A member of the commission who attended the meeting informs me that the large auditorium of the university was crowded long before the meeting opened, and that the audience, composed largely of women, was most enthusiastic. The newspaper account does not, however, give an accurate impression of the tone adopted by the speakers, inasmuch as mention of the bitterly anti-French and anti-American character of the addresses is apparently omitted, whereas it was expression of these sentiments which created the greatest applause. In fact, the meeting took on more the character of a violent chauvinistic gathering than a protest against the black troops. Miss Beveridge and Mr. Scheffauer were particularly vehement in their attacks on President Wilson and the United States Government and devoted most of their time to assailing America for her entrance into the war, while Col. Emerson directed his thrusts chiefly at France. It is interesting to note that Miss Beveridge, who has now spoken more than once on this subject, is invariably introduced as one who has done much for German children by aiding the work of the American Quakers in Germany. The head of the Quaker mission in Berlin informs me, however, that Miss Beveridge has not now and has never had any connection with their activities, in spite of her repeated efforts to become associated with them, and that her persistence and such misstatements as that referred to above have caused them great embarrassment.
During the course of the meeting, letters were read from Mrs. Bayard Taylor and Prof. Thomas C. Hall, but I am inclined to believe that the writers were not acquainted with the circumstances under which the meeting was held.
(Signed)Ellis Loring Dresel,
American Commissioner.
January 31, 1921.
Hon. Stephen G. Porter,
House of Representatives.
Sir: Referring to my letter of January 17, 1921, concerning the propaganda being carried on as to the conduct of the French black troops in the occupied territory of Germany, I have the honor to inclose for your information a paraphrase of a telegram received from the American ambassador in Paris giving the official statement as to the number and origin of the French troops of occupation at the present time.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your obedient servant,
Bainbridge Colby.