NAWSA GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE Tilton, Elizabeth 1922 Oct 27 PM 3 16 G A393 41 BLUE Duplicate of Telephoned Telegram TX Indianapolis IND 27 10 5P Mrs Elizabeth Tilton 11 Mason St Cambridge Mass The federation has taken no action as a board or body upon the blanket amendment but in conference with Mrs. Winters last week we agreed that in our opinion it was the time to announce definitely that we did not favor it Mrs Edward Franklin White Uni 4834m Mrs J. 3.37p C.Y.M. Med. da 321 THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S CLUBS INCORPORATED 276 Fifth Avenue, New York Telephone, Longacre 2717 LENA MADESIN PHILLIPS, Executive Secretary Washington, D.C. December 9th, 1921. Miss Elizabeth Tilton, National Chairman Legislation, National Congress of Mothers and Parent-Teacher Associations, 1201 - 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. My dear Miss Tilton: - Thank you very much for your note with the enclosed plan. It will be impossible to present this to our National Board since we do not meet again until March. There are representatives from every state on the Board, and you will see that it is impossible for them to get together very often. We meet at the time of the Annual Convention in the summer and again sometime in the middle of the year. There are points on which we are already agreed and in which we shall be glad to co-operate. Cordially yours, Mary Stewart Mary Stewart MS/GT. The National Temperance Bureau 634-5 MUNSEY BUILDING WASHINGTON, D.C. TELEPHONE MAIN 702 December 14, 1921. Mrs. William Tilton, 11 Mason Street, Cambridge, Mass. My dear Mrs. Tilton: Since I talked to you I have had the opportunity to look over the copy of the proposed procedure for the proposed human welfare conference next year which you kindly handed me. This is simply a reduction to type of the plan which you so graciously explained to me in person at the Raleigh at our recent conference meeting. I warmly commend the plan as you expounded it to me verbally, and the reading of what you reduced to writing only strengthens my commendation of your proposals. I feel confident that such a plan will mutually help. Personally I feel that just good care like we have tried to exhibit through these latter years in the nomination and election of men to Congress will insure a body that will not take any backward step with reference to our reform, and I am positive that the procedure which you outlined will render the election of good congressmen even more certain. Of course in all this matter I have the cause of prohibition first in my mind, although I believe I am in sympathy will all the other measures involved in your program. In fact I think I am strongly on record in favor of all the other four unfinished features which you named. I hope you will be blessed in the promotion of the procedure outlined and find hearty response among the women whom you will approach in the matter. If the leaders respond, as I am hopeful they will, it will go a long ways. I shall be very glad to hear how Mrs. Winters especially feels toward the program, after you get it before her. With kind regards and best wishes, I am Very cordially yours Edwin C. Dinwiddie Superintendent. ANNA A. GORDON, PRESIDENT National Woman's Christian Temperance Union LEGISLATIVE HEADQUARTERS 1-2 BLISS BUILDING, 35 B STREET N. W. WASHINGTON, D. C. DEPARTMENT OF LEGISLATION MRS. ELLIS A. YOST, SUPERINTENDENT January 24, 1922. Mrs. Elizabeth Tilton, 11 Mason St., Cambridge, Mass. My dear Mrs. Tilton: I sent your proposed leaflet on the Six P's to national headquarters, suggesting our endorsement of the plan that you might have our organization included. I am sure that the W. C. T. U. will want to cooperate, but there is a very decided feeling on the part of many of our women that it will weaken our influence for prohibition if we scatter our efforts too much, especially as relates to pledging men for Congress and this might account for the hesitancy. Your notes are always much appreciated. Sorry you will not attend the monthly meeting of the W. J. C. C. I have engagements for conferences with Towner and Fess this week, after which I will write you. We are interested just now in reorganization as it relates to prohibition. [paragraph mark] I called representatives of the several prohibition groups - A. S. L., International Reform Bureau, National Reform Association and Methodist Board - last week for a conference on the bill proposing civil service for prohibition agents. It was agreed that it should be made clear that the temperance forces are not opposing the civil service bill, but have suggested that there be certain limitations in it; that appointees otherwise qualified should not be required to have had two years' experience in the investigation of crime before entering the service, and whether certain executive officers should not be exempted from the bill. Very sincerely yours, [signature] (Mrs. Ellis A. Yost) Supported entirely by voluntary contributions JOHN F. MOORS. . . . . . President ARTHUR ADAMS. . . . . . Clerk HENRY B. CABOT . . . . . Treasurer 60 State Street STOCKTON RAYMOND. . . General Secretary MISS ELIZABETH L. HOLBROOK. Ass't Gen'l Secretary MISS LAURA G. WOODBERRY. . . Registrar FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY OF BOSTON A NEW NAME FOR AN OLD SERVICE (ASSOCIATED CHARITIES) CENTRAL OFFICE 43 HAWKINS STREET, ROOM 31 February 9, 1922. Mrs. Elizabeth Tilton 11 Mason Street Cambridge, Mass. My dear Mrs. Tilton: Agreeable to your request, we have considered the proposed amendment to the constitution of the United States and the bill before the Massachusetts legislature providing for the removal of all disabilities and inequalities because of sex. Our society does not favor either the constitutional amendment or the bill, and is arranging to oppose the bill at the legislative hearing and also to secure, if possible, publicity indicating the basis for our opposition. I am enclosing copies of letters on the subject which were secured from the honorary counsel of some of our districts. I believe the attitude of the society was expressed by one of the members of our Committee on Social Conditions and Legislation as being that we would favor the removal of individual inequalities through proper legislation, but believe that a blanket constitutional amendment or bill is likely to do more harm than it could possibly do good. If you have any suggestions as to other ways in which we can effectively oppose the measure now before the state legislature please let us know. Sincerely yours, Stockton Raymond General Secretary. October 30, 1922. Miss Mary Dewson Secy. National Consumers' League, 44 East 23rd St., New York City. Dear Molly: I hope I relieved your mind by writing that I would not come myself. Here is the thing as it stands: When I wrote Mrs. Kelley to ask her if the Consumers' League would come into our 6 P's Program, she wrote back, No, because we cannot fight on all fronts at once. Now the Congress of Mothers consists of very modest women clustering around schools. Legislation frightens them. I have had to move with the greatest caution. My plans lately were - we will let them stand for Peace and Prohibition and, then, specialize on School Bills. That seems to be about as much as you can safely hope to get out of them at present. This fight of yours concerns them but they will not see it so quickly as the other four things they are pursuing. In short, like your own organization, they cannot fight on all fronts at once. This is a Suffrage Women's Trade Union League fight. It is not a School Fight, the thing we