Description:

W. Wilson Signed Manchester Program Less Than 2 Months after Armistice, On His Way to Negotiate Treaty of Versailles

A 7pp printed and stapled booklet signed by 28th U.S. President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) in black pen as “Woodrow Wilson” in the upper left corner of an “Official Programme” commemorating Wilson’s visit to Manchester, England on December 28-29, 1918. The “n” of Wilson’s signature runs into one of two Manchester Coats of Arms featured on the program; a unicorn and lion rampant framing a heraldic shield and bearing the motto “Concilio et Labore” appear on the cover and title page. The booklet is in very good to near fine condition, with expected wear including minor creases and light finger soiling, each page measuring 6” x 9.5."

Wilson traveled to Great Britain in late 1918 to celebrate the recent declaration of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, and to hammer out the details of the peace treaty. The President arrived overseas on December 16th, visiting London and Carlisle, and meeting with King George V and British Prime Minister David Lloyd George. Lord Mayor of Manchester John Makeague issued this program a few days in advance of Wilson’s arrival to his city. The program outlines Wilson's itinerary; he was to arrive in the central English industrial center on Sunday night, and visit the Town Hall, Free Trade Hall, and Manchester Ship Canal Docks the next day. The highlight of the Manchester visit would be the presentation of the Honorary Freedom of the City award to Wilson, where he also delivered a short speech that morning.

In the speech, Wilson emphasized a policy of mutual trust and friendship between the United States and Great Britain so that principles could be upheld in a world newly imbued with a “keen international consciousness." Wilson said: “You know that the United States has always felt from the very beginning of her history that she must keep herself separate from any kind of connection with European politics, and I want to say very frankly to you that she is not now interested in politics." As this sentiment seemed a little contradictory -- considering that Wilson went to France to negotiate the six-month-long Treaty of Versailles the next month -- he clarified that the United States was, however, interested in keeping peace in Europe and in the world.

Wilson left England and met with Italian religious and secular leaders before traveling to France in January 1919. Besides a brief trip to the United States in February, Wilson remained in Europe to iron out the Treaty of Versailles with Allied leaders until June 1919. Just four months later, on October 2, 1919, Wilson suffered a devastating stroke while he was on tour promoting his new League of Nations. His health never recovered.

Woodrow Wilson was a classically educated university professor and administrator with a passion for political science who entered politics in 1910. After a two-year stint as Governor of New Jersey, Wilson was elected President. He would lead the country until 1921.

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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