Support of Governor Alfred M. Landon for the Presidency on the basis of his “stand for opportunity of the individual, academic freedom and religious liberty” was made public yesterday by Felix M. Warburg, banker and philanthropist.
Announcement of Mr. Warburg’s endorsement received wide attention, especially being regarded as a reply to “whispering campaign” charges that the Kansas governor was anti-Semitic.
The statement was sent to Governor Landon with a letter from J.A. Harzfeld of Kansas City, special assistant to John D. M. Hamilton, Republican National Chairman.
Mr. Warburg’s declaration said:
“Governor Landon’s stand for opportunity of the individual, academic freedom and religious liberty, as expressed in his recent speeches and in his record, is in accordance with the best traditions of American democracy.
“Governor Landon’s emphasis in his recent speeches on economy in government and efficient operation of relief while at the same time stressing the necessity that no man or woman should starve is, in my opinion, the proper approach to the problems that today beset us.
“His emphasis on more employment for labor and fair treatment of business is the only safe basis for recovery, for we must have an expansion of present enterprises and new businesses must be encouraged.
“For these reasons I intend to vote for Governor Landon.”
In his letter to the Governor, enclosing the Warburg statement, Mr. Harzfeld wrote:
“Mr. Warburg is undoubtedly the outstanding Jewish leader in philanthropic, welfare and social service work in America. The liberal contribution of his time and money to every worthy cause, both Jewish and gentile, has endeared him to millions throughout the world.
“For the last fifteen years Mr. Warburg has devoted himself almost entirely to philanthropic work, serving as officer and director in many Jewish and non-Jewish welfare organizations.
“With such interests in the fields of social service work and philanthropy I cannot overestimate the imporatance of what he has to say, and I am happy to include the statement which he has issued.”
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