398.THEODORE ROOSEVELT Fine content T.L.S. as Vice President-elect, 1p. 4to., Colorado Springs, Feb. 18, 1901 to Earl Marble, editor of The Mecca, a most out-of-character commentary upon "manly out-door sports". In part: "...I wish I could have spoken to the Legislature but I was not willing to make an inadequate or hurried effort and had not one moment in which to prepare a proper speech. Let me say that I particularly like the editorial on page 4, where you speak of my being a sportsman. I am a thorough believer in vigorous manly out-door sports, but when they become, instead of a pastime, a permanent business, or whenever they interfere with serious work, then they are a sure sign of decadence...". Certainly unusual to hear T.R. compare outdoor life with "decadence"! Usual folds, light soiling, else very good. $1,500 - 2,000