|
|
Summary Information
Francis E. McGovern Papers
1909-1915, 1935
- McGovern, Francis E. (Francis Edward), 1866-1946
Wis Mss OF
9.4 c.f. (47 archives boxes)
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)
Papers of Francis E. McGovern, a progressive Republican governor of Wisconsin, 1911-1915, whose administration was notable for its social and administrative reforms. Correspondence relates to his election and service as governor, state politics, the state and national progressive movement, the University of Wisconsin, civil service, and elections. Other papers include applications and endorsements for state jobs, nomination papers for McGovern's second term, and personal financial records. Letters from the spring of 1912 primarily concern the Republican National Convention and the contest between Robert La Follette, William H. Taft, and Theodore Roosevelt for the presidential nomination. Correspondents include John J. Blaine, La Follette's campaign manager; William J. Barnes, New York Republican favoring Taft; and New York backers of Roosevelt. McGovern's strategy as head of the Wisconsin delegation in the convention caused a rift between him and La Follette, and the subsequent correspondence is largely a record of the rivalry which followed until 1914, when McGovern was defeated for U.S. senator. During his second term, the governor had personnel difficulties with La Follette men who were secure in their positions by virtue of the state civil service law. Many papers deal with this problem and with McGovern's efforts to depose some of them, notably insurance commissioner Herman L. Ekern. Letters between McGovern and president Charles R. Van Hise of the University of Wisconsin and Charles McCarthy of the Legislative Reference Library discuss the need for changes in the University to meet problems arising from the rapid industrialization of the country. The 1935 items are two letters by McGovern concerning the Barnes-Bashford election of 1908 and other past political developments.
English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-wis000of ↑ Bookmark this ↑
|