specialize in. Now about the bill itself. I believe if it stands -- a blanket amendment without safeguarding clauses -- thought it might do great good in spots, it would do evil in spots. It is logical but not practical to pull so much of the house down even for that great end. Should it have safeguarding clauses, it might do the good and not the evil feared. My idea was that as it was, as I understood, not yet drawn, as the Women's Party was not agreed on it; we had better see what it was before we acted on a matter not directly our job. But it is directly your job -- and I don't blame you for agitating to beat the band about it. You say I should not come and represent the minority. I did not know there was any vote taken -- at the Board Meeting. If there has been, I should have to represent the Board, not myself. Down in Washington at that meeting, you never get over, I was sent to represent the Board and then asked to vote on some thing the Board had not passed on, the Blanket Amendment, I refused to vote as an individual. Again I had no information. We women must be just. Now, my dear old friend, I've said my say. I will communicate at once with Mrs. Higgins and as she orders it, see that Mrs. Watkins or some one comes. I am working with Miss Burleigh. I like her first-class! Affectionately, Eliz Tilton St. Paul, Minn. November 1, 1922. Mrs. Elizabeth Tilton, 11 Mason Street, Cambridge, Mass. My dear Mrs. Tilton, I hope that my telegram asking you to represent our organization at the Annual meeting of the Consumers' League reached you. In this letter I am enclosing a copy of the letter which Mrs. Kelley sent me. I wired New York that I was asking you to and requested them to write you. I hope that you will be able to go. Your legislative recommendations were presented to the Board and the resolution on Child Labor was endorsed: Whereasmthe Supreme Court has twice ruled that Congress alone, cannot pass a national child labor law without interferring with reserved rights of the states, Be It resolved that we favor an adequate child labor law to be secured by constitutional amendment. In regard to the Voight Bill. As this Bill was endorsed by the Convention body the Board did not feel that it had the right to rescind the action taken at the Tacoma Convention but voted to bring the matter before the next convention. The Board voted to allow you to insert as the Third P in our legislative program "The Protection of Children." Also the following vote was taken: That our legislative chiarman be authorized to print the leaflet suggested. According to our outline of duties of chairmen the Literature Chairman edits for national use the literature which has been submitted by Directors of Departments and Chairmen of Standing Committees subject to the approval of the president. In order to conform to our rules when you have your leaflet in shape will you not send it to me and I will then take it up with our Literature Chairman. I hope that it will be possible for you to be present at the next national meeting in Louisville, Kentucky the week of APril 23rd, 1923. I have just been in North Dakota and am now on my way to Vermillion South Dakota to attend their state convention after which I shall visit a few places in Kansas and Missouri returning home about November 23rd or 24th. Last week we organized the Minnesota Branch. With kindest regards, I am Very cordially, (Mrs M.P.) Katharine Chapin Higgins National President. Home address: 228 West Street. Worcester, Mass. March 1923 Elizabeth Tilton, Chairman Poster Committee, Family Welfare Society, Boston, Massachusetts. 11 Mason Street, Cambridge, Mass. 11 Mason Street, Cambridge, Mass., March 29, 1923. Dear Mr. Lowell, Thank you for your letter and the good common-sense therein contained. I felt so strongly that our Organization must keep to a general Peace Programme and not interfere with appropriations that I went to a Hearing in Washington and left with Senator Wadsworth our stand. I seem to feel from your letter that you do not feel this Special Interest drive to get the Women's Organizations out of the Peace movement of very much moment to the general Peace movement; you feel that it does not need organized attention and so I shall probably do nothing more about it. It is evident that three forces will be at work in the coming 1924 election, trying to elect a President and Congress favorable to (1) Peace. (2) Prohibition. (3) Public Education (Ku Klux) I hope all will not hit on a different Candidate, --for, then, will the enemy, Reaction, flower in great force. Sincerely, MRS. JULIUS ANDREWS Brookline MRS. CHARLES SUMNER BIRD East Walpole MISS ALICE STONE BLACKWELL Dorchester MISS FLORENCE DAVOL Taunton MRS. MARTHA H. ELLIOTT Brockton Woman's Committee of the Massachusetts Anti-Saloon League 345 TREMONT BUILDING BOSTON, MASS MRS. WILLIAM TILTON, Chairman MISS EUGENIA BROOKS FROTHINGHAM, Vice President MRS. FREDRICK FOSDICK Fitchburg MRS. GRACE MORRISON POOLE Brockton MRS. ROBERT GOULD SHAW Wellesley MRS. GEORGE WHITING Cambridge June 16, 1928. Dear Co-Worker:- The Wets convinced that they cannot repeal the 18th Amendment by representative government, are trying to wear out the Drys by referenda, decoys diverting them from their main work of electing dry officials, thus building up in time a Wet Congress. Thirty-one temperance organizations voted not to fall into this trap of the enemy, but to fight to keep off the ballot all legally futile referenda, (called by Professor Lewis Johnson "ballot futilities lowering the morale of the voters,") and if they come on the ballot, to run no campaigns for them. Two straw vote referenda have been presented this year, and one binding referendum. All have been killed. The first one was killed by taking it to the Supreme Court where it was declared unconstitutional. Now the Wets come forth with the fourth referendum of the year, asking for a question on the ballot in November as to whether the people want to instruct their Representatives to send a resolution to Congress urging repeal of the 18th Amendment. It is thought that the Attorney General may find this petition unconstitutional for the former Supreme Court decision (1928) declared that the Constitution does not allow the voters to participate in amending the Constitution, such amendment being left solely to the Legislature. This particular referendum does ask the people to participate in amending the Constitution. Should the Attorney General (as before) rule against us, we must (as before) take the case to the Supreme Court. The former case was taken to the Supreme Court, members of the Massachusetts Civic League signing the petition. It needs ten signers. This time it seems best to have new signers, so it was voted to use the names of the members of the above Committee. Note that only your name will appear on the petition, without the name of your Committee. These names are to be placed on a petition asking the Supreme Court whether the proposed use of the Public Opinion Act is constitutional, and the matter will be presented to the court by a lawyer. We may have to act at once: We may not have to act at all. But I am hurrying this letter off to you so that you can tell me if you have any objection to being one of the ten names signed to the petition. If I do not hear from you your name will be signed -2- as a member of the above Committee. The Wets certainly keep us busy. Think of having to combat four referenda in one year: But such has been the case with all great historic causes, they are not built in a day but in a period of a century or two. Hoping that you will cooperate in taking this