Letter from William H. Thompson to Mr. W. Knaus, September 30, 1912

File — Box: MS 014-4-01, Folder: MS 014-4-01-018

Identifier: MS 014- series MS 014-4- file MS 014-4-01-018

Staff Only

A letter from Democrat William H. Thompson who was running for United States Senator against the Governor of Kansas, Walter Stubbs, asking for names of people that might support him in his campaign. William Thompson ended up winning the election, and he represented Kansas from 1913-1919. An ad for his campaign is also included.

Digital Collections - FHSU Scholars Repository – Digitized Copies of Materials

Transcription:

[Letterhead] Headquarters New England Building Topeka, Kans. William H. Thompson for United States Senator

Mr. W. Knaus, McPherson, Kas. Chairman Dem. Co. Cen. Com.

Picture of rabbit with words underneath: Run First and Crow Afterwards

Sept. 30, 1912.

W.R. Knaus, McPherson, Kas.

Dear Sir:

Please send me the names and addresses of any Democrats who are against me, or who show signs of weakness, and of any Republicans who are against Stubbs, and of any progressives who might be prevailed upon by progressive argument to support me, which you can obtain in your country without too much trouble, as soon as you can conveniently do so.

As you are aware, I am engaged in a very expensive campaign, and have only the limited means of the average man. On the other hand, Governor Stubbs is a millionare, and it is generally reputed that he will no doubt spend $100,000 in attempting to be elected. All I need is sufficient funds to maintain my headquarter and to get out my literature, the postage for which alone, if I reach most of the 550,000 voters, will be no small item. If my friends in your county are able and willing to assist me in this work I would greatly appreciate a popular contribution commensurate with the means of the donors.

Trusting that you will be able to keep alive the interest in my welfare, and hoping to be able to reciprocate any favors extended, and with best wishes for your success and democracy generally, I remain, Respectfully yours, Wm. H. Thompson

See C.E. Calvert formerly Liberal, at Hotel & get him interested.

Leaflet: A Deadly Parallel

Answer to Dooley's challenge for comparison of public service of Senatorial candidates

Wm. H. Thompson Democratic Candidate

At age 16 (1887) Deputy Register Nemaha County

At age 18 (1889) Deputy Treasurer Nemaha County

At age 20 (1891-94) Court Reporter 22nd District

At age 22 (1894) Admitted to the Bar.

At age 25 (1897 1901) Clerk Kansas Court of Appeals

At age 35 (1906) Elected Judge 32nd District

At age 39 (1910) Re-elected Judge 32nd District

At age 40 (1912) Nominated for United States Senator by the Democratic Party

W. R. Stubbs Republican(?) Candidate

So busy making money to become a millionaire, that he neglected the greatest duty of citizenship, according to his own statements, by having failed to even vote before he was 40 years old.

H. S. Martin, Chairman Dem. State Com.

Envelope: Headquarters New England Building Topeka, Kans. William H. Thompson for United States Senator

Mr. W. Knaus, McPherson, Kas. Chairman Dem. Co. Cen. Com.

Picture of rabbit with words underneath: Run First and Crow Afterwards

Cancellation stamp has: Garden City Kans Sep 29 8 “ PM 1912