Ralph W. Tyler letter to Warren G. Harding, February 7, 1920

In this letter dated February 7, 1920, Managing Editor of The Cleveland Advocate Ralph Tyler writes to Senator Warren G. Harding to discuss the delegates-at-large for the Republican National Convention in June. Tyler agrees with Harding that former Ohio Governors Myron T. Herrick (1904-1906) and Frank B. Willis (1915-1917) should be considered, as well as political insider Harry M. Daugherty, who served as Harding's campaign manager. African American community leaders in Ohio urge Tyler to campaign for delegate, and Tyler states that if chosen, Harding would be his first and only choice for the presidency. In his letter, Tyler provides interesting insight into the sentiments of African American voters for this election, their struggle for representation and influence in the Republican Party, and the importance of securing African American votes. The Cleveland Advocate was a prominent African American, Republican newspaper that ran from 1914-1924. 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