TLS, two pages, 8 x 10, Department of Commerce, Office of the Secretary letterhead, January 27, 1925. Letter to George H. Lorimer of the Curtis Publishing, Co., in full: "Dr. Dennis informs me that you asked for a personal sketch of myself for early publication in the Saturday Evening Post. He has submitted to me what he proposes to send. This sketch may be true in its characterization, although I think most of my friends will deny that he has hit either the high or the low spots. But whatever it is, this piece as it is written is anything but helpful to me in the present situation. Aside from any personal characterization the setting up of a man as being persecuted and then rushing heavily to his defense against unknown enemies is not good public psychology. I am having a lot of trouble with the American farmer because of the campaign carried on by the price fixing agitators but your keen sense of public reaction I think would lead you to agree with me that it would have to be handled in a different manner. I would be deeply grateful for the assistance of the Post in trying to get this matter right, and my interest in it lies solely in the fact that the price-fixing groups, having recovered somewhat from the beating into the earth we have given them, have now reorganized and are preparing large active campaigns throughout the country, and it means that we will have to carry on an educational campaign all over again. My attitude toward agriculture could be better handled as an incident to a much larger and broader discussion of agricultural economic patent medicines than in the manner which Dr. Dennis has in his present set-up approached it. I am writing this to you confidentially as I do not want to hurt Dennis’s feelings. I have a great affection for him and for the fine service he has given to the Department. He has done what he thought was the thing to do but his lack of familiarity with the reactions of public mind and his lack of experience with the Mississippi Valley farmer has resulted in an entirely wrong slant. It amounts to defense and not to attack on the other fellow.” In fine condition, with two small rusty binder dings to the left edge of each page.
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