Warren G. Harding letter to Henry S. Lehr, March 22, 1920

Dated March 22, 1920, this is a letter from Senator Warren G. Harding to Dr. Henry S. Lehr, founder and former president of Ohio Northern University. Harding thanks Lehr for writing in regards to the expressed opposition of Robert F. Wolfe, owner of The Columbus Dispatch and the Ohio State Journal 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.COPY March 22, 1920 Dr. Henry S. Lehr, Ohio Northern University Ada, Ohio My dear Dr. Lehr: It is very good of you to trouble to write me as you did in your letter of March 17th. I very much appreciate the thought which impelled you to write me concerning the activities of Mr. Wolfe. I always find myself reluctant to express myself concerning him and the attitude of his newspapers. I have really wished to have him cooperate with the Republican party but I very much fear it is a forlorn hope. I shall be glad to convey the contents of your letter to Mr. Hays but I am inclined to think he feels perfectly confident that Mr. Wolfe is rendering the party a genuine service. I have noted what you say concerning the League of Nations attitude on the part of the Senate. I voted for the reservations which were representative of the majority sentiment of the Senate and then had the satisfaction of expressing myself in favor of ratification with these reservations. I feel confident that such a course can be well defended before the American people I am as always grateful to know of your friendly interest. Very sincerely yours,