In the light of these circumstances, the President decided finally to
throw his hat in the ring in favour of the boss of Illinois for the United
States senatorship. The letter advocating Sullivan's election was dictated
and signed by the President, and is as follows:

THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 12, 1914.

MY DEAR MR. RANEY:

I have read with the greatest interest the account you were kind
enough to send me of the Illinois Democratic State Convention. It is
full of fine promise for the party; for it shows all the elements of
the party heartily drawing together for a successful campaign; and
with this union success is sure to come.

You call my attention to the fact that some Democrats are urging
voters to cast their ballots for the Progressive candidate for the
Senate of the United States rather than for the nominee of the
Democratic primaries. You ask me if I approve of this. I do not. I
have held myself very strictly to the principle that as a party man I
am bound by the free choice of the people at the polls. I have always
stood by the result of the primaries; I shall always do so; and I
think it the duty of every Democrat to do so who cares for the
success and sincerity of his party. Mr. Sullivan has been selected in
a fair primary, and therefore he is entitled to the support of his
party.

Sincerely yours,