As to my inability to get to you of a Sunday, let me tell you that that is the one day when somewhat undisturbed I catch up with the week’s work.  “Ah, what a weary travel is our act, here, there and back again to win some prize.”

I hope some of these nights to be able to make you acquainted with some of my colleagues.  They are a charming lot.  Every one has a sense of humor and as little partisanship as possible, and still bear the title of Democrat.  You would enjoy every one of them, including Bryan, who is fundamentally good.

With kindest regards, cordially yours,

FRANKLIN K. LANE

To Frank Reese

Washington, July 2, 1913

My dear frank,—­I am delighted to get your letter and to know that I still stand well with my California friends, especially yourself, but I am not going to run for United States Senator.  Of course, I am not making a virtue of not running, and I certainly am gratified to know that you at least think that I could be elected.  My work here is just as interesting as any work that a Senator has.  Under this primary system I do not believe there is any chance for a man who has not got a great deal of money.  The candidate must devote practically a year of his time to make the race, must be able to support his family and himself in the meantime. ...  Now, when I knew you first I had no money.  I have the same amount to-day, so that you see there is no possibility of my getting into such a fight.  Furthermore, we have Phelan as a candidate, and it seems to me he ought to be acceptable.  There was also some talk of Patton getting into the race, and he is a good man.

Thankfully and cordially yours,

FRANKLIN K. LANE

Early in July, 1913, Lane started on a tour of investigation of National Reclamation projects, Indian reservations and National Parks.  With him went Adolph C. Miller, who had become the Director of the Bureau of National Parks in May.  They turned to the Northwest, beginning in Minnesota and then proceeding to Montana, Wyoming, and Washington.  That he might be thoroughly informed as to conditions in each place, Lane sent ahead of him an old friend and trusted employee, William A. Ryan, whose part it was to go over each project or reservation and find what the causes for complaint were, where poor work had been done, what groups and individuals were dissatisfied, and why.  In no way was William Ryan to let it be suspected that he was in any way identified with the Department of the Interior.  Traveling in this way, two weeks ahead of the Secretary, Ryan was able to put a complete report of each project in Lane’s hands some time before he arrived, so that the Secretary was thoroughly familiar with all complaints and conditions before he was met on the train by the representatives of the Department, who naturally wished to show him only the best work.  In addition to this, Lane everywhere held public meetings, inviting all settlers to meet him and make their complaints.