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[[preprinted]] TELEPHONE, MONROE 825 [[image: [[?]] ]] 236 1437 WEST OHIO STREET CHICAGO [[/preprinted]] ^[[Gretchen]] September 19, 1914. Dearest Dad:- Yesterday was the State Convention Day for all three parties - Progressive, Democratic and Republican. The Progressives met at Champaign, Illinois, and we had a most exciting day. There were about fifty women delegates and I was invited to sit upon the platform. When I came up on the platform I received a tremendous ovation - such is the glory of being the wife of a candidate for Senator! Mr, Frank Funk - who was the Progressives' candidate for governor in 1912 - was permanent chairman of the convention. Raymond was the chief speaker and the delegates went wild with enthusiasm for him. Everything went along remarkably smoothly and the platform was being adopted plank by plank unanimously in each instance when suddenly one plank was presented favoring our increasing our navy by three ships a year. A peace advocate arose and suggested that we have doves instead. This started the discussion between the militarists - who were there too and who wanted an army of a million men established - and the peace advocates. Raymond is the only one who can bring those people of various turns of mind together and so he arose and was able to bring about an understanding between the two sides. I am sending you a copy of the Herald which gives a very good account of the meeting. The Tribune