Beschreibung:

WILSON, Woodrow (1856-1924), President . Printed document signed ("Woodrow Wilson") as President, Washington, 13 April 1915. 1 page, folio, paper with Presidential Seal watermark, slight discoloration , otherwise fine, in a blue cloth slipcase . AN IMPORTANT EXECUTIVE ORDER DECLARING A TRIBUTE UPON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LINCOLN'S DEATH A significant document by which Woodrow Wilson uses an executive order to declare acts of commemoration on April 15, 1915, the 50th anniversary of Lincoln's death. The document, boldly entitled "Executive Order," which is dated April 13, 1915, states: "As an evidence of profound affection of the American people for the memory of Abraham Lincoln, it is hereby ordered that the executive offices of the United States shall be closed and that the national flag be displayed at half-mast upon all Federal buildings and at all forts and military posts and naval stations and on all vessels of the United States, and that the representatives of the United States in foreign countries shall in like manner pay appropriate tribute to his memory, on Thursday, April 15, 1915, the fiftieth anniversary of his death. The owners and masters of all merchant ships of the United States are requested similarly to display the national flag at half-mast." When Wilson signed the order to honor the man who guided the nation through a civil war, he could not have known that he would also be forced to lead the nation into conflict. World War I had engulfed Europe the previous summer, but, by declaring neutrality, Wilson hoped, in vain, to avoid the hostilities. Less than a month after the Lincoln tribute, the British luxury liner Lusitania was sunk by a German submarine, killing over a thousand passengers, including 128 Americans who were on board. Despite Wilson's best efforts, remaining neutral grew increasingly difficult. In 1917, Wilson was forced to ask for a declaration of war, plunging the United States into its greatest conflict since the bloodshed of Lincoln's presidency.