Ralph W. Tyler letter to Warren G. Harding, January 14, 1920

In this letter dated January 14, 1920, Managing Editor of The Cleveland Advocate Ralph Tyler writes to Senator Warren G. Harding. The Cleveland Advocate was a prominent African American, Republican newspaper that ran from 1914-1924, and Tyler asks that Harding subscribe to the weekly paper so that he can be informed on the views and grievances of the 150,000 African American Ohio residents so that he can support them as their senator, and possibly the next president. 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.ORMOND A. FORTE RALPH W. TYLER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR [9 in a circle] THE CLEVELAND ADVOCATE Superior Building Cleveland. Ohio January 14,1920. Hon.Warren G.Harding, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: In your capacity as an official,representing all the people,we believe you appreciate the getting the viewpoint of all classes who make up Ohio's population. Has it occurred to you that the 150,000 Colored people in Ohio have a viewpoint,and that they have grievances demanding settlement? The only way to learn what the Colored people are doing, thinking about;how much they are achieving in the face of odds,and that their desires,hopes, and grievances are, and whether or not their support of parties and creeds is enthusiastic or sluggish, and is sluggish the reason for it,is to read The Advocate, the organ of the 150,000 Colored people in Ohio,and which is acknowledged to be one of the very best,and most widely quoted Colored newspapers in the country. You cannot learn our viewpoint- our hopes and desires, and our complaints and achievements otherwise. We hope to number you among our subscribers. Respectfully The Cleveland Advocate. Ralph W Tyler Managing Editor