Description:

Theodore Roosevelt
Long Island, NY, December 31, 1915
T. Roosevelt the Muckraker is "Straight-out United States… & willing to make some effort to see this country behave as it should behave" After Rooting out Corruption in Rep. Party
TLS
TLS, one page, 6.5" x 7.75", on Roosevelt's "Oyster Bay, Long Island N.Y. stationery, dated December 31, 1915, marked "Private" and addressed to Wallace Odell of the Tarrytown Daily News. The note was sent shortly after the conclusion of the William Barnes v. Theodore Roosevelt libel trial in which Barnes sued Roosevelt following Roosevelt's accusations of Barnes' corruption within the republican party. Roosevelt shows his deep, unwavering commitment to the core values and principles of America by using the phrase "straight-out United States." This underscores his identity as someone who embodies the spirit and ideals of the nation by portraying himself as a true patriot, independent of party politics or regional affiliations. The short, but truly important letter reflects his belief in American exceptionalism, and most importantly his dedication to serving the country with integrity and honesty. In fine condition, with expected folds and some toning, boldly signed.

Roosevelt writes, in full:

"My dear Mr. Odell:

That's a mighty nice letter of yours: You let your friendship mislead you about me personally; but you and I are straight-out United States and we are willing to make some effort to see this country behave as it should behave.

Sincerely yours,

Theodore Roosevelt"

The Barnes vs. Roosevelt libel trial of 1915 was a highly publicized legal battle between former President Theodore Roosevelt and William Barnes Jr., a prominent New York Republican leader. Roosevelt accused Barnes of corruption, leading Barnes to file a libel suit. The trial, which lasted five weeks, centered on Roosevelt's defense that his statements were true, rather than malicious. Roosevelt was acquitted, which ended Barnes' political career and helped restore Roosevelt's political influence.

The trial's outcome significantly impacted both men's careers. Barnes' influence within the Republican Party dwindled, and he was not considered for a Senate nomination in 1916. Conversely, Roosevelt's political standing was revitalized, and he played a prominent role in the 1916 election, supporting the Republican nominee, although his preferred candidate lost. Roosevelt continued to be an influential figure until his death in 1919, remaining a potential candidate for the presidency in the 1920 election.

The term Muckraker is a reference to a character in John Bunyan's classic Pilgrim's Progress, "the Man with the Muck-rake", who rejected salvation to focus on filth. It became popular after President Theodore Roosevelt referred to the character in a 1906 speech; Roosevelt acknowledged that "the men with the muck rakes are often indispensable to the well-being of society; but only if they know when to stop raking the muck."

Coincidentally, the day before this letter was sent by Roosevelt, Odell's Tarrytown Daily News wrote a story discussing the famous meeting between Booker T. Washington and Theodore Roosevelt. Another example of Roosevelt being "Straight-out United States."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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    Dimensions:
  • 6.5" x 7.75"
  • Artist Name:
  • Theodore Roosevelt
  • Medium:
  • TLS

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