Warren G. Harding letter to A. W. Abele, May 18, 1920

In this letter dated May 18, 1920, Senator Warren G. Harding writes to A. W. Abele, Treasurer of The Etna Building & Loan Company in Ironton, Ohio, in response to his letter of May 14. Harding thanks Abele for his financial contribution to his campaign, and confirms that he and his colleagues have discussed selecting their mutual friend A. R. Johnson as the National Committeeman for the Republican National Convention. This letter is part of the Warren G. Harding Papers (MSS 345). This collection includes correspondence, business records, and other materials documenting Harding’s business career as owner and editor-in-chief of The Daily Marion Star, as well as the various stages of his political career. A significant portion of the collection, and what’s available on Ohio Memory, highlights his 1920 presidential campaign, spanning just before publicly announcing his candidacy to handily defeating Ohio Governor James M. Cox in the election. Correspondents include both Ohio and national businessmen, political figures, and ordinary citizens writing with questions, support, congratulatory notes, and campaign advice. Some of the most interesting insights into the tumultuous political climate in the U.S., the extreme factionalism within the Republican Party in Ohio, and Harding’s campaign strategies are described in letters between Harding and his campaign manager, Harry M. Daugherty. Some of the topics addressed include women’s suffrage, Prohibition, the League of Nations, African American representation and issues, and lingering peace negotiations following World War I