HOKE SMITH - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/06/1915 - HFSID 26376

AMIDST GREAT BRITAIN'S PROTESTS AGAINST U.S. COTTON EXPORTS TO GERMANY, SMITH ASKS HIS RECIPIENT TO ANALYZE IF GERMANY IS USING THESE EXPORTS TO PRODUCE EXPLOSIVES
 
HOKE SMITH. TLS: "Hoke Smith" as U.S. Senator, 1p, 8x10½. Washington, D.C., 1915 October 6. To Hon. Howard W. Bible, Washington, D.C. In part: "I wish again to express to you my desire to obtain accurate information as to the quantity of cotton being used by Germany and her allies in the manufacture of powder and military explosives. You are, of course, aware that it is upon the pretext that cotton is absolutely essential to the continuation of the war by Germany, that Great Britain seeks to justify her lawless conduct in declaring cotton absolute contraband. I have already information which points to the conclusion that Germany and her allies do not use any large amount of cotton for the manufacture of powder or explosives. If you, in your visit, which I understand you are about to make to Germany, can personally ascertain the facts, and be in a position on your return to give personal and definite information upon this subject, it will be of great value to those of us who are protesting the inexcusable attack by Great Britain upon our greatest export...." Hoke Smith served as Democratic U.S. Senator from Georgia from 1911-1921. He was Governor of Georgia from 1907-1909 and again in 1911, when he resigned to take his seat in the Senate. From 1893-1896, Smith was President Cleveland's Secretary of the Interior. On August 4, 1914, after Germany declared war on France, Great Britain, standing by its treaties, declared war on Germany as German troops rolled into Belgium. The next day, the U.S. made a formal statement to the effect that it would remain neutral in the European war. Lightly creased. Fine condition.