest pilgrimage to the League of Nations" building located here in Geneva.

This, the first visit to the building by Mrs. Wilson, is described by AP as unostentatious** and "without the knowledge of the general public."  The former First Lady spent several hours touring the League building and paid her respects at a tablet mounted on a wall dedicated to her husband.

Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States, was primarily responsible for the creation of the League of Nations.

*Edith Boling Wilson (1872-1961) was born in Wytheville, Virginia & became the 2nd wife of President Woodrow Wilson.  EBW served as 1st Lady 1915-1921 & played a key role in presidential affairs after her husband suffered a stroke late in his 2nd term.

**ostentatious, from Latin for "display," refers to a person who is flashy, showy, or flamboyant.  Donald J. Trump would fit that description while Calvin Coolidge would better be described as "unostentatious."

SOURCE

"Mrs. Wilson Makes Secret Pilgrimage To Headquarters of League of Nations," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 6, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Woodrow and Edith Wilson

June 1920

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"ACCOMPLISHING JUST AS MUCH AS UNOFFICIAL OBSERVERS"

SECRETARY OF STATE SPEAKS ON U.S. ROLE AT THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 16, 1924, David Lawrence of The Evening Star reports on a speech made by Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes* to the New York state Republican convention.

Mr. Lawrence characterizes the speech as being "of the greatest significance...to the first comprehensive explanation made by him on the form by which the United States has co-operated and intends to co-operate...with the League of Nations."

He says that Mr. Hughes is attempting to prove the U.S. "is accomplishing just as much" as unofficial observers in Geneva as it would with fully authorized representatives.

JFK+50 NOTE

The United States never joined the League of Nations thus leaving the world organization with no military presence to enforce its decisions.

*Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) was born in Glens Falls, NY & educated at Colgate, Columbia, Brown, & Columbia Law School.  CEH was governor of NY 1907-1910, Assistant Justice USSC 1910-1916, Sec of State 1921-1925 & Chief Justice USSC 1930-1941.

SOURCE

"Death Of Isolation Policy Is Foreseen in Hughes Speech," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., April 16, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Charles Evans Hughes

Portrait by Georges Chevalier

1924

"SURRENDER: A WORD WOODROW WILSON NEVER RECOGNIZED"

'A STATESMAN WHO FOUGHT TILL THE LAST FOR THE IDEALS IN WHICH HE BELIEVED'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 2, 1924, David Lawrence of The Evening Star writes 'The hour of surrender--a word which, in his days of power, he never recognized--has come to Woodrow Wilson."

The 28th President of the United States lies on his deathbed at his home on S Street here in the Nation's Capital.  Death is expected to come today or tomorrow.

Mr. Lawrence describes Woodrow Wilson as "a statesman who fought till the last for the ideals in which he believed."  The President once said, "I would rather fail in a cause that I know some day will triumph than to win in a cause that I know someday will fail."

Nothing was more true than when Mr. Wilson lobbied for passage of the Versailles Treaty* ending World War I and the United States becoming a member of the League of Nations**.  

Tragically, the President suffered a major stroke while campaigning for the Treaty and the League.  The United States did not join the League of Nations.

*The Versailles Treaty (1919) signed in Paris ended a state of war between Germany & most of the Allied powers.  It forced Germany & other Central Powers to accept total blame for the world war & to suffer major penalties.

**The League of Nations (1920-1946) founded by Woodrow Wilson was the 1st international organization whse mission was to maintain world peace.  LON was headquartered in Geneva. 

SOURCE

"Hour of Surrender Word Never Known by Him, Comes to Wilson," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 2, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Thomas Woodrow Wilson

1919

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"SO INDIANS WILL HAVE SAME RIGHTS & PRIVILEGES"

ARAPAHO DELEGATION WILL ASK LEAGUE TO INTERVENE IN THEIR BEHALF

Paris, France (JFK+50) On December 13, 1923, the Associated Press reports that "a delegation of sixteen Arapaho Indians* from Wyoming" arrived in Paris yesterday dressed in full regalia.

When they appeared at the northern railroad terminal, a "commotion" resulted causing traffic to be held up "for some time."

Chief Old Eagle said that his delegation intends to "ask the league of nations to intervene with the United States government so that Indians might have the same rights and privileges as other Americans."

*Arapaho Indians, native Americans living on the plains of Colorado & Wyoming.  They were close allies with the Cheyenne.  By 1859, they were divided into northern & southern tribes.  Their warriors were master horsemen & skilled at fighting on horseback.

SOURCE

"Chief Old Eagle Seeks League Aid For U.S. Indians," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., December 13, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

Black Man

Arapaho Warrior

by E. A. Burbank 1899

"SHARE FULL RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEAGUE OF NATIONS"

WOODROW WILSON OPPOSED TO HARDING PROPOSAL ON INTERNATIONAL COURT

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (JFK+50) On April 14, 1923, the Philadelphia Public Ledger revealed in a dispatch from Washington, D.C. that former President Woodrow Wilson "is opposed to President (Warren G.) Harding's proposal for 'conditional' American adhesion to the Permanent Court of International Justice."

