Letter from Daniel F. Clancy to Harold Ickes

September 23, 1949 My dear Mr. Ickes: I have finally heard from Alabama, and a complete report is attached. I Your attention is drawn to the attached newspaper clipping which appeared in several papers Sept. 17 and 18. It lists only 13, instead of the actual 22 states that have "not ratified" the amendment this year. Since the AP story, which listed Alabama 0 as not ratifying, was obviously incorrect on some points I delayed in writing you until I had varified Alabama's action. I was notified yesterday that the Alabama legislature adjourned sine die on Sept. 9 without passing the amendment. The next regular session will be in May, 1951. I am attaching a somewhat mutilated copy of my old pamphlet on the subject, for what aid it may be to you. Briefly, I believe that "we should leave the presidency as it was planned in the Constitution, and continue to trust the people to know which president they want, and how long they want him. The wise nation will set up no barrier My against utilizing ability or exploiting experience." The sooner the correct status of the amendment is published the better--since nine more states did "not ratify" this year than has hitherto been announced. An early column by you could clarify this. Otherwise, you or I should draw it to the attention of the Associated Press. I appreciated your autographed booklet, and was interested to know that you knew old Jurge Landis, who was also from my hometown of Logansport, Ind. Sincerely, Daniel Francis Clancy