case to the Supreme Court if necessary, by which I mean simply giving your name as a signer to the petition, I am ET/H Cordially yours, [*Elizabeth Tilton*] [*Signed for Mrs. Tilton*] Copy Ryer 1929 Mr. Amos L. Taylor, 18 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. Dear Mr. Taylor: We are addressing this letter to you in the hope that you will pass it on to the proper person. We feel that Mr. Louis K. Liggett should not continue as National Republican Committeeman. In his recent utterances, as given in the press, he has shown himself out of sympathy with the trend of the National Republican Party, and especially opposed to President Hoover. The latter has especially asked us to keep our State Prohibition Enforcement Laws. Mr. Liggett come from Washington to our State, and says that the Initiative Petition now before our Legislature will carry. That is that the State will not stand by President Hoover. We can imagine a Committeeman in another Party making such a statement, but it is inconceiveable that a Republican Committeeman should make such a statement. It is known that there is a movement to get Prohibition out of politics, which is being carried on in the Eastern States by ultra-conservative Republicans who never wanted President Hoover. They undoubtedly act from con- scientious motives, but to us their motives are mistaken. They see in Prohibition simply a controversial question that divides the Republican Party in the East, and thus throws votes to the Democrats. They see in it this danger, that in this division Democratic Senators will be elected to Congress in place of Republican Senators. This they think weakens the Republican Party in the East, and endangers the tarriff. It makes the Western Republicans more powerful. Thus, a little group of Eastern Republicans are determined to get Prohibition out of politics, and throw the question back to the States, where it will be delt with only by Legislatures, and no longer touch the congressional elections, This one bill is the reason of the savage onslaught on Prohibition by a certain portion of the Republican press in the East. They do not mind Prohibition in itself. What they mind is that it may split off a portion of the Republican vote, and thereby weaken the power of the Eastern Republican Party. We think that this group of militant Wets are mistaken in their policy. They cannot get Prohibition out of politics by advocating repeal of the State Prohibition Laws, poisoning the mind of the public against Prohibition through the newspapers they own, and finally hoping to repeal it in Congress. The only way to get Prohibition out of Congressional elections is to have the Republican newspapers teach people the truth, that there is nothing that can actually get rid of the Saloon, but Prohibition enforced. It can be enforced when the newspapers educate the people in its value. This is President Hoover's idea, namely, to get Prohibition out of politics, not by repeal, but by building up enforcement. This is not the idea of Mr. Louis K. Liggett, National Republican Committeeman from Massachusetts. We believe Mr. Liggett should be asked to resign. We go further, and say that if he will not resign, and if he means to go back to Massachusetts, and use his power and money in behalf of repeal of our State Enforcement Law, the Republicans loyal to President Hoover should resign from the Committee, and form a Herbert Hoover coalition, that should remain outside of the Party until such a time as the Party was willing to stand by President Hoover. (Elizabeth Tilton) Oct. 1930 Mrs. William Tilton 11 Mason Street Cambridge Mass. Dear Miss Blackwell: I cannot tell you how pleased I was to get home from Washington, and find your book awaiting me, with the kind words in front. Just now kind words are helpful, for we hard in the depths of depression after war, and the millions in liquor that want to come back are making the most of it. In reading your book, I saw what a wonderful period that was, when suffrage, temperance, and anti-slavery, rushed forward together. Then came the war, and all those years, when the idealism of man had to take a rest. I mean the long period after the war. It is always so. But I noted how firmly your mother said, "We shall not see the victory, but others will." I enjoyed meeting your mother very much, through you. I liked extremely, the spunkiness of those women, and you have brought it all out. You have made them so real, and as I say, so genuine and full of fire, and spunk. It is all like reading home matter to me, for how every cause repeats the history of one before, the factions, etc. I do not know that I will live to see the end of Prohibition, but it will come. It will establish itself precisely as did suffrage, but suffrage had to wait 30 years after the civil war, before America came back, and once again, raced forward with great causes. You have told the thing as you always do, with never too many words, and going on from point to point so quickly, - - it all seems born of the New England landscape that we love so well. Do you remember what Samuel Morrison says of us, torn between a passion for righteousness, and a determination to get on in the world. Of course the marriage of your mother and father was wonderful to contemplate. I don't suppose there is any greater joy, than a husband and wife getting up every morning bound for a cause. I do feel very grateful to you for sending me this book. Affectionately, Elizabeth Tilton Mrs. Elizabeth Tilton Pleasant word PROHIBITION PLANK ADOPTED BY THE DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTION SYRACUSE, N.Y., 1930. "The Democratic party in the state of New York demands the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment and the Volstead act. "We advocate restoration to each sovereign state of the fundamental right to determine for itself whether alcoholic beverages may be manufactured, sold or transported within its borders. "Following the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, the Democratic party of the state of New York pledges the adoption of such regulatory measures by and in our state as will promote temperance, definitely and effectively banish the saloon and recognize the principle of home rule in all localities. The Democracy of New York State has consistently opposed national prohibition as un-American, productive of widespread disrespect for law and a prolific source of corruption, hypocrisy, crime and disorder. The republican party, which is responsible for these deplorable conditions, now attempts at this late date to deceive the people by a hypocritical disclaimer of its former principles." EXTRACT FROM GOVERNOR ROOSEVELT'S ADDRESS AT ROCHESTER, OCTOBER 21,1930. "It is increasingly apparent," he said, "that intoxication has no place in this new mechanized civilization of ours. In our industry, in our recreation, on our highways, in our very sports, a drunken man is more than an objectionable companion; he is a peril to the rest of us. "The hand that controls the machinery of our factories, that holds the steering wheels of our automobiles, the brain that decides the course of our huge financial organizations, must alike be free from the effects of drugs or alcohol. "To those interested in social progress the question of temperance and the reduction of intoxication has always proven a most serious and difficult problem. I believe that the solution which was attempted by the American people after the war, the solution by legislative and constitutional fiat, has been a complete and tragic failure. "It has been a failure for two major reasons: In the first