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“TREMENDOUS VICTORY FOR LAW . . .
IN YESTERDAY’S ELECTION OF CALVIN COOLIDGE”
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TAFT,WILLIAM HOWARD.Typed Letter Signed, “WmHTaft,” to Representative
from MA Charles G.Washburn, arranging for him to visit, and congratulating him on the
overwhelming victory of Coolidge, who was again elected MA Governor. 1
1
/
2
pages, 4to,
personal stationery, written on two sheets; some staining at upper left of each page, folds.
(TFC)
New Haven, CT, 5 November 1919
[400/600]
“
. . .The day here is gloomy overhead but it is bright in the contemplation of the tremendous victory
for law and the right which Massachusetts registered in yesterday’s election of Calvin Coolidge by
125,000. I cannot remember an election—certainly not a state election—in which there was more at
stake than there was yesterday. I cannot remember an election having more far-reaching effect. It will
stiffen the backs of all wobblers . . . in the offices of Governor and Mayor and Sheriff. It will make
them to [sic] know that the votes are on the side of law and order . . . . It will discourage strikes, . . .
because the impending strikers will know that they cannot succeed except through violence and that
violence will be suppressed. It was worth while humiliating Massachusetts by the Boston riots in order
to rouse her to bear witness to her sound heart and adherence to her old traditions [with] such emphasis. . . . “
On September 9, 1919, a majority of the over 1,000 Boston police officers went on strike, demand-
ing recognition of their trade union.That evening, limited looting and destruction broke out in various
parts of the city. Governor Coolidge gambled that making a show of force to restore order would com-
pensate for alienating the officers, many of whom were immigrants—a group he had claimed to
support. He ordered 5,000 State Guards to assert control, and, despite a few deaths caused by State
troops firing into a rioting crowd, the gamble paid off, as he was resoundingly reelected.