Warren G. Harding letter to T.C. Johnson, August 9, 1919

In this letter dated August 9, 1919, Senator Warren G. Harding writes to T.C. Johnson of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, in response to his letter of July 25. Harding states that he's aware of the insufficient publicity work on his behalf in Cleveland and other prominent cities around Ohio. As a newspaper man himself, Harding questions why the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cleveland Morning Leader merged, as he claims Morning Leader owner Daniel Rhodes Hanna purchased the paper to be a strong voice for the Republican Party, and he has heard rumors of a new morning Republican paper in Cleveland. In his letter, Johnson suggested Harding and Senator Atlee Pomerene hold a debate regarding the League of Nations, which intrigues Harding, but declines due to both senators' responsibilities in Washington. 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