Architectural Rooms of S. V. Shipman, Architect
Office Architect, Northern State Hospital for Insane 160 LaSalle Street,
Chicago, Nov 20th, 1884

My Dear Draper:

You may have noticed the published letter of the Hon. John Bright, in reply to one from a Racine man, in relation to ex-Governor Fairchild's statements from the stump, during the late political campaign.

It is doubtless, not altogether pleasant reading matter for the Governor, but it may suggest to him the propriety of being more truthful hereafter, and less a demagogue.

It may also suggest to him that were he to return to England, the good people might not receive him as cordially as before-time.

All well here, and very busy.

Hoping you are well, and pushing along your historical and biographical works, I remain

Sincerely your friend,
S. V. Shipman

The election of Gov. Cleveland is a very great achievement in the face of such a host of officeholders, and the unscrupulous and lavish expenditure of money.

ed. Note: There was included with this letter, the clipping:

JOHN BRIGHT ON FREE TRADE

Racine, Wis., Nov. 12 [Special] -- Gen. Fairchild having, in a speech here during the late political campaign, made some very loose statements in relation to the democratic attitude as to the tariff, and among other things, charging that British gold was being used here to bring about a policy of free trade, James Fitten, a local mechanic, wrote to John Bright, of England, for information on the subject. The answer he has just received on the subject is as follows:

London, Oct. 29, 1884. -- Dear Sir: I can not write you a long letter on the question of free trade. The free trade club of New York will furnish you with facts and arguments of the free-trade controversy. The story of English money being sent to America to support free trade is a lie, and a very silly lie. Fairchild's description of our people is false. Their improvement since free trade was established here is apparent on all sides, and there is no party of importance desiring to go back to a protective policy. I hope the intelligent people of the United States will soon make a sensible reduction in your tariff. I am very respectfully yours,
John Bright.