East are in a far more feudal state than the people of the West.  Here they live by sufferance, by favor; they are helpless if they lose their jobs.  Out there hope is high in their hearts and they feel that there is a fair world around them, in which they have another chance.  The resentment was strong against Roosevelt undertaking to turn over his vote.  Of course I am glad of Johnson’s election, as he is a strong, stalwart chap, capable of tremendous things for good.  He will probably be a presidential candidate four years from now, and I see no man now who can beat him, nor should he be beaten unless we have a good deal better material than our run of ... rank opportunists.

I am working on a treadmill here.  Perhaps by the time you come on in December I will be able to report something accomplished.  But oh! the misery of dealing with people who are eternally suspicious and have no sense of good faith!

We went with the Millers to the James Roosevelt place up at Hyde Park on the Hudson, just before election, and had an exquisite time.  I put in four or five days campaigning, and this was the end of my trip.  My speeches were all made in New York where I thought they might count, but the organizations were too perfect for us.

President Wilson will leave a mere shadow of a party, unless he takes an interest in reorganizing it.  He has drawn a lot of young men to him who should be tied together, as we were in the early Cleveland days.  Of course, we must have a cause, not merely a slogan.

Mrs., Lane is here while I am writing this and she sends her love to both you and your wife, as do I. As always, cordially yours,

FRANKLIN K. LANE

To Roland Cotton Smith

Sunday, [January 7? 1917]

My dear Dr. Smith,—­I know that you are human enough to like appreciation and so I am sending you this word,—­no more than I feel!

Your address of this morning was a bit of real literature.  It produced the effect you desired without making a bid for it.  It was as subtle and full of suggestion as Jusserand’s book on France and the United States.  You gave an atmosphere to the old building as an institution, which made every one of us feel something more of ennobling standards and traditions.  You touched emotion.  Many an old chap there felt called upon suddenly and apologetically to blow his nose.  And the crowning bit of fine sentiment was asking us all to rise, as you read the list of the distinguished ones who had worshipped there.  You have the art of making men better by not preaching to them.  So here is my hand in admiration and in gratitude.  Sincerely,

FRANKLIN K. LANE

To James H. Barry San Francisco Star

Washington, [January 9, 1917]