Woodrow Wilson as I Know HimTumulty, Joseph P. (Joseph Patrick)
History
Woodrow Wilson as I Know Him
Tumulty, Joseph P. (Joseph Patrick)
Presidents -- United States -- Biography; Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924
The Princeton professor has left the shades of the University to
enter the Elysian Fields of politics.
At the time the secretary's announcement was made I was in the rear of the
convention hall, trying to become reconciled to our defeat. I then wended
my weary way to the stage and stood close to the band, which was busy
entertaining the crowd until the arrival of Mr. Wilson. I wanted to obtain
what newspaper men call a "close-up" of this man of mystery.
What were my own feelings as I saw the candidate quietly walk to the
speakers' stand? I was now to see almost face to face for the first time
the man I had openly and bitterly denounced only a few hours before. What
reaction of regret or pleasure did I experience as I beheld the vigorous,
clean-cut, plainly garbed man, who now stood before me, cool and smiling?
My first reaction of regret came when he uttered these words:
I feel the responsibility of the occasion. Responsibility is
proportionate to opportunity. It is a great opportunity to serve the
State and Nation. I did not seek this nomination, I have made no
pledge and have given no promises. If elected, I am left absolutely
free to serve you with all singleness of purpose. It is a new era when
these things can be said, and in connection with this I feel that the
dominant idea of the moment is the responsibility of deserving. I will
have to serve the state very well in order to deserve the honour of
being at its head…. Did you ever experience the elation of a great
hope, that you desire to do right because it is right and without
thought of doing it for your own interest? At that period your hopes
are unselfish. This in particular is a day of unselfish purpose for
Democracy. The country has been universally misled and the people have
begun to believe that there is something radically wrong. And now we
should make this era of hope one of realization through the Democratic
party.
I had another reaction of regret when he said:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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