W. O. Jackson letter to Warren G. Harding, January 16, 1920

In this letter dated January 16, 1920, W. O. Jackson, chief clerk at the Ohio State Treasurer's Office, writes to Senator Warren G. Harding regarding the Republican National Convention in Chicago, June 1920. Jackson, and other Ohioans he has spoken to, ask that Harding describes his selection criteria and plan for the Republicans to represent Ohio at the National Convention, and hopes that he do so before the primaries. 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.R.W.ARCHER TREASURER O.E.BAKER CASHIER W.O.JACKSON CHIEF CLERK STATE OF OHIO TREASURER'S OFFICE Columbus Jan.16,1920. My dear Senator:- I am taking the liberty of writing you in regard to a matter in which I, as well as of your loyal friends are deeply interest in. I have taken occasion to make a canvass among many of the members of the General Assembly and particularly among many of your well known friends with whom I have come in contact during the past week, and I feel that you will be interested to know that invariably they expressed the hope that you will make known in no uncertain manner to the mass of Republicans in Ohio your personal wishes relative to the selection of those who are to represent the interests of Ohio Republicans, as well as that of yourself at the Chicago Convention. We feel that there should be no misunderstanding in this matter at the time of the Primaries, and we believe if the people are properly advised of your personal wishes in this matter, that there will be nothing to fear in the result. I have, no doubt, this is being considered by by yourself and friends at Washington, perhaps just as earnestly as it is being done by your friends here, and I want to add the result of my canvas as a further assurance that it will be welcome. Hoping that Ohio's Delegation will maintain her reputation as a factor in the next Convention, I beg to remain, Yours sincerely, [written signature] W.O. Jackson Hon. W.G.Harding, Senate Chamber, Washington, D.C