Typed and handwritten notes for a speech given by Roosevelt, comprising one unsigned 8.5 x 11 sheet written in pencil by FDR, and a typed 8.5 x 11 page signed in pencil, “O.K.E., F.D.R.,” no date [circa 1931]. The handwritten sheet reads, in full: “2. On the land, 25,000,000 are poor, nearly all of them—but very few are starving—most of their food they require no cash for—they have a roof [crossouts] over their heads. 3. What would happen if this country were to make a definite program to enable 14,000,000 now in cities to go to small farms where they could raise a large part of their food & perhaps find a job in the nearest community—with the full understanding that not one of them would ever get rich. 4. How many would apply?” The typewritten sheet reads, in full: “Prevention of further crises like the present one is a different problem, involving the economics and long-range planning. Actual relief work this winter [circled in pencil: is too big] in most places for private and local facilities to meet. The State accepts the task cheerfully because it believes it will help restore that close relationship with its people which is necessary to preserve our democratic form of government.” Roosevelt’s language, particularly that on the typewritten sheet, echoes that he used in describing the aims of the Temporary Emergency Relief Administration (TERA), one of his most important initiatives as Governor of Depression-era New York. This pioneering program of state-administered government assistance, established in October 1931, was the first of its kind in the country. Its success not only helped push FDR to the forefront of Democratic nominees for president in the following year, but also provided an important model for the New Deal programs—including Social Security, the Works Progress Administration, and others—that he would soon enact as America’s first four-term Commander-in-Chief. Accompanied by an early typewritten commentary on the two items, headed “An Example of FDR’s Method of Speech Writing,” evidently from a member of Roosevelt’s gubernatorial staff. In good to very good condition, with allover toning to handwritten sheet, scattered soiling to typewritten sheet, and chips, small edge tears, and small pieces of mounting tape to reverse of both sheets. The text is clear and generally unaffected throughout. A most important and historic document from the man who, more than any other individual, marshalled the resources to rescue America from the most dire economic state it had ever known! LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
