The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1917-01-03

i l1O06G0 0OlAKE VI Lie 44kUok ~ dill
attic scenes in its history. Full
details may never be told Of the
dramatic conference between
the president and adninistra-
tion leaders in the library Of the
Executive Mansion when it ap-
peared inevitable that the Uni
ted States would be drawn into>
war with Germany. /
1t was then the president told
Senator Stone Of the senate for
eign relations committee that IL
another American life were lost
as result of violation 5v 6 or
many of her pledges to this
country on submarine warfare,
the only course left open to him,
was to sever diplomatic rela-
tons with Germany. And ques-
toned as to whether or not such
action would mean war, the
president replied he had been
told it would. 1t was a stormy
conference in which the minds
of the president and his faith
full leaders were laid bare.
1t was followed by an effort to
pass resolutions in congress
warning Americans off armed
ships-a measure fought to a
successful finish by the presi-
dent himself. Later he appeared
before congress, notifying that
body of the virtual ultimatum
sent to the kaiser, following the
Sussex sinking.
Another Dramatic Scene
There was another dramatic
conference in the White House.
The Gold room, famed for its
spectacular social events during
years gone by, was opened to
a conference between the pfesi-
dent and five hundred RAILROAD
trainmen in an effort to ward
off a nation wide railroad strike.
This was followed by the ap-
pearance of railroad executives.
representating millions Of dol
lars of capital, and for days the
conference went on to no avail.
Immediately afterward the
president welded his big stick
over congress and forced the
passage of an eight hour law,
averting the strike.
Then came the election. The
exciting scenes of uncertainty
surrounding the climax of that
struggle, were transferred to
Shadow Lawn, where the presi-
dent was spending his vacation.
The president himself tells an
interesting story of the twenty
four hours from Tuesday ossoss
ing until Wednesday evening
when the returns gave the re-
suit first to Hughes and then to
Wilson. During Tuesday even
ing he was with Mrs. Wilson and
his daughter, Margaret, in the
library of the mansion hearing
the returns. They were dubi-
Gus lot of returns and after all
the New York papers had award
ed the victory to Hughes there
seemed little hope for him in
the outlook.
Told Story Himself
Il retired about $780," the
president says, telling Of his
feelings, land at that time the
situation could not be termed
encouraging. | was shaving the
next morning when my daugh-
ter, Margaret, who had risen
early to catch a train for New
York, came up and informed me
| was elected.
Oh, pshaw,' | said to her,
what do you mean? Let's have
. some Of the Details She then
told me the early reports re-
celved over the press associa-
ton wires in the executive office
indicating the change. However,
| went on shaving. Details were
not very complete. They, of
course came later"
The president that day played
an exceptional good game of
goal.
Mrs. Wilson's confidence in
the outcome already had been
indicated when she planted tulir
bulbs in the front yard of the
White House in order to enjoy
them next fall.
1t was dusky in the secluded
alcove, very dusky, and they sal
silent. Something seemed to bt
on hic mind He faaa tel u.