FDR - Jean Edward Smith [83]
The American press greeted the German reply harshly. Wilson believed Berlin was unresponsive and stalling for time. Again he pecked out a rejoinder, this time insisting that Germany renounce its “ruthless” submarine warfare and condemning the sinking of Lusitania as a crime against humanity.65 Bryan, who thought the German response more than adequate, welcomed the delay Berlin requested so tempers might cool. He was certain the president’s note carried the risk of war and, rather than sign it, submitted his resignation. “A person would have to be very much biased in favor of the Allies to insist that ammunitions intended for one of the belligerents should be safeguarded in transit by the lives of American citizens.”66
Bryan’s resignation threw Washington into an uproar. The secretary was assailed for unspeakable treachery, weakening the president’s hand and suggesting to foreign nations that the United States was divided. FDR joined the chorus. “What d’ y’ think of W. Jay B.?” he asked Eleanor. “It’s all too long to write about, but I can only say I’m disgusted clear through. J. D. will not resign.”67*
Daniels and the other members of the cabinet rallied to the president’s support, as did FDR. To Wilson he wrote, “I want to tell you simply that you have been in my thoughts during these days and that I realize to the full all that you have had to go through—I need not repeat to you my own earlier loyalty and devotion—that I hope you know. But I feel most strongly that the Nation approves and sustains your course and that it is American in the highest sense.”68
Wilson’s longhand reply was heartfelt. “Your letter touched me very much,” said the president. “Such messages make the performance of duty worthwhile, because, after all, the people who are nearest are those whose judgment we most value and most need to be supported by.”69
In the months following Bryan’s resignation, FDR toiled diligently to enhance the Navy’s readiness—but always within the policy bounds Wilson and Daniels had established. Charles Murphy had taught Roosevelt the importance of disparate political alliances and Democratic solidarity: “They may be sons-of-bitches, but they’re our sons-of-bitches.” Daniels taught him to be a team player—a lesson TR never learned. Franklin sometimes chomped at the restraint and occasionally overstepped, but he was careful never to challenge administration policy directly.
FDR was recuperating at Campobello from a bout of appendicitis in late July 1915 when Daniels summoned him to Washington to help draft plans for the Navy’s expansion.† Wilson had become increasingly worried about Germany’s intentions as well as his reelection chances. Public opinion, particularly on the East Coast and in the South, had become increasingly militant and the president decided it prudent to stay in step. On July 21 he instructed Daniels and Secretary of War Lindley Garrison to prepare a program for “an adequate national defense” that might be submitted to Congress when it convened in December.70 FDR was elated. He returned to Washington in mid-August to serve as acting secretary while Daniels vacationed, and helped pull plans together. To achieve supremacy at sea, the Navy’s General Board urged immediate