New York, July 12, 1915.
My dear Miss Addams:
It was a real pleasure to hear you the other evening and to see you looking so well after your strenuous trip. I feel almost guilty approaching you now when I know you are in so great need of rest, but, on the other hand, it seems to be my duty to prove the fulfillment of our prophesy at the Henry Street meeting last winter. You know it was anticipated that this war would interfere with various lines of social work, especially the positive, constructive kind. This has happened in our case, and although we reduced our budget $10,000 for the present year, it now seems likely that we shall suffer before the end of the year unless two or three of our old friends can be brought to help us.
I cannot bear the thought of our campaign for the Palmer Bill going to pieces next fall and winter for want of finances. Legislation this summer, as you may have heard, has been mostly an attempt to keep the different states from slipping back, although real progress was made in Pennsylvania, Iowa and Michigan. The campaign in Alabama was so nearly a failure, as were those in North and South Carolina, that our Southern [coworkers] feel our only hope is through Federal legislation.
You may remember that Mrs. Blaine secured for us $1,000 last year from the Virginia McCormick Fund to carry on our Alabama campaign. It was a splendid investment we believe, for the work could not have been done without it. A month ago when passing through Chicago I tried to see Mrs. Blaine, but she was ill. I told her we wanted a renewal of the amount this year, especially for Federal legislation as a means of completing the Alabama program, and she asked me to write her about it, which I did. She said she would take it up with Dr. Favill and let me hear, but although some time has passed, no word has come. Would you feel free to drop her a line telling her that you earnestly hope she will use her influence to respond to our appeal, and tell her how important you think it is?
Also last summer, Mr. Rosenwald gave us an extra $500 (in addition to his annual $100). Several weeks ago I wrote asking if he could not do it again this year, and Mr. Graves, his secretary, replied that it was a special contribution made at the request of Miss Addams and Mr. Warburg. Mr. Warburg advised me when he resigned from the Board that he must not be asked to approach anyone again for the Committee, -- therefore he is out of the race. You are the only connection therefore at this time with Mr. Rosenwald. Will you not drop him a letter asking if he cannot help us?
I think coming just now from you these two letters would be sure to bear fruit and we are so near being able to meet the situation that they would make us certain of our plans for the coming season.
Cordially yours,
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