Feb. 6th. 1917
My dear Miss Addams
Knowing that funds would be necessary in this grave crisis, I had our bank telegraph their Chicago correspondent to pay you $1000 last [Saturday]. Please use it in whatever way you think <will> be most helpful. Mr. Johnson and I have promised to pay Miss McDowell's expenses in attending the conference of women after the war. What a wonderful meeting it will be! In view of this do use as much of this present contribution as seems best to prevent our getting into this present war.
Upon receipt of the telegram from The American Union Against Militarism I got as many to telegraph as I could. Not wholly approving Bryan's stand we sent the following <to President Wilson>, "We heartily endorse your plan for council of neutral nations and hope it can be arranged and war averted if possible". We feel Wilson is doing so well that he needs support.
Won't all of the Peace societies unite in helping to pass the measure introduced yesterday making the declaration of war depend on the vote of the whole people? I hope this includes all of the women of the country. <Also to inform their members of all facts that might prevent war that the greatest possible pressure can be brought on Congress to aid the president in avoiding it?>
Also it does not seem right to risk plunging the whole country into war by directly tempting Germany in sending ships loaded with contraband of war in order that a few may have financial profit. It does not seem strict neutrality on the part of our country and a strong protest should be made against it.
Another possible mistake might be made. Germany has doubtless had submarines out for days whose officers do not know the seriousness of present relations. If One of these <might> act. We should be assured that <any hostile act> it was, by <recent and direct> order of the German government before declaring [page 2] war. Such an act could be done by some [unscrupulous] French or English crew just to get us into it. I have small confidence in many Americans who have lived abroad. This is based on a publication of the American Rights League or some similar name. I was sorry to see Dr. Richard Cabot's name on [its] list. [Its] whole object seemed to be to [stir] up hatred of Germany and sympathy with the allies. Not a constructive thought was suggested, Germany was the arch enemy of civilization and must be absolutely crushed. There was no hint of striking, of even seeking, the real causes of war, in order to avoid future strife, no hint that thousands of Germans never wanted it [and] desperately long to stop it now. Mr Richard Fuller of Paris and Boston, lecturing here last week to raise funds for French ladies who had lost their fortunes, spoke just in this emotional unreasoning way. His wife is a cousin of my husband's and to her I objected to the whole lecture's being destructive instead of suggesting something constructive. She said "that was in his paper only it did not take so he leaves it out." When he said America was at last about to do her part, I wished that sometimes free speech were not allowed.
Certainly the American people have the right to full [knowledge] of any act and <to> express their wish to Congress, [before] a declaration of war is made.
With earnest sympathy in your work, I am faithfully yours,
Clara Sturges Johnson (Mrs. Wm. Templeton) [signed]
P.S I have just come into close touch with the county federation of womens clubs, including Army and Navy League, but numbering over 4000 women. If any constructive plan is offered, and immediate action nd needed telegraph to Miss Alice Lee, Chairman Public Health Committee 3564 7th. St. San Diego, and we will try to put it through.
<Do you think the enclosed has any possibilities? My heart makes my mind work and work these days trying to help. Don't bother to answer this. It is only a suggestion. Mary McDowell went to see Miss Scripps when here visiting us.>
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