Warren G. Harding letter to Joseph C. Manning, May 11, 1920

In this letter dated May 11, 1920, Senator Warren G. Harding writes to Joseph C. Manning of Boston in response to his letter of May 8. Manning previously wrote to Harding regarding Southern Republicans, their campaign methods in the past, and how they might impact Harding's nomination. He describes the Republican political mechanisms in the South as "dirty" and traces this behavior back to the 1908 presidential election during which William Howard Taft defeated Democratic nominee William Jennings Bryan. Harding thinks it unwise to advertise these opinions in Washington, but will present them to the Republican National Committee. 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 Manning May 11, 1920 Mr. Joseph C. Manning, 204 West 120th St., New York City. My dear Manning: That's a very interesting letter that you write me under date of May 8th. I have suspected many of the things which are set forth in this letter, though I never heard them so convincingly stated heretofore. I do not think it the wise thing for me to sponsor the publicity of these facts here in Washington but I mean to have the information contained in your letter conveyed to Chicago, so that such part thereof as is most fitting may be presented to the National Committee which has to deal with the preliminary decision in seating contested delegations. I thank you very much for your thoughtfulness in conveying to me these facts. Very sincerely yours,