Woodrow Wilson to Clarence Darrow, August 9, 1917
President Wilson's reference to "Kent" is to William Kent (1864 - 1928), a United States Representative from California from March of 1911 to March of 1917. He was also a member of the United States Tariff Commission from March of 1917 to March of 1920. Kent was born in Chicago and his family moved to California in 1871. In 1887 Kent returned to Chicago and worked in real estate and the livestock business. He also served on the Chicago City Council and was president of the Municipal Voter's League of Chicago. He returned to California in 1907.
Clarence Darrow was well known for speaking in favor of the United States' entrance into World War I. On April 6, 1917, the United States formally declared war against Germany and entered the conflict. On August 1, 1917 Darrow had a private meeting with President Wilson. Kent later wrote to Wilson that the meeting had gained Darrow's "entire confidence and backing."
President Wilson's reference to the Postmaster is to Albert Sidney Burleson, who Wilson appointed Postmaster General in 1913. During World War I, Burleson strongly enforced the Espionage Act by ordering local postmasters to remove and send to him any illegal or suspicious material such as radical publications, which included socialist material. Anti-war material was banned from delivery.
Click on the image to view as a PDF. A transcription of the letter is on the right.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
9 August, 1917
My dear Mr. Darrow:
I agree with Mr. Kent that you could probably do a great deal of good by speaking on the East Side of New York and, as we agreed in our recent conversation, that is a place where wise work is very urgently needed.
You may be sure I will try to work out with the Postmaster General some course with regard to the circulation of the Socialistic papers that will be in conformity with the law and good sense.
In haste
Sincerely yours,
Woodrow Wilson
Mr. Clarence S. Darrow,
140 North Dearborn Street,
Chicago, Illinois.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Mr. Clarence S. Darrow,
140 North Dearborn Street,
Chicago, Illinois.