Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-09-14
PRESIDENT IS NOT ABLE
TO VISIT MANASSAS NOW
Expresses View Of Gravity Of Inter-
national Situation to Delega-
ton Of VirEinians.
MUST BE CONSTANTLY ON JOB
Questions Turn Up So Suddenly. and
Have to BE Handled So Promptly,
That He DaFes Not Let His
Thoughts Go to Other Matters.


WASHINGTON, September ls.-Presi-
dent Wilson expressed his view OF the
gravity of the international situation
which confronts the United States to-
day to a delegation OF Virginians who
asked him to visit the Manassas battle
field late this month
I'VE arc all hoping and praying that
the skies may clear" said the Presi-
dent. but we have no control of that
on this side of the water. and II Is
impossible to predict any part OF the
course Of affairs"
The President was reminded that
some time ago he had promised to go
to Manassas to dedicate a tablet.
When / made that promise" the
President told the delegation. things
were Just beginning. and Il great many
things have happened since which have
altered. not only the aspect OF our own
affairs. but the aspect Of affairs Of the
world My experience here. day by
day, Is that questions turn up so sud =
denly and have to be handled so
promptly, and sometimes with so much
thoughtful discretion, that really
dare not let my thoughts go out to
other matters.
II could not come TO Manassas with
out having something to say 1t would
not be worthy Of the occasion IL did
not make preparations that would be
worth while, and that is out Of the
question. My thoughts are mortgaged
beyond recall for the present.
OUGHT NOT TO SEND
HIS THOUGHTS AFIELD
Il simply feel that l have forfeited
my liberty for the present. and tina
my nearest duty is the most obvious
and imperative duty. have been
obliged to say this to all invitations.
however tempting in character, and l
would not be worthy of your trust IL
did not como TO such a conclusion.
because 1 know that you want these
International matters taken care OF as
best We know how, and 1 ought not to
send my thoughts afeld."
The President said he was forced TO
decline the invitation of Manassas to
be present at the dedication, Septem-
Der 80, OF tablet to commemorate
Ing in amity of former hostile armies
on the battle field where they had op-
posed each other
bronze tablet is the meeting of the
Blue and the Gray. held at Manassas
July p, 1911. at ceremonies in which
President Taft participated That oc-
casion is now known as the Manassas
National Jubilee of Peace" and brought
together Federal and Confederate SOL
diers who had fought against ono an
other either on the occasion OF the first
battle OF Manassas, July 81, 1861. or in
the second battle. August IS, % and
80, 1862
The delegation which waited upon
the President was headed by Repre-
sentative Carlin, OF Alexandria. who
made the appointment, and by George
C. Round, chairman of the delegation
There were thirtyfive in the party, in
Guiding eight women. residents of Ma
nassas Mr.. Carlin and Mr. Round. as
spokesman for the delegation. both per
sisted in urging the Presidents atten-
dance, suggesting even that no speech
would be exacted should he consent
merely TO dedicate the tablet.
Graceful EXPLANATION
OF REASON FOR ACTION
The Presidents response was a
graceful explanation OF why he does
not regard himself able to accept in
vitations which will call upon him for
oratory.
Representative Carl!n expressed the
confidence of himself and Of the dele
CATION In the capacity Of the President
to deal with the international sltua!
ton. This was in response TO the re-
mark of the President that the deleGa-
ton wants these international mat