I pointed out that he held at present a dominant position in the world, which I was afraid he would lose if he went into conference with the foreign statesmen; that he could practically dictate the terms of peace if he held aloof; that he would be criticized severely in this country for leaving at a time when Congress particularly needed his guidance; and that he would be greatly embarrassed in directing domestic affairs from overseas." I also recorded as significant that the President listened to my remarks without comment and turned the conversation into other channels.
For a week after this interview I heard nothing from the President on the subject, though the fact that no steps were taken to prepare written instructions for the American Commissioners convinced me that he intended to follow his original intention.

My fears were confirmed.

On the evening of Monday, November 18, the President came to my residence and told me that he had finally decided to go to the Peace Conference and that he had given out to the press an announcement to that effect.
In view of the publicity given to his decision it would have been futile to have attempted to dissuade him from his purpose.

He knew my opinion and that it was contrary to his.
After the President departed I made a note of the interview, in which among other things I wrote: "I am convinced that he is making one of the greatest mistakes of his career and will imperil his reputation.

I may be in error and hope that I am, but I prophesy trouble in Paris and worse than trouble here.