ABSTRACT
Henry Ford's endorsement of the mediation movement brought new life and vitality to the peace forces, whose leaders began to discuss how they could best harness his personal and financial commitment to the cause. Hoping to put Ford's support to good use, the mediation proponents above all wanted to redouble their pressures on the Wilson administration. They first prevailed upon their patron to seek an interview with President Wilson at which he could push for the administration's endorsement of a neutral conference. Even if he could not convince the president, they told him, he could still inaugurate and underwrite an unofficial conference composed of private citizens from the United States and European neutrals. 1
