Let no man believe that then or later he had the slightest idea of bringing about the exploitation of their country.

On the contrary, he evinced a most earnest desire to learn what was best for them and then to do it if it lay within his power.
To my amazement, at the end of our interview he asked me whether I would be willing to go to the islands as his personal representative.
I could not immediately decide to make such a radical change in my plans as this would involve, and asked for a week's time to think the matter over, which was granted.

I decided to go.
Meanwhile, the President had evolved the idea of sending out a commission and asked me if I would serve on it.

I told him that I would and left for my home to make preparations for an early departure.

A few days later he announced the names of the commissioners.