This, however, did not improve the President's temper.
"Page," said the President, "is really an Englishman and I have to discount whatever he says about the situation in Great Britain." And then he added, "I think you ought not to go, and the same applies to the other members of the party.

I would like you to make my attitude on this question known to those having the matter in charge." Despite this rebuff Dr.Buttrick and Mr.Taft were reluctant to give up the plan.

An appeal was therefore made to Colonel House.

Colonel House at once said that the proposed visit was an excellent thing and that he would make a personal appeal to Mr.Wilson in the hope of changing his mind.

A few days afterward Colonel House called up Dr.Buttrick and informed him that he had not succeeded.