Correspondence

2 pages

H. L. Loucks writes to R.F. Pettigrew about the elections of 1914. Loucks speculates that he had lost the election for senator from South Dakota and thanks Pettigrew for his assistance. Loucks also makes comments about the national election results.

TRANSCRIPT

Nov. 5th. 1914.
My dear Pettigrew,

In view of the fact that I have not received your congratulations, I take it for granted that you think that I have been defeated. I was very much deceived in thinking that the state was progressive that’s all.

I am not trying yet to study out just what did happen, and why.

I want to thank you sincerely for what you did. As a rule I will require an affidavit from any one who affirms that they voted for me. The reports that I have seen would indicate that Richards did not fare much better.

Perhaps you who was not personally interested may be able to diagnose the case better.
One thing sure; I have seen no reason to change my mind on any current question. I still think that Wilsons popularity is based on sham, superficial legislation, that must soon be evident to any one who thinks. I also believe that his Administration is fast approaching the rocks. Bryan in his course in Indiana on the liquor question has discounted the splendid stand he took in Nebraska on the same question. His silence on the Illinois situation, and remaining in the Administration after Burleson took part for Sullivan has shaken my confidence in him. The balance of his term will be barren, even of sham legislation.

On the other side the indications are that Penrose and assoicates are in the saddle. The only break would seem to be in S. Dak. And I hope that later returns will give them this state also.

Here Burke unfurled the “bloody shirt” once more, and resurrected the tariff as the paramount issue, and promised that if the republican party was restored to power, that they would reenact the Payne-Alirich Law. That was all he promised for the future.
That indicates their program for 1916, as it is now evident to me that they will control the next national convention.

Burkes plan was that we must elect republicans to protect us from the Southern farmers etc.
I saw solid business men and leading professional men applaud such sentiments right here in Watertown.

I have always claimed that our citizenship was above the average.

I will have to take that under advisement for a time.

But when I started out it was just to thank you.

If I can at any time reciprocate just draw on me for time, for I have no money. Will have to find some kind of a job to earn some money to pay the printers debts, and contribution to the State Committee.

Sincerely yours,

[illegible]