TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” one page, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, May 1, 1916. Letter to Clarence H. Kelsey expressing his belief that the campaign of Theodore Roosevelt is doomed. In full: “I have yours of April 19th. Since you wrote, the situation has cleared a good deal, although it has not been a surprise to me. The campaign of Roosevelt, so far as it is being a campaign to control a majority of the Convention, is what the boys call ‘bunk.’ The Massachusetts primary has taken the wind out of the balloon, and all my information, both from Hillies and Gus Karger and Joe Kealing, is that while Roosevelt may be a factor in the Convention in respect to nominating somebody else, he has become an impossibility.
I am glad to know that I can assume business with you at the same old stand in mortgages. I hope to have $3000 to invest by the first of June, and I would like a guaranteed mortgage at five per cent, so that if you have anything of that sort, keep me in mind. I deny I was walking stolidly along College Street Monday morning. I never walk stolidly. Your remark reflects on my general appearance. But whatever I thought then of politics, Massachusetts and New Jersey have helped me out. The prospect of beating the Philippine Bill, too, is reason for being grateful. I don’t suppose we can beat Brandeis’s nomination, but there is more doubt about it than I supposed there could be.” In fine condition, with scattered mild toning and a bit of creasing along left edge.
Taft’s letter touches on many fascinating topics, the first being his opposition to the Philippine Autonomy Act of 1916—the “Philippine Bill”—which passed in August. The legislation served as the initial constitution of the Philippine Islands after it was ceded by Spain to the US. A more interesting subject is the Republican National Convention, which was held in Chicago in June and sought to heal a split within the GOP following the prior presidential election. That year, Roosevelt left the GOP to form the Progressive Party, which contained most of the GOP's liberals. Taft, the incumbent president, won the nomination of the regular Republican Party, but the split meant an easy win for Democrat Woodrow Wilson.
Four years later, Taft still harbored resentment against his former mentor, arguing here that “the campaign of Roosevelt, so far as it is being a campaign to control a majority of the Convention, is what the boys call ‘bunk.’” Taft also notes his objection to the nomination of Louis D. Brandeis to the Supreme Court. In March, Taft (who would later be appointed the court’s chief justice) protested the nomination and criticized his ‘reputation, character, and professional career.’ “I don’t suppose we can beat Brandeis’s nomination, but there is more doubt about it than I supposed there could be,” he reiterates here. Intriguing comments concerning a former ally and a man with whom Taft would later serve on the high court. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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