place, it has attempted to legislate into being a condition that can be attained only by the slow and orderly process of education; and secondly, because it has attempted to encroach upon rights which should belong exclusively to the respective States of the Union. "I need not point out to you the general encouragement to lawlessness and to a widespread disrespect of law itself which has resulted from this attempt. "I need not point out to you that it has been a prolific source of corruption, hypocrisy, crime and disorder. The situation has become impossible and intolerable. "I, for one, believe that it is time to retrace our steps, for we find that we have wandered far from the firm road toward eventual temper- MRS. WILLIAM TILTON 11 MASON STREET CAMBRIDGE, MASS. Telephoned A[???] Taylor - Sept 26, '29 Our St Com did not feel inclined to go forward Suggested he get a [?] of [?] to take it to Seep. City Suggested - we get Const. Lib. Leag. to withdraw it. COMMITTEE AGAINST REPEAL OF THE EIGHTEENTH AMENDMENT MRS. JULIUS ANDREWS BROOKLINE MRS. CHARLES SUMNER BIRD EAST WALPOLE MISS ALICE STONE BLACKWELL DORCHESTER MISS FLORENCE DAVOL TAUNTON MRS. MARTHA HELEN ELLIOTT BOSTON MRS. J. MALCOLM FORBES MILTON MRS. FREDERICK FOSDICK FITCHBURG MRS. GRACE M. HAMILTON WINCHESTER MRS. GRACE MORRISON POOLE BROCKTON MRS. CHARLES I. QUIRK ROXBURY MRS. E. TALMADGE ROOT SOMERVILLE MRS. ROBERT GOULD SHAW WELLESLEY MRS. SAMUEL B. WOODWARD WORCHESTER MRS. WILLIAM TILTON, CHAIRMAN MISS EUGENIA B. FROTHINGHAM, VICE-CHAIRMAN MRS. GEORGE WHITING, TREASURER ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO 11 MASON ST., CAMBRIDGE, MASS. May 29, 1931. Dear Co-Worker: I wish to announce, simply for your file, that the $66.94 left over from the Referendum Campaign has now been transferred to the above committee. In short, we will simply return to our former status. The work called for now is National. I have been asked to get up a National Radio Committee, that shall make the strong men and women of the Nation vocal over the radio in behalf of Total Abstinence, and the benefits of Prohibition. Names already secured are Miss Jane Addams, Dr. Richard C. Cabot, Hon. Robert L. Owen, of Oklahoma, Governor John G. Winant of New Hampshire, and will soon have more. In Washington they believe it is absolutely essential to make the strong leaders more vocal. There are 47 Radio Districts in the country, and the idea is to use them all. I am using the above letterhead to get up this committee, which will later have a letterhead of its own. I wish also to use it to raise some money for the Southern women, who are being invaded by the Wet women. The Southern women have a good organization, but find it very hard to raise money for travel and literature. It is vital for us to hold the South, so I am trying to help them. We want them to make several flying tours through the South and West. I have also formed, at the request of the men, a Women's Publicity Committee in Washington, to answer theSabin group. For this a little money is needed. I have to have a letterhead on which to raise this money. I am only asking a few people for money --our own people here, but I wanted to tell you precisely what I am doing. These requests have come to me from very wise men and women in the nation. I desire to help them. I am registering our Committee nationally, as the coming battle, where we can be most useful, is in the National arena. Unless I hear from you to the contrary, I will proceed. Sincerely, [*Elizabeth Tilton*] Elizabeth Tilton [*Mrs Ts own signature.*] Eliz Tilton Laconia, NH Aug 17 PM 1931 THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS Mrs. E. Tilton Mass. Anti Saloon League 73 Tremont St., Boston, Mass. Laconia N. H. [Temp](oneday) Aug 17. Dear Madam:- Now is your splended chance to whack the Canada, Ontario systems. -Dogs take more stock in what you say than what I do. Tell Them what a National Scandal the Ontario System is.- -largest brewery closed down on acct bootlegging:- others, too: More bootlegging thruout the Province; More Speakeasies; More drunks, half-drunks, quarter drunks, eighth-drunks; etc; Crime increased:-Police force all devoted now to watching the rummies and rum- sellers: + ie Brewery-Winery sellers) -Schools teaching One thing; Elders + Govt. Practicing Another;- + all other evils as well -too on increase. The Auto fatalities-injuries per 1,000 cars-[which] rate which fell from 3.0 in 1915 to .071 in 1926 last dry year has shot up to 1.10 per 1,000 cars registered again- tis rising rapidly, or cont??? To Massachussetts' continued fall from .85 to .80 etc.(1929-1930 And this rise in auto fatalities Not due to Americans. Only 4 % of all autos rolling in Ont. from U.S. Yours Truly Therdore Greenhand. Woman's Committee of the Massachusetts Anti-Saloon League 345 TREMONT BUILDING BOSTON, MASS. Mrs. William Tilton, Chairman Miss Eugenia Brooks Frothingham, Vice President Mrs. Julius Andrews Brookline Mrs. Charles Sumner Bird East Walpole Miss Alice Stone Blackwell Dorchester Miss Florence Davol Taunton Mrs. Martha H. Elliott Brockton Mrs. Frederick Fosdick Fitchburg Mrs. Grace Morrison Poole Brockton Mrs. Robert Gould Shaw Wellesley Mrs. George Whiting Cambridge September 23, 1931 Dear Co-Worker: I am sending you a copy of a letter which it is believed should be sent immediately to the Members of the Cabinet in protest against the announcement that half its membership is inclined to view with favor the relegalizing of beer. I trust that you will be among the Massachusetts women leaders who will sign this protest. When all the signatures have been attached, copy of the letter will be sent to each Member of the Cabinet. After they have received it, it will be released to the press as a public protest against this form of wet propaganda. Very sincerely, Elizabeth Tilton ET/ Will you sign letter and return to me at 345 Tremont Building. Boston- Elizabeth Tilton Mrs. Julius Andrews Brookline Mrs. Charles Sumner Bird East Walpole Miss Alice Stone Blackwell Dorchester Miss Florence Davol Taunton Mrs. Martha H. Elliott Brockton Mrs. Frederick Fosdick Fitchburg Mrs. Grace Morrison Poole Brockton Mrs. Robert Gould Shaw Wellesley Mrs. George Whiting Cambridge Woman's Committee of the Massachusetts Anti-Saloon League 345 Tremont Building Boston, Mass. Mrs. William Tilton, Chairman Miss Eugenia Brooks Frothingham, Vice President October 2, 1931 Dear Co-Worker: Campaigns are good only as plans are carefully laid long before. We are facing a desperate campaign in 1932. Will you come to a luncheon to be held at the Women's City Club at 12.30 on October 16th, 1931 to talk over our next move for prohibition and total abstinence? I shall have been three weeks in Washington, shall have met the thirty-two national temperance organizations of the nation and shall know precisely what the plans are so that I can pass them on to you. "He who is not discouraged is never defeated". I am working out in the nation a good deal now and it is not at all like working in Massachusetts so come prepared to keep the flags flying and help us to make plans for a campaign unequalled for our beloved cause in 1932. Cordially yours, Elizabeth Tilton (Signature by Mrs. T.) ET/ Luncheon 90c Anti-Saloon League November 12, 1931 Mr. Fred A. Victor, Anti-Saloon League Washington, D.C. Dear Mr. Victor: The Southern Democratic women are prepared to send a letter to Roosevelt, asking him what plan he can devise promoting a "greater temperance". They were not able to find where he came out wet, but I have an editorial, either from the Washington Star or Post, April 2nd, 131, which says that about that