ALS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, Department of Justice letterhead, no date. Letter to Congressman William Morrow, written while serving as Solicitor General. In full, “I acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Whitney’s book on the Chinese. I thank you very much for your kindness in sending it. I have read it and found it full of interest. It presents in the most forcible way the dangers of Chinese immigration and has completely convinced me on a subject which was by no means clear to me before. Aside from its bearing on the politics of this country it gives a very instructive account of the growth and present condition of the Chinese Empire.” Accompanied by an ALS from Morrow to Whitney, enclosing Taft’s letter, dated July 30, 1890. Morrow writes, “I gave one of your books to Solicitor Gen. Taft who has some 40 Chinese cases pending in the Supreme Court where he appears on behalf of the US…through your lucid presentation of the question we have gained a friend.” James Amaziah Whitney was the author of The Chinese, and the Chinese Question in 1888. He was an outspoken racist opponent of Chinese immigration who campaigned actively for legislation to counter the “Yellow Peril.” In fine condition, with intersecting mailing folds and some mild toning. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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