Dear Miss [Addams],
I had the rare pleasure of hearing you in Carnegie Hall last April, Conservation Congress. Of course I have known of your splendid work for years. I am an alumnus of the N.WU and of Garrett. For nearly three years was a Union soldier during our civil war, from Illinois. For 36 yrs have been a Methodist preacher. Let this be my introduction to you. My reason for writing is my admiration of you in addition to your [page 2] life work, for the stand you have taken for the Progressive Party. I am sure you will not allow Miss Boardman's criticisms to damper your ardor or to awaken misgivings as to the wisdom of the part you are taking in the campaign. I think Miss Boardman is correct in the view she takes of her own proper attitude toward politics. But she is conspicuously a non-combatant. While you are conspicuously a fighter. It is your whole business to combat evils, and how can you better do it than to stand for a movement which arousedly and earnestly aims to bring about such conditions [page 3] for the people as will most aid you in seeing accomplished those results which your whole life desires and endeavors to secure. Her claim that your efforts to secure specific legislation for the particular causes you espouse, will be hindered, I regard as [fallacious]. Your womanly advocacy of the most just and worthy platform of the new party, will so enhance Your influence throughout the nation that it will greatly add to your power for good in all directions. It seems to me that in civilized and Christian America -- at least -- the normal political party -- needs the practical cooperation of woman. She will introduce elements and influence such as must greatly strengthen any party that places manhood above money. Mr Roosevelt was here last Friday and was given a rousing reception. All reports of his appearing disheartened are false. He impressed me as [feeling] the responsibility of his stupendous undertaking, but was filled with energy, enthusiasm, optimism. He is a mighty man. I think he is God's man for this crisis in our history. The vote he's going to poll will astound his enemies. Many ministers are with him. His utterances ring so true to high ethical standards. Push your battle, Miss Addams and let Miss Boardman take care of the wounded and dead. Yours for human betterment all along the line.
Cordially Matthias S. Kaufman
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