This marks the first formal expression on international affairs that Mr. Wilson has issued since submission of his plan to the Senate.

President Wilson's opposition was expressed in response to a letter he received from Representative Arthur B. Rouse* (D-Kentucky) chairman of the Democratic Congressional Committee. 

Mr. Wilson wrote in reply...

"I think it would be more consistent with the fame of the United States for candor and courage to become a member of the League of Nations and share with the other members the full responsibilities which its covenant involves."

*Arthur Blythe Rouse (1874-1956) was born in Burlington, Kentucky & graduated Hanover College 1896, Louisville Law School 1900.  ABR served in the US House of Representatives 1911-1927, & in the US District Court of Eastern Kentucky 1935-1956.

SOURCE

"Wilson Opposed To Harding Plan In World Court," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., April 14, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

 Congressman Arthur B. Rouse

D-Kentucky

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

 

"MUST MAINTAIN ORDER & RATIFY IRISH CONSTITUTION"

FREE STATE OF IRELAND HAS GOOD CHANCE OF ADMISSION TO LEAGUE 

Geneva, Switzerland (JFK+50) On September 13, 1922, the Associated Press reports that "Ireland's chances for admission to the league of nations now appears to be good."

Reports indicate that the Free State of Ireland* simply must "give some sure indication that she is able to maintain order and is disposed to ratify the Irish constitution."

It is also stated that Great Britain is prepared to offer no opposition to Ireland's admission to the league under these circumstances.

JFK+50 NOTE

The Irish Free State joined the League in September 1923.  According to UN Ambassador Patricia O'Brien, membership in the League gave Ireland "the opportunity to engage at a diplomatic level in far larger number of states than otherwise possible."

*Free State of Ireland (1922-1937) was established under the Anglo-Irish Treaty of Dec 1921 which ended the 3 year Irish War of Independence.  FSI included 26 of 32 counties of Ireland with 6 countries opting out of the new state.

SOURCES

"Ireland Likely To Join League of Nations," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 13, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"Irish Free State joins League of Nations, September 1923," by Patricia O'Brien, DFAT100, www.dfa.ie/

 

 

Irish Free State Passport

Issued 22 Aug 1927

Photo by Peter Clarke (2008)

"WILL RECOGNIZE LEAGUE IF LEAGUE RECOGNIZES MOSCOW"

RUSSIANS DEMAND 20 YEAR MORATORIUM ON THEIR DEBTS

Berlin, Germany (JFK+50) A front-page story in the New York Tribune, dateline March 28, 1922, reports "the Russian Bolsheviki*at Genoa will demand a twenty-year moratorium on all debts owed by Russia to other countries."

If this condition is met, the Russians will agree to "recognize these foreign obligations" providing the debts are reduced by the amount of damage sustained by their country. 

The story concludes...

"The Moscow regime will offer to recognize the League of Nations if...the league will recognize Moscow outright..." 

*Bolshevik, a far left revolutionary Marxist faction founded by Vladimir Lenin.

SOURCE

"Soviet to Insist On Moratorium For 20 Years," The New York Tribune, March 29, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

 The Bolshevik

by Boris Kustodiev (1920)

Tretyakov Gallery

Moscow, Russia 

"MENTION OF THE UNITED STATES CAREFULLY AVOIDED"

SECOND ASSEMBLY OF LEAGUE OF NATIONS CONVENES IN GENEVA

Geneva, Switzerland (JFK+50) On September 5, 1921, the second assembly of the League of Nations opened its sessions here in Geneva.

Dr. V.K. Wellington Koo* opened the meeting noting "increased membership" and "declared that the League had now become established and a necessary part of the universe."

Wilbur Forrest writes that Koo "carefully avoided mention of the United States and the forthcoming Washington Conference on the Limitation of Armaments."

It was also reported that South and Central American nations are "practically unrepresented at Geneva."

*V.K. Wellington Koo (1888-1985) was born in Jiading, China & earned his BS (1908), MS (1909) & PhD (1912) at Columbia University.  VKWK served as ambassador to France, Great Britain & the U.S. & took part in the founding of the League of Nations.

SOURCE

"Dr. Koo Calls League; Latin States Absent," by Wilbur Forrest, September 6, 1921, The New York Tribune, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

   

 

Dr. V.K. Wellington Koo

Dutch National Archives 

The Hague

Fotocollectie Algemeen

Nederlands Persbureau

ANeFo 1945-1989

"ALL REPUBLICANS VOTED FOR PLUS 3 DEMOCRATS"

KNOX PEACE RESOLUTION PASSED BY SENATE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) In the evening of April 30, 1921, the United States Senate adopted the Knox peace resolution by a vote of 49 to 23.  All Republican votes were in the affirmative along with 3 Democratic votes.

The resolution is scheduled to go to the House of Representatives where "prompt" action is expected.

The Knox proposal would "repeal the war resolution affecting Germany and Austria-Hungary, impound alien enemy property, and reserve to the United States all rights and privileges under the Treaty of Versailles."

