Printed text of an excerpt from Roosevelt’s speech at the Centennial Meeting of the Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church in New York on May 20, 1902, 9 x 7, boldly signed at the conclusion. The text reads, in part: “The work of the home missionaries prevents the pioneers from sinking perilously near the level of the savage race against which they war. Without it the conquest of this continent would have had little but an animal side…. Because of it, because of the spirit that lay under those missionaries’ work, deep beneath and through the national character runs that power of firm adherence to a lofty ideal upon which the safety of the nation will ultimately depend.” In fine condition, with a touch of mild toning and faint marginal water stain at lower right (away from signature). Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
