American Presbyterian minister (1884–1968) who was a six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America. TLS, two pages, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, January 25, 1966. Letter to Robert Marsel, concerning his appraisal of Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt, in part: “Mr. Hoover was a man of real ability and, according to his lights, of great public spirit. He returned his salary as president to the Treasury. He did a great many good things for which he was well fitted by temperament and ability, especially in the field of relief. His economic and political program was definitely out of date and he lacked the temperament presidents need. For instance, he never went personally to talk to the bonus marchers but sent McArthur [sic] and the military to break up their encampment. He wasn’t responsible for the depression. No man was. But, psychologically and otherwise, he wasn’t the man to handle it. Roosevelt was, as he proved. I was and, in retrospect, still am, critical of some of his policies, primarily of their inadequacy. He didn’t really end the depression or the terrific unemployment. It was the war that radically changed the picture. His temperament was well suited to the times. He was the pragmatist, not bothered by too rigid principles, capitalist or otherwise. He did a necessary job with his New Deal. Without it the country would have had great trouble. It didn’t try to produce the change I should have wanted. He was, I suppose, a good war president. Anyway we won the war. His willingness to send the Japanese and Japanese-Americans on the West Coast into concentration camps without trial or hearing was a terrible blot on his record and his approach to peace was poor. It included his emphasis on unconditional surrender without adequate planning for what was to follow either in Europe or Asia or anywhere else. He put too much confidence in Stalin which he seems to have regretted at the very end of his life.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Ex. Walter R. Benjamin Autographs, April 5, 1995. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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