Roosevelt, Franklin D., Autograph manuscript speech signed, 4 pages (both sides of two sheets), each bearing the heading and address of his law firm, Roosevelt & O'Connor, 11" x 8½", New York, n.d. Fine. An astounding example of FDR's political acumen in which he has his wife Eleanor deliver a speech crushing any chance a candidate, Richard E. Arnold, had of becoming County Chairman. This rare handwritten speech of the future, four-term President reads as follows:
"To the Democratic County Committee of Dutchess: I am asking Mrs. Roosevelt to read this only in the event of the candidacy of Mr.Richard E. Arnold for County Chairman at your October 1st meeting. I cannot support or recommend the support of Mr. Arnold for County Chairman for the following very simple reason: I believe that three (3) qualifications are essential in any one aspiring to be County Chairman: 1. Loyalty to the Organization. 2. Disinterestedness. 3. A determination not to enter into "deals" with Republican Leaders.
Last winter there arose a question of whether the party in this County should support the bill allowing N.Y. City to obtain a large area of land and water rights. What I am writing has nothing to do with the merit or lack of merit of this bill. Mr. Arnold was then a Democrat in the ranks, like most of us. He held no position of County or City Committee Chairman or State Committeeman. Yet when the bill was proposed he undertook to bring together the New York City Water authorities with Judge Gleason the Republican leader of this County. As a result the following deal was made: 1. Judge Gleason undertook to deliver Senator Webb and to help pass the bill through a Republican Legislature. 2. New York City agreed in return to give to Judge Gleason all the local patronage connected with land condemnation proceedings and the subsequent jobs connected with the reservoirs, aqueducts, etc. 3. It was further understood that Mr. Arnold should have in return one-third of Judge Gleason's patronage to distribute as he saw fit.
Mr. Arnold may have thought thus to build up the Democratic party but he erred. First: In failing to consult any of the duly elected officials of the Party in the County. Second: In making a deal with the Republican leader. Third: In putting himself personally in the position of making possible large personal gains for himself in the legal patronage involved in condemnation proceedings.
If the voters of this County want N.Y. City to come in here, well & good. But if this happens every step of the proceedings should be put in the light of day. The Democracy of the County had better remain a minority party rather than gain in power by questionable methods that belong to a bye-gone age. Let us remain clean and keep our self-respect. Franklin D. Roosevelt."
With original Roosevelt & O'Connor envelope addressed in FDR's hand, "To the County Committee." Housed in a full crushed calf folder and boxed.
One of the great American Presidential artifacts in private hands. Ex-Roosevelt family, Dr. A.S.W.Rosenbach, John Fleming, Bruce Gimelson, Private Collector.
Estimated Value $25,000-UP
U.S. Presidents
