TLS, one page, 8.5 x 10.75, Progressive National Committee letterhead, September 21, 1914. Letter to Henry E. Coonley, in full: "It seems to me that everything I have ever written and the things I am about to write exactly bear out the plank which Mr. Robins, I understand with your help, drew and had adopted in your Illinois platform; when the progressives declared in favor of the three-battle-ship policy until such time as the great powers of the world can be federated so as to secure an international court with international police behind it; so that, in other words, we may be able to put force behind righteousness. I stand unalterably for the power and the duty of this nation under existing conditions to defend its own rights with its own strong hand, while at the same time I stand no less strongly for the principle that it is our duty to try to bring about the day when arbitration shall be substituted for war as the normal method of solving international disputes, and when real steps towards disarmament can be taken, as a consequence of putting the armed strength of civilization behind the sincere purpose of united civilization to work for international justice." Roosevelt makes several handwritten corrections to the text. In very good condition, with creasing, toning, soiling, paper loss to the top edge, and tape repairs on the reverse.
During his presidency, Roosevelt had famously dispatched the 'Great White Fleet' on a global tour in an effort to demonstrate the naval supremacy of the United States. The armada of over a sixteen steel battleships circumnavigated the globe from 1907-1909 and proved the dominance of America's Navy, all without firing a shot. A fascinating letter that demonstrates Roosevelt's approach to balancing military might with diplomatic measures.
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