Harry M. Daugherty letter to Warren G. Harding, May 8, 1920

In this letter dated May 8, 1920, Harry Daugherty, Senator Harding's campaign manager, writes that he agrees with Paul Howland's suggestion to call a caucus of Harding delegates prior to the 1920 Republican National Convention to plan their activities for the Convention. Daugherty suggests that Rudolph Hynicka, a prominent Republican leader in Cincinnati and spokesperson of the Republican National Committee, should call the delegation. Hynicka was endorsed as a delegate to the National Convention, and Daugherty states Harding and his following must prevent Hynicka from being elected. The 1920 Republican National Convention took place in Chicago from June 8-12, where Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge were nominated as the party's presidential and vice presidential nominees for that year's election. 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.H.M.DAUGHERTV COLUMBUS,OHIO May 8,1920 Hon.Warren G. Harding, Washington D.C. Dear Senator:- I have a letter from Paul Howland containing the following suggestion: "I would suggest that it might be advisable to call a caucus of the Harding delegates to meet at Columbus and lay out our plans for activities in Chicago. In the mixup at Chicago it is always hard to get definite and concrete action as the delegates are so scattered." I think this is a good idea if it can be carried out. As this delegation is chosen it is going to be hard to organize it and we must give this matter some attention. I imagine that Hynicka is the man to call the delegation together. I have asked Paul to let me know how many Cleveland votes he could get for member of the national committee. I thought we ought to have this information as it looks to me like he is about the only man we could surely elect. There might be some trouble about that considering the trading that is going on. Hynicka wants it and was endorsed yesterday at a meeting of the Cincinnati delegates to the national convention, including Galvin. We will have to line these people up and prevent the election of Hynicka. That's all there is to it, for if we acquiesce in Hynicka's election, we acquiesce in everything that has been done to you, and that would never do. Think these matters over until I see you. Yours sincerely, [Written signature] H.M. Daughert