I AM DISTRESSED by the news of the death of Marshal Joffre who is so affectionately remembered by the American people.

I have no doubt that when the details of the plan are known they will be subject to criticism, as any plan will be.

It means lower rates, and lower rates cannot be made except by broad economies in methods, or alternatively, by wage reductions.

The purpose at this time is that this country is not as yet entirely devoid of enterprise and ability to reconstitute itself for larger exertions.

I haven’t anybody in mind whatever. I have got to look around and find somebody.

The only news item I have at the moment is that Mr. Akerson is leaving the White House service.

The situation of the railways...is one of the, if not the greatest, economic problems that we have confronting us.

Someone has offered him two or three times the pay the Government can afford, and he has responsibilities to his family that I cannot deny.

I do greatly regret to lose an old friend out of my personal service.

Mr. John W. Martyn, executive assistant, Office of the Secretary of War, may be classified as administrative assistant and chief clerk in the War Department.

During that time negotiations have been undertaken in respect to those railways on a great number of occasions with view to carrying out the wishes of Congress, but have hitherto all proved abortive.