TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” one page, 7.5 x 9.25, Supreme Court of the United States letterhead, May 20, 1922. As Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Taft writes Ralph M. Easley of the National Civic Federation in New York City. In full: “I have yours of May 19th, and have read it with interest. Old Gompers and I don’t agree on many subjects, but I do enjoy reading his attacks on Bolshevism.” Magnificently double-cloth matted with a colorized portrait and two biographical plaques and framed to an overall size of 30 x 20.75. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, faint toning, and a red line beneath Taft’s exceedingly bold signature.
Communism was increasing and labor unions were on the decline in the United States in the early 1920s. Such matters worried men like Taft, Easley (a leader in the organization of American businesses and labor leaders), and Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor. Gompers also was astonished by the influence of political parties in union business, and a growing post-World War I sentiment that Communism—not democracy—was the only movement truly dedicated to the working man. Taft’s mention that “Old Gompers and I don’t agree on many subjects” was a reference to many of the Supreme Court decisions relative to labor unions, including ruling in favor of the right to strike for legitimate objectives and upholding rulings by lower courts to issue injunctions against strikers, declaring picketing illegal. When it came to the ‘Red Menace’ however, the two men, who had served together on the War Labor Advisory Board years earlier, saw eye-to-eye. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
