TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” four pages, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, July 26, 1919. Letter to newspaper correspondent Gus Karger. In part: “I am afraid, from what you say, that McNary must have violated my confidence, though I hope not…I dislike to think of a man in the Senate being guilty of such a breach…there is not anything open to me but just to sit tight and take the shower of abuse that I shall have because of the revelation of my inmost thoughts on this subject…I greatly regret to appear in making this fight now in such a critical attitude toward the President. The truth is that what I was doing was justifying to myself…my willingness to have interpretations and a reservation in view of the situation which Wilson himself had created and thus in my judgment made impossible the bringing over of enough Republicans to ratify the treaty as it is. It is very awkward indeed to have one's naked thoughts, expressed to one's associate in a common purpose, suddenly exposed to the whole world. I don't think I have been unjust to Wilson, but it was inopportune to have an expression like this published now…I find the Canadians are kicking already about being excluded from the Council. This is bumptiousness that I think we can ignore, for it certainly would be hoggish on the part of Great Britain to defeat the treaty or refuse to accept…Canada is not another country than the British Empire, neither is Australia, neither is New Zealand, neither is South Africa.” Intersecting folds, scattered toning, and a rusty paperclip to upper left, otherwise fine condition.
With the participation of 44 countries, the League of Nations was officially established via the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919—just one month prior to this letter. The US opted not to join the League due to domestic political strife, although the idea had general bipartisan support, led by the former president Taft, a Republican, and President Wilson, a Democrat. Opposition was raised in the Senate, however, when Henry Cabot Lodge, penned twelve 'reservations' regarding the treaty. Taft's private letters leaked to the press revealed that he would accept the reservations, as believed the symbolic membership in the League was more important than the exact nature of the organization. This gave greater credence to the 'reservationists' and undermined support for Wilson, who had essentially staked his legacy on joining the League of Nations. A supremely interesting and historically important letter. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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