Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-05-30
PRESIDENT AMONG
THE DAYS ORATORS
Accepts Invitation to Speak at
Arlington, After Having
Declined.
INFLUENCED BY OUTBURST
OF CRITICISM IN G. A. R.
Unwilling, Says Official Statement
That Wrong Construction Should
Be Placed on Action.

Inc greatest surprise of Memorial
Jay was the announcement from the
" hlte House that President Wilson
would attend the ceremonies at Airing
ton. after having declined the invita-
tion to be present. This declination, fol-
lowed by the news later that the Pres
ident would attend the dedication of
the Confederate monument in Arling-
burst of criticism in G. A. r. circles
throughout the country.
Resolutions of condemnation have
been passed. and speakers at memo
rial exercises throughout the country
today were prepared to make speeches
of cenSure.
Surprised by Criticism.
The President, it is understood, did not
realize that his action in both instances
had caused such a stir. The explanations
from the W hite House at different times
had failed to be accepted. 1t has beer
stated there at various times that the
President did not wish to speak at
Arlington today because of the mediate
proceedings at Niagara Falls. believing
that an appropriate address would neceS-
sar1ly include some reference to the
Mexican situation; that the invitation te
attend the Confederate monument dedica-
ton was accepted many months ago
that the Confederate monument services
are national affair. having been author
lied by Congress, the monument to be
constructed in national cemetery by
direction of Congress: that the Presi-
dents speech on that occasion would
show how he felt as to veterans of the
civil war who fought for their country.
When the criticisms were laid before
the President yesterday he decided that
rather than permit his action to be mis-
understood and misconstrued he would
attend the Arlington ceremonies today,
but his decision was not made known
until today. Col. John McF-lroy was
notified from the White House of the
Presidents plans.
Explanation by Tumulty.
In connection with the announcement
was the following statement by Secre-
tary Tumulty. who was asked to explain
why the President changed his mind:
When the Invitation was extended by
the committee representing the Grand
rmy of the Republic of the District of
Columbia the President informed the
committee that he did not think the oc-
casion would be opportune for the de-
ii'ery Oh an appropriate address, and be-
cause of this he felt that he must de-
cline the invitation, agreeing, however,
to attend memorial service at a later
date Evidently a false construction has
been placed upon his action, and therein
lies the reason for the change of pro-
gram. The President was not willing that
his absence should be misconstrued.
Not Influenced by Clark.
The acceptance by Speaker Clark of a
iast-minute invitation to deliver the ad-
dress complicated the situation to some
extent 1t became known that the Presi-
dents change of mind in going to Ar
lington was, as stated. arrived at yes
terday afternoon. but for Some reason
was not made public.
The statement made public today, it was
said at the White House. was written yes
terday afternoon. to be given to the press
last night, indicating that the acceptance
by Speaker Clark had nothing to do with
the White House decision. ii is said. hav-
ing been dictated before the Speaker s
action became known to any one. Friends
of the administration scoffed the sugges-
ton that the Presidents change of mind
was Influenced in any manner by the ac-
ceptance by Speaker Clark.