HARDING, Warren G. Typed letter signed ("Warren g Harding") as President-elect, to Reverend J.R. Rader, St. Augustine, FL, 20 February 1921. 1 page, 4to (10 3/8 x 7 3/8 in.), Harding's personal stationery, faint discoloration along one fold and in bottom corner . SMOKER HARDING CRITICIZES TOBACCO: "HUMAN BEINGS WOULD BE BETTER OFF IF THEY NEVER TOUCHED THE WEED" An intriguing letter in which the soon-to-be President responds to a Reverend who had apparently criticized his smoking habit and its influence upon American boys. Before entering the White House, Harding was well known for his friendly, common man mannerisms which included a love of cigarettes and alcohol which led some to portray him as a symbol of the lower ethics of the 20s. Here, he begins with criticism of tobacco use: "I know a good many people [who] feel as you do about the use of tobacco and I am quite agreed with you in the proposition that human beings would be better off if they never touched the weed." Harding does assert, however, that smoking cigarettes is the least dangerous use: "I am not in accord with your opinion about the cigarette being the most hateful form of its use. My own experience has taught me that it is the least injurious." He does, however, express sympathy for Rader's position: "I do not want to be a bad example for the boyhood of this country and mean to avoid being an example as a smoker of any kind. I do not find it consistent to make a public announcement to that effect, however, because I do not look upon [my] public position as requiring me to take such a step. I shall be glad to have you tell your boys that they ought to omit the use of tobacco altogether. I am sure they will be stronger specimens of manhood if they will accept this admonition." Harding's laid-back habits continued in the White House where he held weekly poker games and maintained a supply of bootleg liquor despite Prohibition. Unfortunately, health problems that were potentially enhanced by tobacco and alcohol use continued to plague the President until his death from a heart attack in 1923.
HARDING, Warren G. Typed letter signed ("Warren g Harding") as President-elect, to Reverend J.R. Rader, St. Augustine, FL, 20 February 1921. 1 page, 4to (10 3/8 x 7 3/8 in.), Harding's personal stationery, faint discoloration along one fold and in bottom corner . SMOKER HARDING CRITICIZES TOBACCO: "HUMAN BEINGS WOULD BE BETTER OFF IF THEY NEVER TOUCHED THE WEED" An intriguing letter in which the soon-to-be President responds to a Reverend who had apparently criticized his smoking habit and its influence upon American boys. Before entering the White House, Harding was well known for his friendly, common man mannerisms which included a love of cigarettes and alcohol which led some to portray him as a symbol of the lower ethics of the 20s. Here, he begins with criticism of tobacco use: "I know a good many people [who] feel as you do about the use of tobacco and I am quite agreed with you in the proposition that human beings would be better off if they never touched the weed." Harding does assert, however, that smoking cigarettes is the least dangerous use: "I am not in accord with your opinion about the cigarette being the most hateful form of its use. My own experience has taught me that it is the least injurious." He does, however, express sympathy for Rader's position: "I do not want to be a bad example for the boyhood of this country and mean to avoid being an example as a smoker of any kind. I do not find it consistent to make a public announcement to that effect, however, because I do not look upon [my] public position as requiring me to take such a step. I shall be glad to have you tell your boys that they ought to omit the use of tobacco altogether. I am sure they will be stronger specimens of manhood if they will accept this admonition." Harding's laid-back habits continued in the White House where he held weekly poker games and maintained a supply of bootleg liquor despite Prohibition. Unfortunately, health problems that were potentially enhanced by tobacco and alcohol use continued to plague the President until his death from a heart attack in 1923.
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