TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” three pages, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, March 4, 1918. Letter to Gus J. Karger of the Cincinnati Times-Star. In part: “Creel asked Judson how many fighting men we would ever have in Europe during the war. Judson said he did not think it would exceed half a million. Creel said that was his idea. That to me is a most discouraging statement. Creel doubtless reflects the opinion of the President, as probably Judson does. It shows a lack of appreciation of the job we have on hand. We ought now to be making plans for an army of 5,000,000 men. That would give us 2,000,000 or 2,500,000 fighting men on the front. Somebody said that we haven’t any ships to carry them. Well, that is true. We must build them. We will not get them unless we prepare for this war as if it was a real big job of years instead of one to be ended through the sweet, forward-looking sentences of our stylist President. This open system of diplomacy, or this joint debate, or this exhibition of pedagogy is just to the hand of the Germans—they like nothing better for use among their own people. Wilson is so vain of his style that he does not see it. Oh what a lot of knowledge is coming to him before he gets through with this present job. It is painful to think of it.” In very good condition, with irregular blocks of toning to edges and rusty paperclip impressions to the upper left. Although World War I had begun raging in Europe during the summer of 1914, the US did not enter until April 1917—just a year before Taft wrote this letter. He clearly believed the war would continue for a long time, and advocated the type of ‘total war’ that America would use to its advantage in World War II. However, the Central Powers began to collapse in the spring and summer of 1918, and the war would come to an end in November. A fascinating letter with the country’s former leader harshly criticizing the sitting president. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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