Letter from D. R. Cox to President Wilson
10/20/1913
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In this letter, D. R. Cox urges President Woodrow Wilson to treat the debate over the admittance of Emmeline Pankhurst with caution and careful consideration. He warns President Wilson that this issue could ruin the good image he had established but also expresses a belief in the ability of the president to properly solve the matter. It comes from an appeal of English suffragette Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst for admittance.
Transcript
HOTEL MAJESTIC324 FIRST AVE. NEAR N.P. DEPOT
RATES PER DAY $1.00 AND UP
C.W. RENARD, MANAGER
PHONE EXCHANGE
MAIN 6556 SPOKANE, WASH. Oct. 20. 1913.
[written in pencil] Labor
[hand stamp] RESPECTFULLY REFERRED FOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONSIDERATION
[illegible signature]
Secy to the President
[written in red ink] V/1728/17
[hand stamp] RECEIVED BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION OCT 25 1913
[hand stamp] THE WHITE HOUSE OCT 24 1913 RECEIVED
Mr. Woodrow Wilson,
President of the United States,
Washington, D.C.
My dear sir:
Regarding the Mrs. Pankhurst case, I would let the Department officials handle that affair. I have admired your administration as far as it has gone. You have ^made wonderful progress in the government of this country; do not spoil your prestige. Recollect Dewey, Roosevelt, and Bryan. It is a comparatively easy matter go get fame when placed in position to receive same; but, it is just as easy to lose it. I have watched the woman question closely, it has my pity as well as plaudits. How a woman can glory in the present day methods of getting or gaining her 'rights' so called is beyond comprehension. I would much rather say her rights are being trifled with, much to her sorrow and mine from a feminine standpoint. I regret to see it very much, and can believe no good will come of it. Equal rights among the sexes does not mean equality. A real woman in my interpretation should be not only respected but revered.
Consider this subject before entering into it publicly and I believe you will solve it satisfactorily,
Yours truly yours,
D. R. Cox
This primary source comes from the Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
National Archives Identifier: 18503936
Full Citation: Letter from D. R. Cox to President Woodrow Wilson; 10/20/1913; 51728/017; Appeal of Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst for admittance for visit, English Suffragette; Subject and Policy Files, 1893 - 1957; Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Record Group 85; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/cox-president-wilson, January 25, 2025]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.