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Lot #117
William H. Taft

"The Massachusetts election has been a blow between the eyes to Gompers"

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Estimate: $200+
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Description

"The Massachusetts election has been a blow between the eyes to Gompers"

TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” two pages, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, November 7, 1919. Letter to newspaper correspondent Gus J. Karger, in part: "I thank you for your very excellent article on the present situation of the government as to injunction. The Massachusetts election has been a blow between the eyes to Gompers and the others of his organization who were really conservative, and yet yielded because they thought they had to, to their extremist associates. Wilson has played into their hands in a way that has made us all impatient. The hold-up of the Adamson law is something the country has not forgotten. [Taft hand writes: "Yet they have driven Wilson to fight them"]. The labor union people have become drunk with power, and Gompers refused to see, or if he did see, he refused to yield to, the handwriting on the wall. In my editorial in the Public Ledger, I tried to warn him of the attitude of the American people. Now he knows, because the Massachusetts election ought to leave no doubt in a mind as acute as his. He thought to make the injunction issue one upon which he could win, but the people have got started and they are willing to have any agency used to [break] this stand and deliver policy of these strong labor unions. I greatly regret Gompers' course. I greatly regret the situation because it means that there is going to be a reaction and that the bourbon employers will use every effort to destroy trade unionism. They won't succeed. But it means trade unionism has suffered a blow which it will take a long time to recover from." Taft goes on to discuss the situation as it relates to the Senate. In very good to fine condition, with some light toning, and rusty paperclip impressions to the top edge.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #543 - Ended January 09, 2019





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