He was loyal at heart to Mr. Wilson and to everything that was Mr.
Wilson's, his mind being absorbed into Mr. Wilson's, and having no
independent existence. There are natures which demand an utter and
unquestioning loyalty in those to whom they yield their confidence,
and Mr. Wilson's was of that sort, as a remark of his about
Secretary Colby will indicate.
When Mr. Lansing was removed from office, the country was astounded
to learn that he was to be succeeded by Bainbridge Colby. The
President communicated his decision first to one of the few who
then had access to his sick room. This adviser ventured to
expostulate.
"Mr. Colby," he said, "is brilliant, but he is uncertain. His whole
career has lacked stability. He is not known to have the qualities
which the Nation has been taught to expect in a Secretary of
State."
"At any rate," replied the President sharply, "he is loyal."
At any rate, Colonel House was loyal.
The ego of Mr. Wilson demanded and received utter loyalty from him,
a loyalty that forbade thinking, forbade criticism, forbade
independence of any sort. Moreover, Colonel House was in contact
with a mind much stronger than his, with a personality much more
powerful than his. He was caught into the Wilson orbit. He revolved
about Mr. Wilson. He got his light from Mr. Wilson, who had that
power, which Colonel Roosevelt had, of irradiating minor
personalities.
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