[ Autographs ] FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT Superb political content T.L.S. "Franklin D. Roosevelt" on his Hyde Park letterhead, 2pp. 4to., Hyde park, Dec. 4, 1924 to John M. Lindly. Following Coolidge's trouncing of Davis and third-party candidate La Follette exactly a month earlier F.D.R. seeks to plot a new course for his party. He writes, in small part: "...leaders of our party have asked my opinion as to what shouldbe done to make the Democracy a stronger and more militant organization nationally. In recent years we have succeeded in electingDemocratic governors. Yet [in] these same states we fail to carry for our presidential candidates...the Party organization is far weaker nationally than locally...I want the counsel and thought of representative Democrats...we are all agreed on certain fundamental truths...the National Committee, or its Executive machinery should function every day in every year...[it] should be brought into far closer touch with the State organizations...[it] should be put on a continuing and business like financial basis...publicity for fundamental party policy...should be greatly extended...party leaders from all sections should meet more frequently...Something must be done and done now to bring home to the voting population the true basis and sound reasons why the Democratic Party is entitled to national confidence as a governing party. There is room for but two parties. The Republican leadership...still stands for conservatism, for the control of the social and economic structure of the nation by a small minority of hand-picked associates...we are unequivocally the party ofprogress and liberal thought. Only by uniting can we win. It is not, Itake it, a matter of personalities or candidates, but a matter of principles...taking advantage of our opponents errors and omissions...we shall gain the confidence of the country..." Light soiling, otherwise very good.