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Check it out...Here's a classic unique, one-of-a-kind 8 1/2" wide by 11" tall typed letter that has been autographed by former Indiana Congressman (1895 – 1897), Indiana Governor (1905 – 1909) and 1916 Prohibition party candidate for governor J Frank Hanly (died in 1920) – the letter is on the ornate letterhead of a newspaper known as the "National Enquirer. Truth Without Fear. 747 – 762 Lemcke Annex Indianapolis Indiana. J Frank Hanly Editor in Chief. Oliver Wayne Stewart Associate Editor. Hallie McNeil Secretary. E. E. Mittman Treasurer" letter is dated October 18, 1917. The letter reads: "Dear Friend: – the brief period, intervening before the reassembling of Congress on December 3, is a critical time in the prohibition reform. Whether the house will promptly passed constitutional amendment on which the Senate already has acted favorably; whether both branches will unite to give us absolute prohibition for the period of the war; whether Congressman will be impressed by the deep determination of the American people to make an end of the liquor traffic, will depend upon the fight we make. Our one great need is a strong, alert, vigorous and powerful newspaper, large enough in size to give the news concerning the plans and purposes of the temperance forces, the work that is being done and the progress attained – one of the character to command the attention of thoughtful men and compel consideration of the cause. It was to provide such a newspaper that the National Enquirer was created. After two years of strenuous effort, and, I am sure I may say, loyal service, it is being printed in its own home, on its own press, from type set on its own machines. We are making it the greatest prohibition newspaper the world has ever known, and are planning to make it greater. Every additional subscriber adds to its power when the clash of conflict comes. In order to extend its circulation we have inaugurated a great Liberty Bond Prize Subscription Contest, which you will find covered on pages 3 and 16. At the request of Mrs. Gulie E. Shugart, one of the candidates, who makes the Grant County WCTU the beneficiary of any award or prize which she may receive, we are sending to you a sample copy of the paper, containing a list of all candidates. You, of course are at liberty to vote for any candidate in the list. I write this letter to ask you to send by return mail one dollar to pay for a trial subscription of four months, which will entitle you to cast 350 votes in the contest for the candidate of your choice. If you take the Inquirer for that time, I am confident you will renew for a year at $2.50, and it may be you can send an annual subscription at once, which will entitle you to 1000 votes. We will be gratified if you do, for we need all the help you can give us. Mr. Stewart and I have not had a single penny of compensation for any services we have rendered either as editors, managers or sponsors. We have put our lives into the effort to give the cause a great paper in the hour of its highest need. We are carrying a bird now that is almost unbearable. I would not write this letter, except that I feel you are one of those upon whom I have a right to depend. I enclose a return envelope and Voting Certificate. Please do not disappoint me. Hoping to hear from you promptly with your subscription and, if possible, that of a friend, I am, cordially yours, (signed in ink) J Frank Hanly Editor-In-Chief." The back of the letter contains the "Voting Certificate in the National Enquirer liberty Bond prize subscription contest." Fantastic historic signed dual collectible item.

Here's some info on Hanly:

James Franklin Hanly (April 4, 1863 – August 1, 1920) was an American politician who served as a congressman from Indiana from 1895 until 1897, and was the 26th Governor of Indiana from 1905 to 1909. He was the founder of Hanly's Flying Squadron, which advocated prohibition nationally and played an important role in raising awareness about the effect of alcohol and arousing public support for prohibition. During his term as governor he successfully advocated the passage of a local-option liquor law, which led the majority of Indiana's counties to ban liquor sales. His other achievements included banning gambling, fighting political corruption, and adjusting state agencies to operate on a non-partisan basis. He left office and the Republican Party and became an active and vocal prohibitionist. He was an unsuccessful Prohibition Party candidate for President of the United States in the 1916 election.

Really a cool vintage item. The item is in good condition with usual wear consistent with age and normal use- A great item ready for display- This is an ORIGINAL item, NOT A REPRODUCTION item! Postage information is listed at the bottom-$ 6.95 postage is required.

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Terms of Sale

I try and place a penny in every photo to help judge the size of the item, obviously it is there for size comparison and is not included with the item. The standard sized Lincoln head penny in the photograph is there for size comparison ONLY and is not included in the package. We're just trying to help you figure out how big the item is. We try and always be as accurate as we can in the item description and will gladly answer any question about item size & description when needed. Please e-mail us with any questions BEFORE the end of sale and BEFORE placing a bid. Postage is determined by the U.S. Postal service and is never refundable. Many of the items are VINTAGE and although they are in very fine condition, they may not function as well as when they were made decades ago. So if you intend on using the old item, please be aware that we are selling it for collector value only. In other words, if you intend on using a 50+ year old letter opener and it breaks, don't get mad at us. It may be hard to believe, but we have received a couple negatives because people broke vintage items while trying to use them.

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Please e-mail us with any questions BEFORE the end of sale and BEFORE placing a bid. Postage is determined by the U.S. Postal service and is never refundable. Please be aware of the postage rates BEFORE you bid! We pack professionally and do not try and make money off of postage.