The initial support for your campaign was granted by none other than the illustrious Women's Christian Temperance Union, following your eloquently crafted letter highlighting the importance of temperance being left to individual states. Regrettably, the Anti Saloon League has refrained from providing their endorsement, though it must be noted that they have not extended their support to any of the other three contenders either. However, their stance is of little consequence, given the plethora of endorsements garnered from influential Union leaders hailing from diverse regions of the nation. This is, in no small measure, attributed to the Socialist faction of the party, which made concerted efforts to solicit their backing. Among these endorsements, one may cite the names of Peter J. McGuire of the UBC and John McBride of the AFL, to name a few.
To the astonishment of many, the endorsement from an individual outside of Union leadership, emerged as the most striking. The enigmatic and controversial Governor of Illinois, John P. Altgeld, known for his populist ideologies and fervent advocacy for Unions during the labor wars, has remarkably severed ties with his party to endorse you for the presidency. This surprise announcement is particularly noteworthy, as Altgeld is currently running for re-election, thus indicating the gravity of his conviction in endorsing you. This unexpected turn of events not only opens up the state of Illinois for you but also provides an opportunity to compete in the Northern regions, thereby- your thoughts are quickly interrupted by the sudden appearance of your brother Edwin bursting into the room, his panicked expression betraying his concerns. In his hand, he clutches a newspaper with a headline that immediately sends a chill down your spine. The situation has suddenly become a lot more complicated, as the article announces the return of Theodore Roosevelt to the campaign trail, fully recovered from his wounds.
The Palmer House
As you disembarked from the train, the locomotive hissed and huffed, halting at the station with a metallic clang. A sense of nostalgia washed over you as you realized that it had been eons since you had last set foot in this city. And yet, as you gazed around, you couldn't help but notice that the place seemed to be frozen in time, unchanged since your last visit. Chicago, a metropolis teeming with squalor, corruption, and destitution - reminiscent of New Orleans in many ways. You meandered through the streets, your hat pulled low over your forehead, a cloak of anonymity to evade detection.
After a while, you arrived at your destination, the prestigious Palmer House. This exquisite hotel served as the hub of political activity in the city, where councilors, aldermen, journalists, and other influential personalities converged to shape the future of the region. It was here that you were scheduled to rendezvous with the man who held the key to delivering the state into your hands. The illustrious gentleman who has taken it upon himself to further your cause is none other than the venerable Mayor Carter Harrison Jr, scion of the esteemed Carter Harrison Sr. Following the tragic assassination of his father in 1892, Harrison Jr felt compelled to carry forward his father's legacy, especially during the peak of the labor wars, and therefore made the momentous decision to run for mayor in 1893. With a landslide victory, he ascended to the highest office in the city and has since been ardently dedicated his belief that Chicagoans had two major desires, to make money and spend it.
Mayor Carter Harrison Jr is aware of the close bond that you share with the Harrison family, by way of your association with Benjamin Harrison and his son ,your current running mate, Russell Harrison. In fact, it is Russell's persuasive appeal in a letter sent from his duties in Cuba that catalyzed the scheduling of this crucial meeting between yourself and the venerable Mayor. The strong familial ties that bind you have paved the way for an auspicious alliance. He promises that he will do everything in his power to make the city vote for you. He spoke of leveraging his vast network of contacts, leveraging his standing in the community, and marshaling all the resources at his disposal to ensure that your message resonated deeply with the citizenry. The Mayor's pledge to leave no stone unturned in his quest to rally the city behind you is impressive to say the least and you are extremely thankful to him as he could be the key to winning this election.
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Mayor Carter Harrison Jr the key to victory for your campaign
Foreign Policy
It has been a week since Roosevelt has recovered and the man has already embarked on a journey around the country touting his ideas. Not only has his return been an issue but Allison and his goons are draining support away from your campaign particularly in the border states and West where you are most vulnerable. Russell and his populists have also been making moves taking a third of the Unions under his control including the powerful United Mineworkers of America (UMWA). Not only that he was last seen in New York City alongside Joseph G Pulitzer which is a bad sign.
As you recline in your hotel room, weary from a day filled with spirited campaigning in the vibrant city of Chicago, you allow your gaze to wander upon the words of the daily paper that rests in your hands. Amidst the plethora of news, an intriguing article captures your attention, weaving tales of a potential armed uprising in the Philippines against the Japanese Empire. If the rumors hold true, the timing seems ripe for such a rebellion, considering Japan's ongoing conflict with the Russian Empire.
Setting the paper aside, your thoughts wander to the profound transformations that have swept across the world since your formative years. Gone are the days when your concerns revolved solely around the struggles between immigrants and nativists within your own country. The world now stands at the precipice of uncertainty and upheaval, with myriad conflicts and tensions engulfing nations far and wide. It is a disconcerting reality that leaves you contemplating the future and questioning the role your country should play on the world stage.
Reflecting upon these ponderings, the question arises: What should be your general stance on foreign policy?
Interventionism: This is a foreign policy approach that would have the United States actively intervenes in support of democratic values, human rights, and national interests abroad. You would advocate for the proactive use of power to shape international affairs and advance our principles on the global stage. Interventionism aims to actively engage in the world to defend our values and secure our nation's well-being. The current government supports this to a degree as the War In Cuba began over human rights concerns and invocation of the Monroe Doctrine.
Open Trade: This would have you advocate for the reduction of tariffs and barriers to international trade, promoting fair and reciprocal trade agreements to stimulate economic growth. This is an unusual position for a former Republican and would alienate protectionists within your new party.
Strategic Alliances: This would have you support working towards strategic alliances and partnerships with other nations to protect and advance national interests, including territorial integrity, security, and economic prosperity. There would be a emphasis on maintaining a balance of foreign concerns and safeguarding core national interests. At the moment this would be the least popular choice but it could work if only reserved to countries in the Americas.
Neutrality and Non-Entanglement: This would have you maintain a policy of neutrality in conflicts between other nations, focusing on preserving national interests rather than getting entangled in foreign disputes. This is currently the view point shared by many Americans who believe In isolationism. Things have changed ever since the start of the War but many believe this is a special case and not getting involved in world affairs is still the wisest move.
Which foreign policy stance will you you follow?
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Current Traits: Bold, Frugal, Compassionate, Traumatized, Vengeful
Relations: Edwin Hays (Brother): 7/10 Isabella Hays (Sister): 6/10 Alexandria Hays (Wife): 9/10 Elijah Hays (Son): 8/10
Current Predictions for the Election of 1896:
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