* * * * *

At one time, however, Mr. Bryan’s departure seemed likely to have important consequences for Page.  Colonel House and others strongly urged the President to call him home from London and make him Secretary of State.  This was the third position in President Wilson’s Cabinet for which Page had been considered.  The early plans to make him Secretary of the Interior or Secretary of Agriculture have already been described.  Of all cabinet posts, however, the one that would have especially attracted him would have been the Department of State.  But President Wilson believed that the appointment of an Ambassador at one of the belligerent capitals, especially of an Ambassador whose sympathies for the Allies were so pronounced as were Page’s, would have been an “un-neutral” act, and, therefore, Colonel House’s recommendation was not approved.

     From Edward M. House

     Roslyn, Long Island,
     June 25th, 1915.

     DEAR PAGE: 

     The President finally decided to appoint Lansing to succeed Mr.
     Bryan.  In my opinion, he did wisely, though I would have preferred
     his appointing you.

The argument against your appointment was the fact that you are an Ambassador at one of the belligerent capitals.  The President did not think it would do, and from what I read, when your name was suggested I take it there would have been much criticism.  I am sorry—­sorrier than I can tell you, for it would have worked admirably in the general scheme of things.

     However, I feel sure that Lansing will do the job, and that you
     will find your relations with him in every way satisfactory.

     The President spent yesterday with me and we talked much of you.  He
     is looking well and feeling so.  I read the President your letter
     and he enjoyed it as much as I did.

     I am writing hastily, for I am leaving for Manchester,
     Massachusetts, where I shall be during July and August.

     Your sincere friend,
     E.M.  HOUSE.

III

But, in addition to the Lusitania crisis, a new terror now loomed on the horizon.  Page’s correspondence reveals that Bryan had more reasons than one for his resignation; he was now planning to undertake a self-appointed mission to Europe for the purpose of opening peace negotiations entirely on his own account.

     From Edward M. House

     Manchester, Massachusetts,
     August 12th, 1915.

     DEAR PAGE: 

The Bryans have been stopping with the X’s.  X writes me that Bryan told him that he intended to go to Europe soon and try peace negotiations.  He has Lloyd George in mind in England, and it is then his purpose to go to Germany.

I take it he will want credentials