My dear Miss Addams:-
I have just telegraphed to you that Mr. Frank Walsh, of the Board of Public Welfare of Kansas City is coming to New York next week to try to establish a kind of People's lobby, -- an organization of non-office holders influential in politics, and concerned with making the party in power deliver progressive legislation.I stated that Mr. Walsh authorized me to invite you to a luncheon conference at the National Arts Club next Friday at 1 o'clock <(Nov. 29)>. The notice is short because Mr. Walsh is never quite sure when he can get away from his law practice in Kansas City.
You are perhaps of Mr. Walsh's opinion that the election of a progressive president and the return to power of a party with a recent record mainly progressive by no means assures the liberation of right influences and by no means assures affirmative action for the common good. Citizens of public spirit are under necessity of joining forces, especially to keep alive the motives that actuated the recent campaign. [page 2]
The suggestion has come to us from all sides, -- just as much from one party as from another, that the bureau of social service which urged the election of Governor Wilson become a non-partisan and permanent movement to secure social justice, now, and in subsequent administrations. Such a bureau would probably have a strong influence with Governor Wilson. It would be helpful in securing the specific legislation which caused you to enlist in the New Party: and it would probably aid the tariff reforms in which you have also declared your interest.
This bureau, if organized, will probably attempt to assure disinterestedness by placing no office holder or avowed candidate for office on its committee. If Mr. Brandeis takes part, as we hope, he would need to withdraw in the event of his becoming part of President Wilson's administration.
Your taking part in this conference would not necessarily commit you its final plans. No publicity is desired at this juncture.
Yours very truly,
Boyd Fisher Addess [signed]
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