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Date Original
1932 May-June
Description
These are two letters written between Hattie Caraway and Griffin Smith. Caraway writes the first letter on May 27, 1932, asking Smith what the political atmosphere is in Arkansas in relation to her chances of winning the next election. Smith responds on June 1, 1932, that her chances for election don't look very good.
Biographical/Historical Note
Hattie Caraway was the first woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. She was appointed to take over her late husband's term after his death and went on to win the next election as well. She served as a Senator from Arkansas from 1931 - 1945.
Transcription
June 1, 1932
Senator Hattie W. Caraway,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mrs. Caraway:
Referring to your letter of May 27th, let
me say that the political situation is in a nebulous
state.
Vint Miles and Doctor Brough are making
close campaigns, while our antiquated jurist-friend
hangs around the lobby of the Marion Hotel and tells
smutty jokes that he thinks are funny. It is an
exclusive opinion.
I heard very little said, other than that
Doctor Brough seems to making considerable head-
way. Unless there is an expensive organization set
up for you, I am frank to say that the chances of your
success are negligible. I take it that what you want
is a reflection of the conditions as I see them, and
not as I would have them.
I have spent considerable time in Little
Rock during the past two or three weeks, and think
that I have gotten a cross-section of political
opinion, if there is any such thing at the present
time. Nobody is excited about anything except taxes,
and in view of the pauperized condition of those who
are victims of excessive assessments, the excitement
doesn't amount to very much in a financial sense.
I will be tied up in Little Rock on oc-
casional days in Futrell's headquarters for the next
few weeks, but shall always have time to respond to
any request from you.
Sincerely your friend,
GS:WV
Physical Description
Two letters, one page each, 8.5" x 11"
Keywords
Politicians; Political representation; Political elections; Political campaigns; Women
Geographical Area
Riverdale, Prince George's County (Md.); Marianna, Lee County (Ark.)
Language
English
Identifier
SMC.00030.03, Items 55-56
Resource Type
Image
Collection
Small manuscript collection, SMC.00033.03
Publisher
Arkansas State Archives
Contributing Entity
Arkansas State Archives
Recommended Citation
Letters between Hattie Caraway and Griffin Smith, Small manuscript collection, Arkansas State Archives, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Rights
Use and reproduction of images held by the Arkansas State Archives without prior written permission is prohibited. For information on reproducing images held by the Arkansas State Archives, please call 501-682-6900 or email at state.archives@arkansas.gov.
Disciplines
United States History | Women's History
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