Inquiry files
Dr. Isaiah Bowman to Colonel E. M. House
Dear Colonel House: The shortest way in which I can report on the work of the Inquiry is to enclose the minutes of the first two meetings of the Research Committee and the Map Committee.21 While some of the items are not self-explanatory the general nature of the work will be sufficiently clear. We are going full speed ahead and everyone is working in the highest spirit. The composition and work of the Research Committee have reestablished the morale of the whole staff.
I was unwilling to accept the responsibility for “men, money and plans” except on condition that this responsibility be fully shared by members of a research committee. In selecting the committee I was guided by the thought that it must command the respect of everyone both within and without the Inquiry. When the peace conference organization stands in the limelight, as it inevitably will, I felt sure you would wish to have the guiding committee composed of men of whom there can be not the slightest question.
Permit me to say that Dr. Mezes and I have worked together with cordial good-feeling and without the slightest personal difficulty. But I could not escape the conviction that his good nature had been taken advantage of for purposes that were not in harmony with the spirit of joint responsibility and team work that must pervade the Inquiry if its work is to be successful. Under these circumstances there were only two ways out: to resign or to fight, but not to quarrel. I could not, in view of the great importance of the Inquiry, just drop out. Mr. Miller is an exceptionally wise and big man for whom we all have the highest respect and it is to his judgment and tact that we owe the success of the reorganization plans.
We now have matured plans and cooperative decisions and these are forged without fuss or talk. We have in Dean Haskins an extraordinary man—clear-headed, direct, strong. Dr. Young is one of the ablest men I have ever known and as Secretary of the Research Committee brings a driving energy to the management of the research. Dr. Shotwell is a brilliant scholar whose wide experience and knowledge make him an indispensable critic of research plans and results. You may depend upon us all for complete devotion to the work and everyone on the team has that sense of personal responsibility which is a guarantee of success.
The Committee has scrutinized the budget with extreme care. Certain topics and areas are not yet represented. The best men we can [Page 106] find ought to be engaged to fill the gaps. For example, Dr. Young’s work on International Economics needs several men at once. The savings we can effect will do something in supplying the need for money. The Committee will challenge every expenditure. But I am frank to say that the work actually suffers for need of funds. The colleges and universities are carrying so heavy a burden that the Inquiry is obliged to pay more and more for its men. We feel the most urgent need for $5000 more per month. Given that, we could develop the work with stronger men and at greater speed.
There comes to us all, who are working close to the problems, a sense of the profound need for the work of the best men and for haste in order that this country may take a fit place at the settlement.22
Sincerely yours,