the time Roosevelt sent a letter to the Legislature, commending them on their resolution calling for a Constitutional Convention for repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment. They then quote him as saying: "I believe an overwhelming sentiment exists which asks for immediate action to change the Eighteenth Amendment, and that the greater part of this sentiment is based on two righteous and sane objectives: 1st, to eliminate the fundamental sources of the greater part of modern, organized crime, and 2nd, to promote a greater temperance. To this policy I subscribe." It seems as if there he came out for repeal (he simply says "change"). Have you got the letter that he sent, and are we justified by it in saying that he came out for repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment? Have you other matter in which he has come out wet? Mrs. Yost in Washington said that they could not seem to find where he had actually come out wet. May I have an answer as soon as possible? Sincerely, T/M by E Tilton Washington, D.C. To the Editor: Certainly, all this talk about Governor Roosevelt not being so very wet, or not wet enough to suit Mr. Raskob, seems very strange. Indeed, it seems like a smoke screen for other matters. An editorial in the Washington Post, April 2nd, 1931, is entitled: "Governor Roosevelt-Wet". It reads as follows: "Gov. Roosevelt supplements a decided vote in his favor among delegates and alternates to the last Democratic convention by a new pronouncement on prohibition. In giving his approval to a resolution passed by the New York Legislature urging Congress to call a national constitutional convention to repeal the eighteenth amendment, he said: I believe an overwhelming sentiment exists in this State which asks for immediate action to change the eighteenth amendment and that the greater part of this sentiment is based on two righteous and san objectives: First, to eliminate the fundamental source of the greater part of modern, organized crime, and secondly, to promote a greater temperance. To this policy I subscribe." It does not seem as if a statement more damaging to the Dry cause could have been made than that by Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt. The fact is, the people cannot have a "Wet" that isn't put into the White House by Tammany and the big under-worlds of our large cities. The fight that is on for 1932 is a fight between the old virility of the pioneer, and the decadence of cities. Let us hope the people of this country will choose the self-discipline and self-sacrifice that goes with the pioneer idealism, rather than the loose degeneracy which is the lot of big cities, and when predominant in government, brings the Decline and Fall of a Nation. M.A. Ines The Anti-Saloon League of New York Fred A. Victor, State Superintendent Room 702-150 Fifth Avenue New York City Office of State Superintendent November 19, 1931 Mrs. Elizabeth Tilton, 11 Mason Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. My dear Mrs. Tilton: Your letter of November 12th making inquiry about Governor Roosevelt to hand. You will find enclosed two extracts from the Governor's writings and speeches. In September 1930 Governor Roosevelt wrote a long letter to Senator Wagner. Later in the campaign he spoke at Rochester and announced himself as standing squarely upon the Democratic platform. I am enclosing copy of the prohibition plank of the Democratic State Platform, which you will see not only declares for the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, but also declares for the repeal of the Volstead Act. This is the platform Roosevelt announced he was standing upon. I do not know of any letter being sent to the Legislature commending them on their resolution calling for a constitutional convention for the repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment. There is no doubt but that the Governor is on record in favor or repeal. I sometimes think that he is rather sorry that he is, but if he is to secure the support of the Democrats in this State he will not be allowed to retreat from the position already taken. Yours very truly, Fred A. Victor State Superintendent. FAV:L Copy forwarded to: Hotel Driscoll, Washington D.C. 11 Mason St., Cambridge, Mass., November 19, 1931. Miss Tubbes, New York Anti-Saloon League 150 - Fifth Ave., New York City Dear Miss Tubbes: Will you please see that the enclosed publicity is sent over New York - the Gennett chain and others. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Chairman. 103 Newlands St., Chevy Chase, Md. November 20th, 1931 To His Excellency, Governor Roosevelt, State House, Albany, N.Y. Dear Governor Roosevelt: The Press of Thursday, April 2nd, 1931, quotes you as giving approval to a resolution passed by the New York State Legislature, which urged Congress to call a National Constitutional Convention to repeal the Eighteenth Amendment. You say that sentiment for change is based "on two righteous and same objectives: 1st, to eliminate the fundamental source of the greater part of modern, organized crime, and 2nd, to promote greater temperance. To this policy I subscribe." We would call your attention to the following results of Prohibition in Boston, Mass. Taking 1916 as the last normal license year, we find In The Boston Family Welfare Society, a decrease in cases in which drink figures (1916-1930) of from 27% to 7%. In The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, a decrease in cases in which drink figures for the same period - from 47% to 21.9% In male arrests for intoxication, Boston, a decrease of 47.3% In female arrests for intoxication, Boston, a decrease of 79% Governor Roosevelt, as an educated man, you must see that these figured show, even in wet cities like Boston, Prohibition has promoted "a greater temperance". What do you propose to offer to conserve these blessings of Prohibition, and give even greater blessings? To destroy without building would certainly be abhorrent to a man with your back-ground. What plan have you made, what structure can you build, that will show the same remarkable results for greater temperance that are shown in Boston under Prohibition? We should be glad to hear from you on this subject. Release Monday, November 23, 1931 103 Newlands St. Chevy Chase, Maryland DEMOCRATIC WOMEN LEADERS DECLARE GOVERNOR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT SHOULD STATE HIS PLAN FOR "A GREATER TEMPERANCE". TO DESTROY WITHOUT BUILDING ABHORRENT "Precisely what is your plan for 'a greater temperance'" is the question put up to Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt by Democratic women leaders of the South. The letter in which the question is asked quotes a press report stating that Governor Roosevelt approves a resolution passed by the New York State Legislature urging repeal of the 18th Amendment, the Governor declaring that "change" will promote "a greater temperance". The women cite as proof of "a greater temperance" under prohibition, decreases even in Boston, Mass. (1916-1930) of 47% in male and 79% in female arrests for drunkenness, along with a decrease of intemperance rate in Boston Family Welfare Society of from 27% to 7%. "To destroy without building would certainly be abhorrent to a man of your background" says the letter. "What is your plan to insure a still greater temperance than the greater temperance already secured by prohibition?" An answer is requested. Among the signers are: Mrs. Marvin Williams, President of the Georgia W.C.T.U.; Miss Alice Lloyd, President of the Democratic Law Enforcement League of Kentucky; Mrs. Clem Shaver, wife of