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“THINGS . . .WILLWORK OUT ALL RIGHT”
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WILSON,WOODROW.Typed Letter Signed, as President, to U.S. Ambassador to
France Hugh C.Wallace, thanking him for sending his speeches, expressing contempt for
Walter [Van Rensselaer] Berry, approving Wallace’s successes in Paris, and expressing confi-
dence that difficulties [in Washington] would be overcome. 1 page, 4to, White House
stationery, with integral blank; minor scattered staining, horizontal fold. (TFC)
Washington, 25 July 1919
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“
. . . I am glad that you rackedWalter Berry fore and aft. He is just the sort I have an absolute
contempt for.
“
It was very delightful to see you constantly gaining in influence and approval in Paris . . . .
“
Things are very much mixed over here, but after we go through a certain distemper, I still feel
confident that they will work out all [r]ight.”
On July 10, 1919—two weeks prior to the date of the present letter—President Wilson pre-
sented to the U.S. Senate for their approval the result of months of negotiations during the
1919 Paris Peace Conference:The Treaty of Versailles.Wilson refused to allow amendments to
the Treaty, and in November, the Senate rejected it. In March of the following year, Senate
moderates advanced a compromise—against Wilson’s wishes—but the compromise failed as
well, permanently destroying the chances for ratification.
Walter Van Rensselaer Berry (1859-1927) was an American lawyer and diplomat, and served
as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Paris between 1916 and 1923.
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WILSON,WOODROW. Partly-printed Document Signed, as President, appoint-
ing Robert J. Sommers Surveyor General of Alaska. Countersigned by Secretary of the
Interior Franklin K. Lane. 16x20 inches; linen backed, hinged to board at upper edge verso.
Washington, 25 September 1919
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Robert J. Sommers (1881-1972), a MN native, was appointed in 1919 as Alaska’s surveyor
general and
ex officio
secretary; he later served as the territorial highway engineer and formed
his own construction company.
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