Correspondence

1 page

H.L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew concerning Pettigrew's upcoming political venture on a platform with Mr. Landis, which Loucks hopes will throw people for a loop. Loucks expresses his apprehension about Mrs. Burgess and her political aptitude.

TRANSCRIPT

May 26th. 1916

Hon. R. F. Pettigrew,
Sioux Falls S. Dak.

Dear friend,

On my return I find the enclosed letter from Vincent.

I know that there is much of truth in what he writes, from my own correspondence and reading, and I have looked up a former letter from him, in [re] the position of Landis.

Of course he is all off as to the Republican party nominating Landis.

Altho Vincent and Mrs. Burgess are at outs, they agree as to Landis.

Our time was altogether too short to go into this matter, as I advised you neither Mrs. Burgess or Mr. Schnadt have had any experience in politics, but they have been doing enuf to have quite a list of interested adherents, and my efforts have been to have them postpone a call until therea was more from the country to join. That they will make a call is cart in, and to keep the door open for my counsel, I have authorised the use of my name to the call.

They are enthusiastic, and willing to take advice, in fact anxious for it, but I know nothing of them personally, and know of no one to whom to write for information.

I believe that a ticket headed by Landis and yourself as they have suggested, on such a platform as we would prepare, would create a wonderful stir. I am in for an Independent movement in this State, and the more States that will take similar action the better it would be for us.

They are much farther advanced in N. Dak, than we are.

There is bound to be such a move in the State of Washington.

It has already been started in Neb. And Illinois, and I do not know, for I have kept my mind on my book, and have not followed this up.

Oh, I do know that such a move has been started in Idaho.

There is a lot of Zeal, and some money back of this Chicago proposition, but no experience, and they are anxious for help. It is worth looking into.

Now as for my M. S. They are hard at work today, and called for more copy, and I have given them copy as [per] enclosed, and I think that I can mail you proof-sheets of all or nearly all of these tomorrow nigh.

I do this so that you can lay the carbon copies of these to one side, or mail to Holter, and be able to read the revised with more satisfaction, then the carbon copies.

This matter has been prepared with the distinct object in view, that a new political party must result from present chaotic conditions.

I use current events and current conditions.

I try to avoid antagonizing any of our active workers. Give each and all a fair show for his white [alloy].

I have tried to find something that would interest every class and school of progressives, without yielding any fundamental principle.

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I think we can have the paper covers out in three weeks, the cloth couple of weeks later. After next week I will begin to advertise it thanks to your very timely assistance.

Sincerely yours,

H. L. Loucks