Etiquette for Ex-Presidents

“Referring to ex-President Roosevelt's criticism of his policy concerning Mexico, and also to ex-President Taft's comment on affairs in the Philippine Islands,” President Woodrow Wilson, “said jokingly that it might be time to draft a code of etiquette for the guidance of ‘ex-es.’”

President is Quite Facetious

Would Have Code of Etiquette for Guidance of “Ex-es” Drafted, Referring to Criticisms of Roosevelt and Taft

WASHINGTON, March 30.– America’s answer to the British order-in-council, detailing plans for the blockade of Germany, will be forwarded to London within the course of the day, President Wilson told callers at the White House today. He declined to give any intimation as to the contents of the reply until after its receipt by England. Referring to ex-President Roosevelt's criticism of his policy concerning Mexico, and also to ex-President Taft's comment on affairs in the Philippine Islands, the Chief Executive said jokingly that it might be time to draft a code of etiquette for the guidance of “ex-es.” 

At the same time, he said he considered that former Presidents were justified in criticising the course of those who follow them. President Wilson is undecided whether to push the proposed Presidential primary law to a conclusion. He said he believed legislation along this line was necessary, but that he feared that it would require a constitutional amendment.– Riverside Daily Press, 1915

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