Myron T. Herrick letter to Warren G. Harding, December 31, 1919

In this letter dated December 31, 1919, former Ohio governor Myron T. Herrick writes to Senator Warren G. Harding in regards to a rumor about his political position published in The Enquirer, and the reporter misquoted him outside Harding's office. 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.Myron T. Herrick The Thirty First of December, Nineteen Hundred and Nineteen, My dear Senator: I find in my clippings today the enclosed, which accounts for the undefined rumor here that my position was as outlined in the clipping . The Enquirer correspondent evidently seeks to make trouble. He has misquoted me. I met him at the door of your office the day I called to ascertain from you whether you were going to be a candidate. He asked me some questions . "I do not care to be interviewed " , I told him , "I will, however, say that I am a Republican and for the man who can be elected. The country sorely is in need of the restoration of Republican policies." I told him that I would not be a candidate. That was the extent of my conversation. Sincerely yours, [written signature] Myron Herrick Senator Warren G . Harding Washington, D .C. [hand written] I omitted to say that James [Powell or Pammell] was with me and heard my statement