Lot #32

William H. Taft Typed Letter Signed on Roosevelt and Progressive Party

Description

"The Progressive party is rapidly disintegrating, and the only danger now is that its head will take a running jump into the Republican party and seek to obtain the nomination"

TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 7 x 9.25, personal letterhead, October 2, 1913. Letter to General Felix Angus of the Baltimore American, alluding to Theodore Roosevelt and the decline of the Progressive Party. In part: "Unless we mistake the signs of the times, the Progressive party is rapidly disintegrating, and the only danger now is that its head will take a running jump into the Republican party and seek to obtain the nomination, in spite of all the abuse that he has heaped on the party. It is the weak and cowardly in the party, and those who are willing for a victory to sacrifice principle, who approve such a result. My impression is that there are enough staunch men with backbone in the party, of a conservative tendency, to show before a national convention that should he become the nominee of the party, in spite of his admitted popularity, he will drive away from the polls or into the support of the Democratic candidate, enough of the conservative element of the Republican party as to make his victory impossible. When that becomes apparent, then the time servers and the hurrah boys will cease to regard his nomination as the only road to salvation. I am sure you will agree with me in this. I am publishing an article on the future of the Republican party in the Cosmopolitan Magazine. I am told that it is to appear in the November number…I should be glad to have your judgment on the article when it comes out." In very good to fine condition, with irregular toning to the last page. A significant letter on party politics in the early 20th century.

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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