G-H

January 8, 1916.

Mr. Caspar W. Hodgson, World Book Company, Yonkers, New York.

My dear Sir:—

I trust you will pardon my delay in acknowledging the receipt of your cordial letter of November 19th, expressing your approval of my action in handling the somewhat notorious Hillstrom case. After withstanding a bombardment of some twenty-five or thirty thousand letter, most of which were threatening in character and many of which were absolutely vulgar and vicious, it is a source of gratification to learn from the decent and self-respecting people of the United States, that they approve of my action.

In handling this case, I endeavored only to do my plain and simple duty. I held my mind open at all times for the reception of any information that would throw light on the case but aside from the maudlin appeals of a few sentamentalists, the demands of those who sought Hillstrom's release regardless of his guilt and the appeal of the President, absolutely without reason, I received nothing that would warrant clemency.

Again thanking you and with the compliments of the season, I beg to remain Coridally yours,

Governor.

The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York,

Fred C. Hathaway, Manager, Walker Bank Building. J. F. Hathaway, City Superintendent.

Salt Lake City, Utah, Nov, 19 — 1915

Governor Wm. Spry State Capitol

Dear Governor

I have hesitated to address you at this time when I presume you are swamped with letters of one kind and another but I feel that every Man in the State who agrees with you in your action on Hillstroms case and in your telegram to the President should tell you so, I do most heartily agree with the stand you took and sincerely congratulate you and also the State of Utah in having a Man for Governor who so well upholds the honor and dignity of the State.

Sincerely Yours J F. Hathaway City Supt. The Mutual Life

January 5th, 1916.

Mr. J. F. Hathaway, City Supt., The Mutual Life Ins. Co. Salt Lake City, Utah.

My dear Mr. Hathaway:—

This letter is an appreciation of your communication of November 19th, conveying an expression of your approval of my action in the Hillstrom case. It has been a source of supreme satsifaction to me to receive letters of commendation from my friends in the state, to know that in our efforts to uphold law and order, we have the support of the law-abiding citizens of the state.

With kind personal regards, and best wishes,

I am

Cordially yours,

Governor.

New York 42 Fifth Avenue Nov, 19. 1915

Dear Sir

Your refusal to interefere with the execution of the law in its application to Hillstrom, in all respects most is commendable; and I am sure all good citizens will Thank you & approve your corageous treatment of the many thoughtless who would have had you neglect the discharge of a solemn duty

In my time, and I am nearing eightyfive, all Presidents save Cleveland intrigued /w a second term; and now since the coming of a second wife the present incumbant is deathly anxious /w votes — hence, possibly, his interference in your official affairs in performing your duty towards the people of your State.

Personally I congratulate you /w your courage and expression of the sound logic used in the putting your highest official in his place. I have the honor to be: Yours faithfully Rush C Hawkins

Governor Spry Salt Lake City

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