Free Hope Takes Flight by Gilbert Morris Page A

“It’s America for Americans”?
    Along with everyone else, Amos had read the harsh letter the president had sent to Germany. And, like most others, he was not surprised when Germany paid almost no attention to it.
    But he could not think of a way to get in to see Woodrow Wilson. Every reporter and every writer in town—in the country, for that matter—would have given their right arm to speak to the president. But Wilson had disappeared…at least, he had refused to see any reporters, and rumor had it, he was not even talking to his fellow politicians.
    â€œHe’s gone into hiding,” Amos said to Rose one morning as they ate breakfast. Then, seeing the kids outside, their voices resounding on the May air, his tone grew wistful. “I wish I didn’t have any more problems than those two.”
    Rose came around the table and put her hands on his shoulders. She ran her hand across his hair, then said, “Isn’t there any way you can get in to see the president?”
    â€œCan’t think of one.”
    Rose hesitated, then said, “Well, I thought of something while you were gone yesterday. But it may be just a foolish idea.”
    He reached up, took her hands and kissed one soft palm, then turned around to gaze up at her fondly. “I like your ideas, even when they’re foolish. What is it?”
    â€œWell, you were always close to Mr. Bryan, the secretary of state,” she began. “Why don’t you go see him? He might be able to get you an appointment with the president.”
    Amos blinked in surprise. Then he jumped to his feet, threw his arms around Rose and swung her in a wide circle.
    â€œPut me down!” she gasped.
    Amos obliged, but not before kissing her soundly on the lips. “I’m going to raise your salary!” Giving her an appreciative look, he added, “Why didn’t I think of that?” He stopped and took her in his arms again and looked into her eyes. “You’re definitely the smart one in this family.” With one last kiss, he was gone.
    She went to the window and watched him jump into the car and roar off. I married the right man all right. Marriage with anybody else would be so dull .
    Amos had no trouble at all seeing the secretary of state. He had always been good friends with William Jennings Bryan, had supported him on all of his futile tries for the presidency. Besides, Bryan had an open door policy. Almost anyone could simply walk in and often did.
    However, when he did get in to see Secretary Bryan, he saw at once that the man had aged visibly. His face was lined, and his hands had a slight tremble that had not been there before.
    â€œCome in, come in, Amos,” the secretary said in a friendly way. “Sit down, and let’s hear what’s on your mind.”
    Amos shook Bryan’s hand, took a chair, and the two of them began to talk. “I’d like to see the president,” Amos said, “but I don’t suppose that’s possible. I know he’s not talking to anybody.”
    Bryan shook his head. “No, I don’t think he’d see you, my boy. He’s not even seeing me very often these days.”
    â€œWell, he’s got a hard decision to make. What do you think he’ll do about the German submarine problem?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Bryan answered, heaving a sigh, “but I’m afraid of what he might decide. He’s against war, but he’s got lots of warhawks in this country yelling for it…screaming, as a matter of fact.”
    Bryan talked on about the situation. After a while he said, “I can’t get you in to see the president, but I may be seeing him myself fairly soon.” He hesitated, then confided, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to resign as secretary of state.”
    Shock ran along Amos Stuart’s spine, and he knew he was on top of a big story. “Resign? You can’t do that, Mr.