Correspondence

2 pages

H.L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew about distributing copies of the address he gave to the Christian Endeavor Society. He mentions the inheritance that Amos and Gifford Pinchot received and suggests that Pettigrew contact them for their assistance in the progressive movement. Loucks talks about inserting leaflets into the local papers and the South Dakota Farmer to promote progressive ideals. He discusses the state primaries for the elections for 1916. He suggests that if the progressive movement could remove Roosevelt and Perkins, then they would have a real progressive party. Loucks talks of feeling betrayed by Richard O. Richards and has no confidence in the state's Republican Party. At the end of the letter her announces that the People's Money League of Chicago has accepted his 'rural credit' plan.

TRASNCRIPTION

Nov. 12th.
My dear Pettigrew,

Under separate cover I am mailing you a copy of the address before the Christian Endeavor Society I wrote you I was preparing. The Washington State Grange will give it a wide circulation in that state. It has met the favor of the local Ministers here to such an extent that I hope I may some time be able to have printed in leaflet to send all the Pastors in the state. I have said some things that pleases many of them, but which they would hardly think prudent to express from the, pulpit. It was hard work to boil it down to 20 minute.

I note by Press reports that each of the three Pinchots have lately fallen heir to $500,000 each from an uncle. I believe that Gifford and Amos are very near if not wholly right with us on economic matters and wish that you would sound them on the idea of assisting with the Bureau I suggested. I think I can get into every one of the Official Organs of the several Farm organizations with one exception, and several Farm Papers. I am enclosing you a letter received a few days ago from Schlesser. If I could send the matter in one column slips to our weekly Papers in addition to The South Dakota Farmer we could get a wide circulation in this state. I have a good start in N. Dak.

The Western Farmer of Portland which I understand has a large circulation on the Coast will use. I have no doubt but that we could work up an immense circulation amongst the farmers. It is worth trying.

Senator Clapp should help, as we could help him out in Minn.

Now as to out own state. We must not neglect it. The indications are that Richards has gone back to the Republican party, and will make his next fight in their ranks. I doubt if I will even register this year. With Norbeck Richards and Egan in the primary race, Egan will stand a good chance of winning, and I cannot support him. If Root heads the ticket I cannot support any of them, and as he is slated for the nomination of course he will win, and I expect Roosevelt to support them

There is bound to be a big split in the Democratis party on the “preparedness” issue. Wilson may get support in Congress from republicans, but will not in the election, and there is where he will fall down. Just what figure it will cut in this state I do not guess yet.
But if we could switch off the whole late Progressive bunch, and reorganize as “Independent Progressives” in this state, and I think we can if we try, that we might put up a winning fight.
If Roosevelt and Perkins should be eliminated we could build up a real progressive party. At any rate we should keep it in mind, and as I hope the way may be opened up for me to (can’t read) give all of my time to the literary propaganda I would feel encouraged if I knew that you would enter into this general work.

Between ourselves I feel pretty well satisfied now that Richards had really hooked up with the Stalwarts two years ago. I felt that he deliberately deceived me while professing to be for me. I did all I could for him, but doubt if he even voted for me. I think that he thinks that he has an understanding with them now, and the Argus-Leader is leading him on, but they will throw him for Egan or some one else.

I have no confidence in any of the quartet of leaders, Norbeck, Burke, Richards or Egan. And I think that I have lots of company.

Do you expect to be in the state most of the time next year?

Sincerely yours,

H.L. Loucks

I am pelase to note the The Peoples Money League at Chicago the principle or distribution of my rural credit plan to wit:- “and by the federal government extended to the states, and thru the states to their political subdivisions, at cost, without interest”

Also your plan as to using the Post Offices.

H.L.L.