Description:

Woodrow Wilson
Columbus, OH, August 17, 1920
W. Wilson's Copy of Sec. of War's "League of Nations" Speech Delivered at Democratic Convention! & Bonus Newton Baker TLS!
Document

"Speech of Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War," 30 pages, delivered on on August 17, 1920 in Columbus, Ohio, at the Ohio Democratic State Convention. Included with the speech is an official 5" x 8" sheet of White House stationery with the typed message: "The Secretary thinks the President and Mrs. Wilson would like to see the attached speech of Secretary Baker." The speech defends Wilson's wartime leadership, progressive policies, and push for U.S. participation in the League of Nations, while advocating for Democratic nominee James M. Cox in the pivotal 1920 election. The speech is folded with frayed edges and showcases expected wear. Measures 8" x 13."

The speech is accompanied by a typed letter signed by U.S. Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, dated December 15, 1916, declining an invitation to a Canadian Club dinner in New York honoring General Sir Sam Hughes due to a prior engagement. Written on official War Department letterhead, the letter reflects Baker's diplomatic tone and offers a brief yet meaningful glimpse into pre–World War I U.S.–Canada relations. Measures 5.5" x 9."

This copy of Newton D. Baker's 1920 speech was reviewed by the Woodrow Wilson White House, as evidenced by the attached memorandum on official White House stationery. At the time, Wilson was in poor health following his 1919 stroke, and Edith Wilson played a key role in managing his communications and political decisions. This document provides rare insight into how speeches were vetted at the highest level, reflecting Wilson's continued influence on Democratic Party messaging despite his incapacitation.

In his speech, Baker strongly defends the policies of the Wilson administration, emphasizing the progressive achievements of the Democratic Party and Wilson's leadership during World War I. He highlights America's role in securing victory in the war, its industrial progress, and the ongoing debate over U.S. participation in the League of Nations, a contentious issue in the 1920 presidential election. Baker argues that Wilson's leadership moved America forward, both in peacetime policies and in international diplomacy, and urges support for the Democratic nominee, Ohio Governor James M. Cox, who was running against Republican Warren G. Harding.

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: 8" x 13"
  • Medium: Document

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