A. W. Abele letter to Leonard Wood League, January 16, 1920

Dated January 16, 1920, in this letter from A. W. Abele, Secretary of the Roosevelt Headquarters, to the Leonard Wood League, Abele regretfully informs the League that the Tenth Congressional District of Ohio will be sending two delegates to the convention in support of Senator Harding. Abele argues that Wood shouldn't seek delegates from Ohio because, as an Ohio native, Harding is entitled to the state's delegates, and lists five supporting reasons. 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.DR. W. E. PRICER, PRES. R. W MOUNTAIN, Treas. A. W. ABELE, Sec'y F. L. MCAULEY, FIRST VICE PRES. DR. G.D. STEWART, SECOND VICE PRES. ROOSEVELT HEADQUARTERS ROOM 8, ODDFELLOWS' TEMPLE [handwritten, the word Copy] IRONTON, OHIO, January 16, 1920. Leonard Wood League Hotel Imperial, New York City. Gentlemen:- I have your favor of the 12th with reference to the candidacy of General Wood for which I beg to thank you. However, the Tenth Congressional District of Ohio will send two delegates to the convention instructed for Mr. Harding. Vhile I have nothing particularly against Mr. Wood I don't think that he should make an effort to secure delegates in the State of Ohio. Why should he? Can you truthfully say that Senator Harding is not qualified and he being a native son don't you think that he is entitled to the delegates from this State? Now, gentlemen, let us be fair with each other and give our fellowmen their just dues. Should General Wood get the nomination I assure you that Ohio will stand by him. But, first and last we must be for Senator Harding for the following reasons: 1. He is exceptionally well qualified. 2. His is a native son of the great State of Ohio. 3. Without a question he will be nominated. 4. He is the one man to best, defeat, and forever put out of commission the present misfit administration. 5. He is the one man that will be elected President. Very truly yours, [handwritten signature] AW Abele AWA: