In 1917, Talcott wrote an editorial, published in "The New York Sun" as part of the American Rights League, in an effort to convince the public and the American government to join the war against Germany. He cited the sinking of the ships, the Laconia and the Lusitania, calling it a "deliberate challenge to the manhood of America." He urged the public to telegraph "the President and your Congressman urging that America shall do her part in subduing the German menace to civilization." Williams also wrote a book titled, "How the German Empire has Menaced Society," published by the National Security League, in 1917, the book was a part of the "Patriotism through education" series.