September 11, 1912
My dear Miss Addams:
I have revised and reduced the editorial in such a way, I hope, as to lessen if not entirely remove its objectionable nature. I do feel it important to say something of this kind, and I do not see how, as it stands, the editorial can be regarded by anyone as an implied criticism of my friends who are taking an active part in politics. The sentence which I have added at the end of the first paragraph I hope makes this especially clear.
I cannot refrain from passing on to you immediately, although, of course, in strict confidence, the fact that President Taft, in a long and very satisfactory interview which we had with him yesterday on the subject of the Industrial Commission, asked whether we would approve of his naming you as a member of the Commission. We had suggested the names of Mrs. Kelley, Miss Wald, and Mrs. Blaine in the above order. Please do not write either to me or to anyone else whether you would accept such an appointment, as the matter is not far enough along to make any such decision or expression of opinion necessary. I speak of it only to show that the President evidently does not consider that your participation in the Chicago Convention disqualifies you for such service, a fact which would naturally, I should think, outweigh a great deal of the ridiculous opinion to the contrary which various people, including our good friend Miss Boardman, have put forth.
Sincerely yours,
Edward T. Devine [signed]
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