Jacob H. Schiff, Esq.
Mr. Schiff to Dr. Eliot.
The Greenbrier,
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va.,
Dec. 1, 1914.
Dear Dr. Eliot:
I have received today your letter of the 28th ult., and I hasten to
reply to it, for I know of nought that is of more importance than the
discussion between earnest men of what might be done to bring to
cessation this horrible and senseless war.
I believe you are mistaken--though in this I am stating nothing,
absolutely, but my personal opinion--that Germany would not listen to
the suggestion for a restoration of peace until it has either come into
a position to dictate the terms or until it is utterly crushed. Indeed,
I rather feel, and I have indications that such is the case, that
England is unwilling to stop short of crushing Germany, and it is now
using all the influence it can bring to bear in this country to prevent
public opinion being aroused in favor of the stoppage of hostilities and
re-establishment of peace.
The same mail which brought your letter this morning brought me also a
letter from a leading semi-military man, whom I know by name, but not
personally. It is so fine and timely that I venture to inclose a copy
for your perusal. Why would not you, and perhaps Dr. Andrew D. White,
who--is it not a coincidence--has likewise written me today on the
subject of my recent TIMES interview, be the very men to carry out the
suggestion made by my correspondent?
Perhaps no other two men in the entire country are so greatly looked up
to by its people for guidance as you--in the first instance--and Dr.
White. You could surely bestow no greater gift upon the entire civilized
world than if now, in the evening of a life which has been of such great
value to mankind, you would call around you a number of leading, earnest
Americans with the view of discussing and framing plans through which
American public opinion could be crystallized and aroused to the point
where it will insistently demand that these warring nations come
together and, with the experience they have made to their great cost,
make at least an attempt to find a way out. I cannot but believe that
the Governments of England, France, and Germany--if not Russia--will
have to listen, if the American people speak with no uncertain voice.
Do it, and you will deserve and receive the blessing of this and of
coming generations! Yours most faithfully,