Letter from John G. Neihardt to George W. Norris, July 24, 1935

Hon. Geo. W. Norris, U. S. Senate, Washington, D. C. My dear Senator Harris:

Shortly before his death, my friend Dr. W. E. Sealock, wrote you a letter in which he set forth his side of the [controversy with?] side of the trouble with the Board of Regents of the University of Omaha. After [his?] Dr. Sealock's

After his death, as you are doubtless aware, the Board finally issued a statement [?] a statement by way of "explaining" its action. I am one of those who know that the statement was absurd & tragically unfair, and I am writing to [ask?] if Dr. Sealock's suggest that Dr. Sealock's statement to you be made given to the public. Recently, my paper, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, wired Mrs. Sealock asking for a copy of the statement but, of course, it could not be given. Omaha along with other friends of Dr. Sealock, I have thought that you might be willing to read the statement [give?] run the statement [to?] in the Congressional Record.

From what I know of the case, I should say

From what I know of the case I should say that the public needs to know a public airing of it would be a good thing. There is every indication that the Board wishes to [?] hush have the matter hushed up; and it does seem outrageous that such a shadow should be allowed to remain on the memory of such a man as Dr Sealock.

I hope I do not seem officious in venturing to write you about this matter. [Had it and please?] [?] Were I in the habit of thinking of you as merely a Senator another Senator this letter would not have been written, for I have no "influence" with no political have no political influence, I [?] and don't want any. I am just a human being writing to one whose high humanness has become proverbial; and I am one of many who feel deeply that the public should know Dr. Sealock's side of this tragic affair

(over)
With admiration & all good wishes, _____________________