Letter from Mr.. Benton to tte President


WASHINGTON, March 6, 1917.
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SIR: Without waiting for the formality OF
being presented with the commission OF Ma
ior General in the army Of the United States
I think it right 10 inform you al once that my
acceptance OF refusal of that high appoint
nen will depend entirely upon public and
national considerations, OF which you, your
self, will be the Judge. Personally ! can
have no wish for this office; but it you be-
lieve that can be of service 10 the country,
am willing TO lorego all private cons;dera-
tions-seperaie myself from my family, under
painful circumstances; resign my place in
the Senate, which is SO dear 10 me-and
proceed Immediately to the theatre of war.
My only stipulation would be for The pow
ers which deem necessary 10 success; and
these would be both military and diplomatic
the command o: The army and authority 10
sign preIininaries ofpeace, based upon terms
pre- viously approved by you.


/ beg You to believe, sir, that nothing sell
fish or personal dictates this proposed sipu-
Iation. There is no such thing in it. Ii pro
eeeGs from a thorough conviction thai, with
a subordinate command, could do no good
/ in the army; on the contrary, that my pres
ence there wo0id be IMPROPER aud nlschIev-
Gus; for am known, lrom.my public speech
es 10 disapprove The plans, both of the late
and of the present communicable defen
4 siye DolIcy of one and the San Juan of Ulua
attack of the other; and this being known
nv presence would operate as an lmpllet
censure on the two generals, and might make
me. in spite of myself, nucleus OF disc onleh


d in suhordination The command OF The
army. therefore is the only military position
which could hold init. .el-Q


Authority TO conclude peace, or at leas
To sion the preiminiries fpeace, deeu
Ihiuhlv essential to success, as II would Ell
able The commander-in-chief to take lnslan


advantage Of all passing events, military


poliiical to close The war.


Furnished with these powers, am vii
Hing TO make the sacrifices, and TO incur tn


responsibilities Of this high command; but
Iieaee it 10 YOU, sir, Tor your free and fina
decision; considering il as national ques
tiun, aHd new one, on which there is n


commitment, on either side, IN any thing iha
has passed.


Whatever may be the decision, my thank
, land gratitude will not moi be the less 10 vol
! for your unsolicited nomination of me 4


this high aPpuialment, nor 10 the Senate {"
Ins inslan. and unanim0us confirmation u. il


nor 10 the House Of Representatives for ii


three times virtual election of me 10 be III