Henry S. Lehr letter to Warren G. Harding, March 17, 1920

In this letter dated March 17, 1920, Henry S. Lehr, founder of Ohio Northern University, writes to Senator Warren G. Harding regarding Republicans' stance on the League of Nations. Lehr warns Harding about Robert F. Wolfe, owner of The Columbus Dispatch and the Ohio State Journal, who is rumored to be raising money for the Republican Party, but plans to use it otherwise. Additionally, Lehr believes that most churchgoers support the League of Nations in some form, and would rather see the current League implemented than a League not exist at all. Although Lehr believes President Wilson and his ideologies are dangerous, he encourages Harding and other Republicans to somewhat compromise with Democrats on the issue so that if communism spreads to the United States, the Republican Party isn't to blame. 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