Woodrow Wilson actually said...

"The powers herein delegated to the Secretary of the Navy may, in his discretion, be exercised directly by him, or through any other officer or officers who, acting under his direction, have authority ..."

"I hereby direct that the Secretary of the Navy shall have and exercise all power and authority vested in me in said sections of said acts, in so far as applicable to and in furtherance of the construc..."

"This is a most welcome visit because it means a most welcome thing."

"I shall exercise my influence so far as it goes to see that that does not happen."