Henry Cabot Lodge letter to Warren G. Harding, November 10, 1920

Abstract

In this letter dated November 10, 1920, Senator Henry Cabot Lodge writes to President-elect Warren G. Harding regarding the League of Nations and Versailles Treaty. In opposition to a suggestion made by Senator Elihu Root, who believes that forming a new treaty agreement and the League of Nations would delay action and lead to chaos, Lodge recommends holding a conference to create a new treaty plan and establish a plan to take steps to create a world court and codify international law. This letter is part of the Warren G. Harding Papers (MSS 345). This collection includes correspondence, business records, and other materials documenting Harding’s business career as owner and editor-in-chief of The Daily Marion Star, as well as the various stages of his political career. A significant portion of the collection, and what’s available on Ohio Memory, highlights his 1920 presidential campaign, spanning just before publicly announcing his candidacy to handily defeating Ohio Governor James M. Cox in the election. Correspondents include both Ohio and national businessmen, political figures, and ordinary citizens writing with questions, support, congratulatory notes, and campaign advice. Some of the most interesting insights into the tumultuous political climate in the U.S., the extreme factionalism within the Republican Party in Ohio, and Harding’s campaign strategies are described in letters between Harding and his campaign manager, Harry M. Daugherty. Some of the topics addressed include women’s suffrage, Prohibition, the League of Nations, African American representation and issues, and lingering peace negotiations following World War I