President Woodrow Wilson once categorically refused to welcome a deputation of Irish-American leaders headed by the notorious agitator Daniel F. Cohalan. Wilson's private secretary, Joseph P. Tumulty, well aware of Cohalan's political influence, endeavored to persuade Wilson to relent:

"Think what a terrible impression it will make on his followers if you don't," he pleaded. "That's just what I wanted it to do," Wilson replied. "But I think it will make a good impression on decent people."

[Wilson once denounced the automobile as a symbol of "the arrogance of wealth."]