In debate on the resolution, which began at 11 a.m., Senator Henry Cabot Lodge* (R-Massachusetts) declared the League of Nations dead and stated that adoption of the Versailles Treaty without the League was not practical.  Senator Borah also attacked the treaty.

*Henry Cabot Lodge (1850-1924) served in the U.S. Senate 1893-1924.  He is best known for his successful crusade against President Wilson's Treaty of Versailles.  HCL earned 4 degrees from Harvard & served as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as Republican leader.

SOURCE

"Senate Votes Peace With Berlin, 49-23," The New York Tribune, May 1, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

   

 

Senator Henry Cabot Lodge

Photo by Pirie MacDonald (1916)

Library of Congress Image

"REGARDLESS OF THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS"

HARDING INTENDS TO ABIDE BY THE MONROE DOCTRINE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Warren G. Harding's concern about the prospect of "the League of Nations intervening in the Panama-Costa Rica controversy" led him to emphasize on March 17, 1921 that the

"Monroe Doctrine* is going to be observed by this government regardless of the...League..."

"United States influence in the Western Hemisphere," writes Carter Field..."will (not) weaken...in the slightest..."

The Tribune's front page story states that Mr. Harding...

 "has not the slightest intention of surrendering the old  policy of preventing European nations from interfering...in the Western Hemisphere."

*Monroe Doctrine is policy introduced by President James Monroe in 1823 stating that the U.S. would not tolerate European colonialism in the Americas.  The policy was reinterpreted in 1898 to include non-intervention.

SOURCE

"Harding Will Hold Fast to Monroe Idea," by Carter Field, March 18, 1921, The New York Tribune, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Political Cartoon

 by F. Victor Gillam (1896)

 

 

'PLEASE GOD IT WILL NOT FAIL"

GOLD STAR MOTHER SUPPORTS LEAGUE OF NATIONS

New York City (JFK+50) On October 13, 1920, DNC Chairman George White received a letter from Maria A. Davidson of Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Mrs. Davidson, a Gold Star mother who lost two of four sons who served the United States in World War I, included a "small contribution" with the letter for support of the League of Nations.

One of Mrs. Davidson's sons suffered from a gas attack and spent five months in hospital.  The fourth son served as an aviator.

Mrs. Davidson wrote...

"When an honest and concerted effort is being made...to save future mothers and sons from these sacrifices, it is hard to realize there are those who oppose such efforts.

I feel sure that among those who paid for the war there can be but one opinion, and that is to try the League.  Please God it will not fail." 

SOURCE

"Woman Who Sent Four Sons to War Out For League," The Evening World, New York City, October 13, 1920, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

1st Meeting of League of Nations

November 15, 1920

Creator: A. Frankl

National Library of Norway

  

"I HATE TO THINK WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE WORLD"

PRESIDENT WILSON RETURNS TO WASHINGTON NEAR A COMPLETE BREAKDOWN

Wichita, Kansas (JFK+50) On September 26, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson was scheduled to speak here in Wichita on his tour promoting the League of Nations and the Versailles Treaty but when the President's physician found Mr. Wilson close to a "complete breakdown," the speech was cancelled and the President's train returned to Washington.

President Wilson promoted a League of Nations at the Versailles Conference in Paris, but when the United States Senate blocked the treaty's ratification, the President took his case directly to the American people.  His barnstorming train tour left the Nation's Capital on September 3rd.

President Wilson said that if the League failed... "I hate to think what will happen to the world."

By the time the President reached Wichita, he was complaining of blinding headaches.  Back at the White House on October 2nd, the President suffered a stroke which left him paralyzed on the left side and with impaired vision.  He would be confined to bed for weeks with only his wife and doctor permitted to see him.

SOURCES

"President Wilson Suffers a Stroke, 1919," www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/

"Today-100:  September 27, 1919, America is big enough," www.whateveritisimagainstit.blogspot.com/

             

    

         President & Mrs. Woodrow Wilson
                       The White House
                              June 1920
                Photo by Harris & Ewing
               Library of Congress Image

WOODROW WILSON'S STROKE

WOODROW WILSON SUFFERS STROKE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Ninety-five years ago today, October 2, 1919, 28th President of the United States Woodrow Wilson suffered a massive stroke at the White House here in the Nation's Capital.

The President had returned to the Executive Mansion after collapsing while on a whistle-stop tour across the country to gain support for the Versailles Treaty which he helped negotiate in France at the end of World War I.

The controversial peace treaty included a League of Nations which was to be a body of international cooperation to prevent another world war.

Wilson's tour had begun on September 2, 1919.  He was giving up to three speeches each day, but collapsed after speaking in Pueblo, Colorado on October 2, 1919.

The stroke, which left the President paralyzed on his left side, effectively ended Wilson's ability to influence the Senate vote on the treaty or, in fact, to conduct the daily business required of the President of the United States.

The public, however, was kept in the dark regarding the severity of the stroke or of the President's condition.

The Treaty of Versailles was not ratified by the Senate but President Wilson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919.  He died four years later in Washington, D.C.  He is buried in the National Cathedral.

Woodrow Wilson's Sarcophagus

National Cathedral

Tony Fisher Photography

December 29, 2009

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