Correspondence

• 1916 February 10 (Creation)

3 pages

H.L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew concerning the 'St. Paul Address,' which garners him visibility. Loucks offers to have the address re-written in a more substantial form to gather more support from the people. He also inquires the help of Pettigrew in the capacity of reviewing Loucks present manuscript for a book which is slated to be published.

TRANSCRIPT

(1916)
Feb. 10th.
Hon. R. F. Pettigrew,
Sioux Falls S. Dak.
My dear Pettigrew,

I have had in mind writing you for several days now to learn where you were, and how busy you were, but receipt of yours of the 7th answers the first. I appreciate the compliment for the address at St. Paul, not Minneapolis, for I know that you are a good judge along that line, but I hope that you have not gone far with the printing, as it was on that I wanted to consult with you, and see what was best to do. As you know, I have been puting out a lot of good stuff during the past three years, but scattered here and there, and in driblets as opportunity offered, without the means of following up.

The St. Paul address created a sensation as told by the Press, that is one or two papers, and my friends. But it is too important a proposition to be allowed to drop, and it should be developed and put in a more substantial form, so instead of offering it to the Press for publication I decided to revise and develope and make a campaign text book of the best I can put together, more especially of course on the “GREAT CONSPIRACY”, because that is what I will claim, and will trace it up in such a way as to convince any one with an open mind. I go back to 1907 and the Bankers Panic, Roosevelts connection, then step by step including the present administrattion, right up to the farce of the Administration Rural Credit Bill just submitted. I do not propose to spare any one or party. Give the naked truth as I see it and as you see it. My thot was to take that address as the base. The latter part was prepared too hurriedly, and should have been in an address wholly by itself, but I had not intended to raise the question at that time until I realized the importance of the meeting. I have had it in mind for some time, but almost feared to make the charge.

Now that I have made it I must make good, and get it in circulation where it will do good. Contrary to my request it was published in The Cooperators Herald of Farge in full, and it was the only address that was published in full.

For publication I had thought to limit the copy to what could be printed paper cover for say around ten cents, to be retailed for 25cts, sold in lots of ten or more for 15cts. This would give a little for the papers or secretaries of societies; for handling.

I doubt if any publishing house, unless a Socialist would use it.

And I have some doubts of having a Socialist brand on the book.

I must get something out of it to pay for printing postage and other expenses, but I will not take chances. I must have orders for most of the first edition, and then have it put in plate for future editions.

I propose to inject, and emphasize the thought of a new political movement as a neccessity, indirectly of course. That is I would not propose to make that so strong at first, but it will be made with that in view. That was what I had intended to write you about, and if you have not gone too far with the leaflet, I think it would be better to save for the more complete work.

Now in addition I wanted to know if you would have time to go over the manuscript and assist by your suggestions. I have never had any help of that kind, but you have shown such an interest, and have such a vast amount of literature and experience that I have not, that I am very sure that together we can put up something that will wake up all worth waking, and start and interesting campaign, nation wide in scope.

I am now working a few hours every day preparing the manuscript.

I have a good deal of it blocked out, and will of course use all of the address, but developed where needed.

Then I will want to show the affect on other business and industries. Also how the well to do farmer is affected, and while it is an appeal, address to the farmers I propose to make it broad enuf to cover all labor and exchange of labor products. That thought of the true functions of money must be switched in from every possible viewpoint. Now such a book will not be a popular book, but in the hands of a few live wires in every township, it would prove a powerful agent.

I am preparing the manuscript under many subdivisions, and not at present just in the order in which they may appear in the book when assembled. And some of the things mentioned in what I have already prepared, will be developed later on.

I would like to send you a copy of the manuscript as prepared and have you make such notes or suggestion as you think would strengthen the argument and pin to the manuscript and return, at your early convenience. For that purpose I am enclosing you carbon copies of what I have just completed, and if you will do as requested I will send on as fast as prepared.

I think that it should be out before the Primary elections, for I am going to assume that the result will be as we think.

We are good for one more good stuff fight. Let us show our metal.

Sincerely yours,

H. L. Loucks

• Progressivism (United States politics)
• South Dakota -- Politics and government

• Loucks, Henry L. (Henry Langford) 1846-1928 (Subject)
• Pettigrew, Richard F. (Richard Franklin) 1848-1926 (Subject)

• Letters
• Correspondence