the former Chairman of the National Democratic Committee; Mrs. J. H. Ross of Houston, Texas, former National Democratic Committee-Woman; Mrs. Edmund Thurmand Smith, former member of the Missouri Legislature; Mrs. C.O. Pickett, of Nashville, Tenn., and Mrs. Jesse W. Nicholson, President of the National Woman's Democratic Law Enforcement League, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Release Monday November 23, 1931 103 Newlands St. Chevy Chase, Maryland. DEMOCRATIC WOMEN LEADERS DECLARE GOVERNOR FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT SHOULD STATE HIS PLAN FOR "A GREATER TEMPERANCE". TO DESTROY WITHOUT BUILDING ABHORRENT "Precisely what is your plan for "a greater temperance" is the question put up to Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt by Democratic women leaders of the South. The letter in which the question is asked quotes a press report stating that Governor Roosevelt approves a resolution passed by the New York State Legislature urging repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment, the Governor declaring that "change" will promote "a greater temperance". The women cite as proof of "a greater temperance" under Prohibition decreases even in Boston, Mass. (1916-1930) of 47% in male and 79% in female arrests for drunkenness, along with a decrease of intemperance rate in Boston Family Welfare Society from 27% to 7%. "To destroy without building would certainly be abhorrent to a man of your background" says the letter. "What is your plan to insure a still greater temperance than the greater temperance already secured by Prohibition." An answer is requested. Among the signers are: Mrs. Marvin-Williams, President of the Georgia W.C.T.U.; Miss Alice Lloyd, President of the Democratic Law Enforcement League of Kentucky; Mrs. Clem Shaver, wife of the former Chairman of the National Democratic Committee; Mrs. J.H. Ross of Houston, Texas, former National Democratic Committee-woman; Mrs. Edmunds Thurman Smith, former member of the Missouri Legislature; Mrs. C.O. Pickett, of Nashville, Tenn., and Mrs. Jesse W. Nicholson, President of the National Woman's Democratic Law Enforcement League. Chevy Chase, Md. November 28, 1931 Mrs. J.D. Ross The Rossnian Apartments, Houston, Texas. Dear Mrs. Ross, I regret extremely the mistake about your title. I understood from someone that that was your title. I hope no harm was done from having used it. I do not think many papers carried the title. You will be glad to know that the New York papers and others carried the Roosevelt publicity, and they even went so far as to telephone Roosevelt in Warm Springs, and ask him what his answer would be, what proposal for a "greater temperance" he could make. He said that he had not yet received the letter, which went to Albany, and until he saw the letter, he could not say what his plan was. It is pretty good to get that into the press, for we are really up against Re-submission. Therefore, we must keep asking them what plan will do better. They propose "State Option". That is, the old condition back, and we must force home that this is not betterment. The Roosevelt letter went well through the country. My idea is to try and get publicity that really goes into the City Press. That letter did, and we want more. Again, I regret that we have "H" instead of "O" for your middle initial. Sometimes a typist does make a mistake, which he penned in this case. Also, that we had your title wrong. It shall not happen again. This is a great burden trying to do this, but I was asked to do it by the best Drys, who felt we should get publicity in the City Press, and I am trying to do my best. We hear that Baker and Byrd will be the ticket, but it may change many times. Sincerely, Chairman. WILLIAM M. BUTLER 77 FRANKLIN STREET BOSTON November twenty-third 1931 Mrs. William Tilton, 11 Mason Street, Cambridge, Mass. Dear Mrs. Tilton: I have your recent letter. The matter which you refer is so complicated that I think it could be covered a great deal better in a conversation, and I would be glad to see you at any time before the meeting takes place. In general terms, however, the thing to do is for the dry people to pick out four strong, active, vigorous dry delegates at large, and then go to Mr. Hoover for his approval for them to run as Hoover delegates. If this is not done, they can run as unpledged in a group themselves. Then, if you get along on this program, and show determination in putting it through, you may be able to get a compromise of one-half dry delegates, and one-half wet delegates, but in the first place, go ahead without any reference to the wets. Tarr would not make a good delegate, because he is a federal officer. Mrs Frothingham, of course, is a very fine lady, and is well-known, but with the rough and tumble of convention work, I am afraid would not be as effective as she would like to be herself. She would be an excellent candidate, however, for she is so well and favorably known. Very truly yours, William M. Butler WMB-E November 21, 1931. Mr. Joseph Earl Perry, 18 Holt St., Belmont, Mass. Dear Mr. Perry: This is a somewhat confidential letter. Mr. Wm. Butler has again and again asked me what the Drys were going to do about Sry delegates to the National Conventions. Mr. Davis feels that lies with Hoover. Mr. Butler does not agree. He thinks that we have got to push hard, or they will be all "Wet" delegates. Hoover has got to run dry, and we ought to help him. How, I notice that they state the Delegates-at-large might well be Richardson, who I fear is not really ardently working with us, liggett, and Joseph Brooks, both "Wet". How could we come out saying that we wanted Tarr and Mrs. Charles Summer Bird as the other two delegates? Do we put these names before Hoover, and them ask them to be on the ballot, or what do we do? If you could find out, I thought that our new committee could ask Mr. Tarr and Mrs. Bird to run as Delegates-at-large. Perhaps the Anti-Saloon League will do this, too. It might be, however, the new committee would be more agreeable to them than a request from the Anti-Saloon League. Mr. Butler seems to think we ought to run a very real campaign. If you know him well, you could ask him just what he thinks should be done. With kind regards, WILLIAM M. BUTLER 77 FRANKLIN STREET BOSTON November sixteenth, 1931 Mrs. William Tilton 11 Mason Street Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dear Mrs. Tilton: I have your letter and I would say that in my inquiry, I referred to the National platform. I do not agree with Mr. Davis that we have no choice about National delegates, and that President Hoover chooses them. The wets will do all they can to see that wet delegates are put in nomination and elected in order to bring about a modification of the 1928 platform. If the drys are interested in this platform, and interested that this should not be done, it will be necessary for them to aid the President in the election of dry delagates. Unless they do something like this the President will receive very little aid in States like Massachusetts. Very sincerely yours, William Butler WMB-E Please write me what you think about this. Please return letter ET THE MASSACHUSETTS ANTI-SALOON LEAGUE 345 TREMONT BUILDING, 73 TREMONT STREET BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS TELEPHONE HAY 2566 OFFICERS RICHARD C. CABOT, M.D. President DELCEVARE KING Vice-President S.H. THOMPSON Vice-President ARTHUR W. ROBINSON Secretary ALLAN C. EMERY Treasurer G. LORING BRIGGS Chairman Executive Committee MRS. ELIZABETH H. TILTON Chairman Woman's Committee STAFF ARTHUR J. DAVIS, State Supt. REV. RALPH