There being no appeal from his decision, we canvassed other names. The matter reduced itself to a choice between Franklin K. Lane and General W. W. Atterbury, and, as the latter was in France, Davison had him come to Cannes and talk the proposition over, but found that the General considered it his duty to resume his position as vice-president of the Pennsylvania Railroad as soon as he was released from the army. We then turned toward Secretary Lane, and agreed that I should send the following telegram: ADMIRAL GRAYSON, c/o President Wilson, Place des États-Unis, Paris. Kindly ascertain and notify by telephone Otis Cutler, Hotel Regina, Paris, whether President Wilson has any objection to Secretary Lane being approached to accept the General Directorship of the Associated National Red Cross. Davison and his advisers, after a thorough canvass of available material here, have unanimously concluded that Lane is best equipped for this most important post. As success of movement is so largely dependent on its management, we hope President will assent. (Signed) HENRY MORGENTHAU. The reply was another evidence of Wilson’s fine loyalty to his friends: HON. HENRY MORGENTHAU, Cannes, France. The President does not know what the position proposed is, but he could not see his way to approving anything that would necessarily involve Secretary Lane’s withdrawal from his position unless the desire originated with him. (Signed) CARY T. GRAYSON. Davison then cabled one of his partners to see Lane personally and asked me to cable Lane direct, which was done as follows: FRANKLIN LANE, Washington, D. C. Welch, Biggs, Farrand, Holt, and myself, who have been consulted by Davison as to choice of Director General, all believe that you are the best man for the position and that the movement will give you an unhampered opportunity to utilize your wonderful experience. We all urge you to give it favourable consideration. Have read Davison’s cable and it does not fully picture the unlimited scope of service afforded. It is second to no prior chance to help suffering humanity. (Signed) MORGENTHAU. If Davison would have taken the director-generalship, or if it could have been given to Lane or Atterbury, or someone else of their vision and ability, the organization might have become a very different affair from what it is to-day. But this was not to be. Accident intervened before Lane would act, and the International League of Red Cross Societies added another to the list of the world’s lost chances. This is what happened: We had come back to Paris. The Executive Committee was in session at the Hotel Regina. In an unguarded moment, Davison said: “If Great Britain can produce a man fitted for the director-generalship, I shall consent to his appointment.”