TLS as president, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 7 x 9, White House letterhead, November 10, 1921. Letter to famed Mouth Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum, in full: "I have read with very great interest, and alas, some disappointment, your letter of November 6th. It is not easy for me to discuss the North Dakota situation, because I know nothing about it except as I have gotten it from you and from such reports as have appeared in the newspapers. I rather surmised that the regular Republicans of the state were not active in the recent recall fight, probably from the fact that Senator McCumber was not a participant. I am not prepared to say where his sympathies were. I know nothing about the campaign. The particular thing which I wish to challenge in your letter is the statement by the North Dakota farmers that not one single request from the agricultural interests has been granted. No statement could be more unfair. The Congress has done everything possible to do for the agricultural interests. We have not only helped them to finance their exportations, but we have been tremendously helpful in furnishing means for the planting of crops and very large and generous means for handling the flocks and herds. Moreover, we have been very helpful in providing for interest rates which were almost unthought of when this administration came into power. If anyone thinks the agriculture interests have not been well looked after thus far he has not been careful to go into the situation fully. I have noted what you say about freedom for political prisoners. There is a sentiment in associating the thought of their freedom with Armistice Day. I have not thought it consistent to make any grant until we have exchanged the ratifications which definitely determine the former state of peace." Harding adds his initials, "W.G.H.," to his handwritten postscript: "Of course the remarks about the appointment of a U. S. Judge is as unjustified as though I impugned your friendship." In fine condition, with light soiling, and a paperclip impression to the top edge of the first page.
A progressive who adhered to the Theodore Roosevelt wing of the Republican Party, Borglum formed a favorable opinion of North Dakota farmers, and in 1918 traveled to the state and established himself as an eastern fund-raiser and promoter for the North Dakota Nonpartisan League. Although he was not entirely taken by the normalcy of presidential candidate Warren G. Harding’s politics, Borglum remained committed to the GOP and sought the aid and influence of Harding and long-serving North Dakota Senator Porter J. McCumber following a recall election for the state’s pro-farmer Industrial Commission in 1921.
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