"Thurs. night." "My Darling Today I have been occupied with a peace conference summoned by the Quakers—partly religious people, partly U.D.C. It seemed to me very futile, and the people who talked seemed unconscious of the outer world and the vast forces at work. I met there an American named Nock, [Alfred Jay Nock] who impressed me very much. He is a really complete non-resisting pacifist, but unlike most, he realizes all the passions of ordinary people. He was in Belgium during the German invasion, and himself saw women without breasts and children without hands. (He is undoubtedly truthful.) But he says he thought it naive of people to be surprised—the discipline of militarism, he says, is bound to produce that sort of result. He had no indignation, only understanding. He knows Bryan well and Wilson slightly. He was all against Miss Addams and her schemes—he says she is viewed in Washington as the Pankhursts were in Downing Street, and is about as welcome there as the Black Plague. Apart from him, I think it is better for Miss Addams' sake that she should not have me to back her up. I find the F.O. knows all about my sins, and even if they did not prevent my seeing Wilson, they would make my support damning to Miss Addams. Dickinson still means to go, and I think he may as well. But I don't think I ought to touch anything that has to do with governments, I am too discredited.—Mildred* is very devoted to Nock; wherever he goes, she trots after him.—Her fear of truth is maddening."

[*Mildred Minturn Scott.]