Lot #33

Woodrow Wilson Autograph Letter Signed on House of Lords

Description

Wilson responds to a review of his political textbook, commenting on the House of Lords: "Its best work is done by groups, generally very small groups, of its members; in bulk it acts clumsily and often foolishly; and sometimes the worse elements in its make-up prevail"

ALS, two pages, 5 x 7.75, October 2, 1898. Handwritten letter to the "Editor of The American, Philadelphia," regarding his book The State
Elements of Historical and Practical Politics. In full: "Allow me to thank you for the very handsome review of my book, 'The State,' which appeared in your issue of yesterday, and which you were kind enough to send me. I was very glad to adopt the suggestions of your earlier notice of the book, so far as possible, for I at once recognized their value and pertinence. I did not go quite all the way with your reviewer because it seems to me that the House of Lords is better in theory than in fact. It is not vital as a House. Its best work is done by groups, generally very small groups, of its members; in bulk it acts clumsily and often foolishly; and sometimes the worse elements in its make-up prevail. The new lords, recruited from professional or business life, are seldom active or influential. It is neither so vital nor so systematic as the Commons,—and, not being so much heeded, it is languid and not very much interested in itself. It is a dangerous body about which to generalize,—and in a compact text-book I had to stick to generalization." In fine condition, with minor adhesive residue to reverse.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Major Figures of Science and Technology
• Dates: #665 - Ended May 10, 2023

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