ent at beginning of interview while T. R. tells how
he views the situation, but leaves (at T. R.'s suggestion) before real
business of conference begins. Plan outlined to Knox, who likes it, and
subsequently, in H. H.'s office, draws up letter for Governors. Draft
shown to T. R., who suggests a couple of added sentences emphasizing
that the nomination must come as a real popular demand, and declaring
that the Governors are taking their action not for his sake, but for the
sake of the country. Knox takes copy of letter and starts for home, to
go out to see Governors as soon as possible.

On the 22d of January the Conference with The Outlook editorial staff
took place and is thus described in my diary:

"T. R. had long conference with entire staff. All except R. D. T.
[Mr. Townsend, Managing Editor of The Outlook] and H. H. inclined to
deprecate a public statement now. T. R.--'I have had all the honor the
American public can give me. If I should be elected I would go back not
so young as I once was, with all the first fine flavor gone, and take up
the horrible task of going in and out, in and out, of the same hole over
and over again. But I cannot decline the call. Too many of those
who have fought with me the good fight for the things we believe in
together, declare that at this critical moment I am the instrument that
ought to be used to make it possible for me to refuse. I BELIEVE I SHALL
BE BROKEN IN THE USING. But I cannot refuse to permit myself to be used.
I am not going to get those good fellows out on the end of a limb and
then saw off the limb.' R. D. T. suggested that it be said frankly that
the Governors wrote the joint letter at T. R.'s request. T. R. accepted
like a shot. Went into H. H.'s room, dictated two or three sentences to
that effect, which H. H. later incorporated in letter. [This plan was
later given up, I believe on the urging of some or all of the Governors
involved.] T. R.--'I can't go on telling my friends in private letters
what my position is, but asking them not to make it public, without
seeming furtive.' In afternoon H. H. suggests that T. R. write first
draft of his letter of reply soon as possible to give all possible time
for consideration and revision. T. R. has two inspirations--to propose
presidential primaries in order to be sure of popular demand, and to use
statement made at Battery when he returned home from Europe."

The next day's entry reads as follows:

"Sent revised lette