sample of British statesmanship which he regarded
as proving this contention. The President's reference to this Italian
treaty has considerable historic value; there has been much discussion
as to when the President first learned of its existence, but it is
apparent from this conversation with ex-President Taft that he must have
known about it on December 12, 1917, for President Wilson based his
criticism of British policy largely upon this Italian convention[67].

The President showed more and more feeling about the matter as the
discussion continued. "There are too many Englishmen," he said, "in this
country and in Washington now and I have asked the British Ambassador to
have some of them sent home."

Mr. Wilson referred to the jealousy of France at the close relations
which were apparently developing between Great Britain and the United
States. This was another reason, he thought, why it was unwise to make
the bonds between them any tighter. He also called Mr. Taft's attention
to the fact that there were certain elements in the United States which
were opposed to Great Britain--this evidently being a reference to the
Germans and the Irish--and he therefore believed that any conspicuous
attempts to increase the friendliness of the two countries for each
other would arouse antagonism and resentment.

As Mr. Taft was leaving he informed Mr. Wilson that the plan for his
visit and that of the other speakers had originated with the American
Ambassador to Great Britain. This, however, did not improve the
President's temper.

"Page," said the President, "is really an Englishman and I have to
discount whatever he says about the situation in Great Britain."

And then he added, "I think you ought not to go, and the same applies to
the other members of the party. I would like you to make my attitude on
this question known to those having the matter in charge."

Despite this rebuff Dr. Buttrick and Mr. Taft were reluctant to give up
the plan. An appeal was therefore made to Colonel House. Colonel House
at once said that the proposed visit was an excellent thing and that he
would make a personal appeal to Mr. Wilson in the hope of changing his
mind. A few days afterward Colonel House called up Dr. Buttrick and
informed him that he had not succeeded. "I am sorry," wrote Colonel
House to Page, "that the Buttrick speaking programme has turned out as
it has. The President was decidedly opposed to it and referred to it
with some