J. HAUGHTON, Asset. Supt. ORVILLE S. POLAND, Attorney MRS. ROSE WESTON BULL, Publicity Sec'y MRS. DORIS L. RUTLEDGE, Educational Sec'y REV. E. J. LANG, Field Sec'y RONALD V. DIMOCK, Field Sec'y Mrs. William Tilton 11 Mason Street Cambridge, Mass. Dear Mrs. Tilton: I have received the letter written you by Mr. Butler know what is going on within our dry groups especially regarding any campaign activities. I do not know what the set up with reference to delegates will be but I should expect that we would find on the ballot a delegation which was labeled pro-Hoover. There may be a delegation marked "unpledged" but which would be anti-Hoover at least as long as there was any hope of success. I should think that Mr. Butler would be favorable to an unpledged delegation and it would be much easier for him to secure the choice of an unpledged delegation if the drys set up their own slate thus dividing the Hoover vote. However I have no desire to enter into any controversy with Mr. Butler since I have every reason to believe that he would welcome the nomination of someone else than Mr. Hoover. I return herewith Mr. Butler's letter to you. With kindest regards, Very truly yours, Arthur J. Davis AJD/REN Answered Nov 12 WILLIAM M. BUTLER 77 FRANKLIN STREET BOSTON November 12, 1931. Mrs. William Tilton, 11 Mason Street, Cambridge, Mass. Dear Mrs. Tilton: I have your letter. I think Mr. Richardson is so devoted and loyal to his friend the President that he will not embarrass him. If the President desires other personal representation in Massachusetts he will arrange it. The stake is too important to let personal relations stand in the way. You state that we cannot carry Massachusetts. If you mean the drys, no. If yo mean the Republican party, I do not admit it. What interest have you in the platform of the party? In that particular Massachusetts has its representation. Do you give this up to the wets? I read your philosophy concerning the changing views on liquor in times of stress and times you call normal. It is interesting that there are many historical contradictions. Sincerely your s, William M. Butler WMB-E Message from Mr. Davis to Mrs. Tilton 11-13-31 As I pointed out before, we all know that Mr. Butler is distinctly hostile to Mr. Hoover, and I do not think that his advice is at all valuable. I still think that while Mr. Richardson may be devoted and loyal to the President, nevertheless, his leadership would be a distinct handicap to Mr. Hoover in Massachusetts in a Presidential campaign. Of course, the whole matter is in Mr. Hoover's hands, but I still feel that one or two persons, leading Drys, from Massachusetts, should call on the President, and as tactfully as possible put the matter up to him. I do not know that it is true, but I have been informed that of late the President has seemed increasingly to brush aside advice concerning the conduct of his administration and campaign for re-election. He may feel a conference would serve no useful purpose, but it seems to me it should be tried. I am inclined to feel that this little informal committee to wait on the President should consist of yourself and one man, probably Mr. Courtenay Guild, but I think you should be spokesman. I should strongly advise steering clear of Mr. Butler, for I think that he will do everything he can, under cover at least, to play the game of the big financial interests and keep Hoover out of the White House another four years. I should almost as soon think of talking Hoover strategy with Raskob as with Butler. Concerning the matter of the Massachusetts delegates to the National Convention, which is probably what Mr. Butler referred to. Of course, that matter rests entirely with Mr. Hoover, since he will have to O.K. the delegation that is designated on the ballot as being pro-Hoover. I thought for a little time that Hoover was gaining strength, but I do not think that has been true during the last few weeks, for while I think he has lost rather than gained ground politically. Unless business and employment conditions rapidly improve, or some political miracle happens, I do not see how Mr. Hoover can be re-elected. Message from Mrs. Tilton. 11-13-31 After hearing from the White House, Mrs. Tilton wrote Mr. Butler, because it was at Mr. Butler's suggestion that she asked about whether the White House would keep Richardson. She talked on this subject with Butler several months ago. She wrote him again, asking him what he thought now should be done about Richardson. He replied: "I think Mr. Richardson is so devoted and loyal to his friend the President, that he will not embarass him. If the President desires other representation in Massachusetts, he will arrange. The stake is too important to let personal relations stand in the way. You state that we cannot carry Massachusetts. If you mean the Drys, no. If you mean the Republican Party, I do not admit it. What interest have you in the platform of the party? In that particular Massachusetts has its representation. Do you give that up to the Wets?" This is the second time that Mr. Butler has asked Mrs. Tilton what we were going to do. The other time when I talked to you, you said that Hoover would take care of it, and there was nothing for us to do. Mr. Butler plainly thinks there is something for us to do. He may be referring to the State platform. Who does he mean? Shall I write and ask him? It seems to me we should get this point cleared up with Mr. Butler, as he keeps coming back to it. If you think best, I shall write him. MRS. WILLIAM TILTON 11 MASON STREET CAMBRIDGE, MASS. April 27, 1931. Dear Mr. Hannigan: I thank you for the courtesy of including me in your list of active Wets and Drys invited to your meeting Thursday. I stand with President Hoover as expressed in his statement, January 20, 1931. Since this is so, I could not really help you. But if the Republican Club decides to stand with him, then please call on me, and I will do anything I can. Sincerely, Elizabeth Tilton [Hannigan letter file] The Republican Club of Massachusetts 294 Washington Street, Boston Judson Hannigan President George R. Wallace, Jr. Secretary John Richardson Treasurer Charles B. Barnes, Jr. Chairman Executive Committee J. Ernest Kerr Executive Secretary April 22, 1931. Mrs. William Tilton, Woman's National Committee for Law Enforcement, Cambridge, Mass. My dear Mrs. Tilton, A copy of the letter sent to the presidents of all of the Republican Clubs in Massachusetts is attached hereto and explains the meeting called for April 30th. It would give us great pleasure and would be a substantial contribution to the wok that we have undertaken, not alone for our party but for the country, if you would come and join with us in our efforts for solution. If you are unable to come yourself we will cordially receive some one representing you. Sincerely yours, Judson Hannigan President. B The Republican club of Massachusetts 294 Washington Street, Boston Judson Hannigan President George R. Wallace, Jr. Secretary John Richardson Treasurer Charles B. Barnes, Jr. Chairman Executive Committee J. Ernest Kerr Executive Secretary April 21, 1931. Calm, clear-headed discussion of the problems engendered by the 18th Amendment will eventually result in the solution of those problems to the reasonable satisfaction of the nation. The era of ridiculous claims, groundless charges and counter charges and bigoted insistence upon the right of only one view has passed. The nation has entered a period of dispassionate search for the truth and a growing determination to find that truth at the earliest possible moment. This great issue transcends the bounds