The E. Mont. Reily papers, dating 1919 January-1923 June, consist chiefly of original incoming correspondence and copies of his outgoing correspondence with President Warren G. Harding, concerning Reily's term as governor of Puerto Rico from July,...
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The E. Mont. Reily papers, dating 1919 January-1923 June, consist chiefly of original incoming correspondence and copies of his outgoing correspondence with President Warren G. Harding, concerning Reily's term as governor of Puerto Rico from July, 1921 to April 1, 1923. Letters and cablegrams relate to Reily's administrative policies and political appointments in Puerto Rico; dealings with Puerto Rican political parties and factions, particularly the Unionist party leader Antonio R. Barceló; the attempt on Reily's life during a voyage to New York; fiscal affairs; and social welfare matters such as school and hospital conditions, with a brief exchange following Reily's return to Kansas City after his resignation due to ill health. Warren G. Harding's letters shed light on Puerto Rican affairs as viewed from Washington. Other topics include Republican Party matters, especially Harding's political appointments in Missouri where Reily was a party leader, and Mrs. Florence Harding's health. Also present are typescript drafts of Reily's 1919 endorsement of Harding as the party nominee for president, and Reily's inaugural speech as governor of Puerto Rico, emended by Harding. Other papers include letters from Harding as U.S. senator from Ohio to Reily and Edward B. Garretson of Missouri, and a few social letters from Reily to Mrs. Harding. The collection, 115 items in all, contains forty letters from Harding to Reily and two letters from Harding to Garretson. Correspondence and other papers contain Reily's notes throughout.
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