James R. Garfield press release, September 16, 1920

Written for publication on September 16, 1920, this press release shares former Secretary of the Interior James R. Garfield's thoughts on the Democratic agenda and nominee James M. Cox in the upcoming presidential election. Garfield states that southern states may carry Cox enough to win the election, given the number of electoral votes the south provides the Democratic Party, arguing that the country has been rules by "old line southern democracy" for the last eight years under the Wilson administration. He paints a picture of a politically and economically corrupt south that prospers while northern agriculture and businesses suffer, noting that Cox was nominated with the understanding that if elected the country would be run by the "old southern machine." Garfield also argues that Cox will use his wet stance, or pro-alcohol stance, to try to win large northern cities. This document 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