of party politics. It is a great national problem, the solution of which is essential to national contentment and respect for national authority. However, since the will of the people becomes articulate only through the channels of one political party or the other, the present and future considerations of the 18th Amendment are to that extent political. It follows then that there rests upon the Republican party the duty of contributing towards the solution all its resources of thought, time and intelligent effort. President Hoover took the first step in the direction of solution when he appointed the Wickersham Commission. The report of the Commission was the second step. Ample time has elapsed for a preliminary study and consideration of the facts found and remedies suggested in that report. The next step may well be taken by those local, state and national voluntary associations whose allegiance is pledged to the Republican party. The Republican Club of Massachusetts 294 Washington Street, Boston Judson Hannigan President George R. Wallace, Jr. Secretary John Richardson Treasurer Charles B. Barnes, Jr. Chairman Executive Committee J. Earnest Kerr Executive Secretary -2- Accordingly, in the absence of an invitation from others who are at least as qualified as I, if not more so, I invite you or someone representing you to meet with the presidents of the other Republican organizations of the state at Boston, on Thursday, April 30, 1931, a 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon, to consider the 18th Amendment and the report of the Wickersham Commission, including the so-called Anderson plan in order that we may endeavor to unite upon some solution that will be reasonably satisfactory to the clubs of which we are the presidents, to the people of our party, and to our state. Invitations are also being extended to the Lieutenant Governor, the Chairman of the State Committee, the Presidents of the Anti-Saloon League, the Women's Organization for National Prohibition Reform, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Constitutional Liberty League, the Crusaders, and other similar organizations. Th fundamental purpose of the Republican Club of Massachusetts is unselfish and untiring service to the party. The Club has no other excuse for its being. It has no other ambition for its future. Unless the party devises a reasonable satisfactory solution of this great problem in 1931, it will be one of the most vexing problems of 1932 which is a presidential election year, and as such should be free from everything except the purely political questions that properly enter a presidential campaign. Loyalty to President Hoover and to our party demands action now. Hoping to receive your acceptance at an early date, I am, Yours sincerely, Judson Hannigan President. HOTEL DRISCOLL, Washington, D. C. To the Editor: Will you allow one who has been for several weeks in Washington to attempt to give your readers a picture of the Wet "sound and fury" now filling the Washingtonian ear and intended, not only to impress Congressmen, but to further the short-cut strategy of the Wets, which is to drive both parties wet. Gossip is, that the Democratic Party will have a Wet Presidential Candidate, and a Repeal-Resubmission Plank, which binds both Senators and Congressmen to vote for a Repeal Amendment, though a fight against this will certainly be made on the floor of the Convention. Press gossip also says, that members of President Hoover's official family are trying to force a Repeal-Resubmission Plank into his Party Platform, tho President to remain Dry, but the Plank moist to wet. Of this strategy, the Country-Editor Publishing Co. says, March 22nd: "The Candidate cannot be divorced from the Platform. The President is the Party's National leader. Let him assert his authority. The New York Woman's Law Enforcement League and the New York Women's Temperance Union have issued a statement saying: "It is well for the politicians to understand now that the Drys will never support a Dry President on a Wet Platform. Members of President Hoover's cabinet have a right to resign and work for any Wet organization they desire, but is it quite proper to use the position to which the President has raised them to exploit the Wet cause." These organizations further point out that this Wet drive of Eastern financial interests is most dangerous because it can succeed only by lifting into political power the City Machines which depend on the great underworld for votes, groups that, once in power, will destroy the financial interests; also this combination of fanatical Wets and Eastern financiers will force into being a coalition of West and South which will be invincible and not in the least sympathetic with the schemes of the financial East. Here is what is coming to the Washingtonian ear,- great "Wet noise" striving to drive both parties Wet, the underlying sin of it all being to keep the control of both Parties in the hands of desperate Eastern financiers. Both Parties must be Wet if they are to be controlled by High Finance, because they must placate the Big City Political Machines, which depend on vast subversive forces, forces most hostile to the business interests of the country. Certainly, this great drive of fanatical Wets and Eastern financiers to create a Wet stampede is as dangerous a movement as ever jeoperdized a Government in times of depression. The Wet method all along has been to create lawlessness, and now the method is to submerge the thinking of the vast country-side and to raise to the surface every subversive force. And all to the end that a few Eastern multi-millionaires may wrest political power from the insurgent West and the coming South. The sober sense of the country should take in the moaning of this war between the frontier and the East, should see that this is no time to carry on such a death grapple. Sanity should break through, even if it takes a new alignment to bring it. [*Hoover*] November 20, 1931 Dear Mrs. Tilton: I have just had 10 or 15 minutes of informing and gripping talk with Mr. Marsh of Austin, Texas. He owns the largest chain in number of newspapers in this country - 38. He just had a 15 minutes' talk with Roosevelt in New York, Smith having just left and Owen D. Young coming as he left. He says that the financial interests of the country are for Hoover because he is safe. They feel the possibility, perhaps even probability, of a Democrat being elected and want one who is safe from their point of view. They put up the trial balloon of Owen D. Young but have had to give that up because Roosevelt, with his anti-waterpower and trusts etc., could beat him out, being the head of the General Electric as he is. He says that if the Democratic Convention nominated on a majority vote, it would be Roosevelt, but with a two-thirds vote they will be able with Ritchie and others to whittle away on Roosevelt and then bring forward their candidate, Baker. He says that though of course Baker is Wet and the Democratic candidate will be Wet no matter who it is, and if a Democrat is elected that will make a difficult situation for Prohibition, still he does not look for any fundamental anti-Prohibition changes within the next four years. I hope some day you may have a chat with him, as I am sure you would be gripped with the grasp and sweep and quickness of this men's mind and I am sure too he would be interested to talk with you. I have never talked with any man anywhere so interestingly as with him. Sincerely yours, Delcevare King DELCEVARE KING Mrs. Elizabeth Tilton, 11 Mason Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.