Woodrow Wilson: “Ultimately they condition the action of those who govern; and it is salutary that it should be so.”

In recommending to you that Congress take appropriate action with regard to this agreement, certain facts should be brought to your attention.

Very little reflection would lead any one to conclude that the measure would not furnish in any substantial degree the relief sought by the producers of most of the staple commodities which it covers.

Clearly, this is no time for the erection here of high trade barriers.

A recommendation at this time that suitable legislative action should be taken may appear somewhat premature, but in view of the approaching termination of my administration I have brought this matter to your attention, hoping that…