Theodore Debs letter to Frank P. O'Hare - November 9, 1921
Transcript
November 9th, 1921. My dear Frank :- Your very beautiful, interesting and newsy communication of the 22nd. ult. was received by Gene and has just come to me with a cart load of cards and communications . For some reason or another, which we have not yet learned, there has been a holding up of the mail down South which will account for this belated reply. Gene, as you know, under the rules of the prison, is not permitted to make reply to the many letters that come to him, not even the letter from comrades most dear, and he therefore wishes me to return to you and to Comrade Kate his warmest thanks to say that his heart is too deeply touched for words by your kind, beautiful and generous letter, He ardently hopes, when the day of his release comes, whenever that may be, that he may have the pleasure of telling you in person and your wonderful and beloved Kate how very grateful he feels for your loving kindness to his dear Katherine. Gene wishes me also to thank you for the two engravings containing the pictures of Kate and himself which came to hand in good order, and to say that they are fine pictures that recall vividly the glad days of the past, and that he appreciates them very much and with his thanks to you and Kate he sends his loving greetings and all best wishes to you and to all your dear household.
Transcript
[page 2] Election returns this morning, so far as reported in the capitalist press, are not overly cheering so far as the socialists are concerned ; and yet an analysis might prove quite the contrary. In the present bankrupt condition of the party, with its divisions and generally demoralized condition it may be that we have done remarkably well. Several cities in Indiana, though John Lewis lost out at Elwood, if press reports are true, have polled splendidly encouraging votes, a vote that insures an organization in all that word implies. In this city we polled almost 2,000 votes, a gain of 100% over the last general election. Jasonville elected a socialist mayor and three alderman and lost the city treasureship by only 39 votes. However, it is tragic that the party is so torn with strife and that the comrades in many places use all their strength not in fighting the common enemy but in destroying themselves to the delight of the capitalist class. Allow me to return thanks for the bundle of extra copies of the current issue of the R.S. which I will take pleasure in placing where they will likely do the most good. I am still thrilled with your little visit. It is always exhilarating to clasp the hands of one of the
Details
| Title | Theodore Debs letter to Frank P. O'Hare - November 9, 1921 |
| Creator | Debs, Theodore |
| Source | Debs, Theodore. Letter to Frank P. O'Hare. 9 November 1921. O'Hare Papers, 1850-1960. A1152. Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | In 1912, Frank O'Hare became editor of the Rip-Saw, a socialist monthly issued from St. Louis. He was married to the prominent socialist Kate Richards O'Hare, who was imprisoned during World War I (April 1919 |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918; Socialism--United States--Periodicals; Political prisoners--Government policy--United States; Political prisoners--United States; Espionage, American; Sedition--United States; Women prisoners--Abuse of |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Site Accession Number | A1152 |
| Contributing Institution | Missouri History Museum |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond those allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Missouri History Museum: 314-746-4510 |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. Contact the Missouri History Museum's Permissions Office at 314-746-4511 to obtain written consent. |
| Date Original | November 9, 1921 |
| Language | English |