Lot 918
(THEODORE ROOSEVELT) ELECTION OF 1912
A superb and important collection of eight typescript letters and documents together with seven telegrams, 39pp. total, various places, June 11, 1912 - September 15, 1913 concerning Theodore Roosevelt's candidacy as the Progressive (Bull Moose) Party nominee for President kept by Wisconsin Governor Francis E. McGovern. The archive documents McGovern's efforts to reconcile the radical progressive supporters of Robert M. LaFollette with the faction that supported Theodore Roosevelt. McGovern was a significant player at the 1912 Republican National Convention, was a strong supporter as potential chairman of the convention. Partly due to the behind-the-scenes machinations of Robert M. LaFollette, Elhiu Root (a former Roosevelt ally) was elected as chairman and steered the convention in such a fashion that it completely ignored Roosevelt's primary election victories (and the elected delegates) and all but assured Taft's re-nomination as for President. The telegrams and documents concern both McGovern's push for LaFollette at the Chicago convention as well as his decision to support Roosevelt for the Progressive nomination and provides superb detail on the back-room politics of the period. For example a lengthy address from McGovern, writing in small part on June 24, 1912 (two days after Roosevelt's delegates stormed out of the Republican National Convention in Chicago): "Three weeks ago I sent Mr. Barnes of new York a telegram saying I should oppose the election of Senator Root as temporary chairman of the Chicago convention. For the expression of this opinion, given in response to an offensive telegram from the New York boss I was criticized by a number of persons who pretended to speak in behalf of Senator LaFollette's candidacy. Since this interchange of telegrams the convention has come and gone. Senator Root has been elected chairman of the convention and as such has presided over it; he has spoken and ruled; and the net result is steam roller methods, a Standpat platform and a Reactionary ticket, headed by President Taft and 'Sunny Jim' Sherman. Possibly I may be pardoned now for asking the Republican voters of Wisconsin to say who was right - I or my critics? I submit the issue without argument, for none is needed… I believed then and I know now … that Senator LaFollette's candidacy could not be promoted by permitting the Reactionary element of the party to capture the organization of the convention…" The collection also includes a very informative and critical T.L.S. of McGovern's advisor HARRY CURRAN WILBUR, 2pp., legal folio, [n.p., n.d. c. July 1912] offering advice on whom to support following the schism in the Republican Party: "We are fronted at the outset with the following conditions: First:-It is morally impossible and politically suicidal to support Taft. Second: -We must, therefore, support Wilson and Democracy nationally; or Roosevelt. Either course is morally right, and the question to be decided is therefore purely one of the tactics. Third:- For Republicans, Progressive or otherwise, to support Wilson is wretched politics, because: (a). The tariff difference is irreconcilable. (b) It turns the party over to Democracy and means almost certain defeat in 191245, even if we can manage to win in the state in 1912. (c). Democracy is not Progressive. The cause of Progressivism must be lead by a constructive Republican. Fourth: LaFollette is bitterly opposed to Roosevelt, amply evidenced now. Fifth: If you espouse T.R.'s cause you incur the enmity of the radicals, already aroused; (reason given to you in my statement this afternoon). This brings us to our problem… How shall the way be cleared in Wisconsin for Roosevelt and the Progressive party without you being forced to take the lead in the matter? Answer: LET THE REGULARLY NOMINATED REPUBLICAN ELECTORS RESIGN, GIVING AS THEIR REASON THE FACT THAT THEY CANNOT SUPPORT TAFT, NOR HIS PLATFORM, NOR ENDORSE THE BURGLARY PRACTICED BY CHICAGO BY PENROSE-BARNES-MURRAY CRANE, ET. AL." In a typescript of a speech delivered c. August 1912, McGovern attempted to bridge the hard feelings on the part of La Follette supporters now asked to back a Roosevelt candidacy: "…It is true there are Progressives in Wisconsin who do not admire Colonel Roosevelt. They say he is insincere. I do not believe this charge can be substantiated. Colonel Roosevelt's character and qualifications or public office are well known. His fitness to lead the progressive movement has been submitted to the voters themselves from Maine to California. If the will of the people is to be the law of the land his title to lead in this great cause is clear, having been affirmed by the highest tribunal to which political controversies may be appealed…" The balance of the collection concerns the fallout from Roosevelt's loss in November and the future of the Progressive Party. Also of great interest are three typescript copies of Theodore Roosevelt's September 9, 1913 message to top Wisconsin Progressives making "a confidential suggestion to the Progressives of Wisconsin… One of the men whom the Progressives of this country, including the present writer, have grown to look up to with special regard is your Governor, Francis E. McGovern. His record and his position are such that we feel that he entitled to the support of all Progressives… There is in Wisconsin at present a very curious alliance between the followers of Senator LaFollette and the reactionary forces of both the Republican and Democratic parties. The one man in high position in the public life of the State who is most dreaded and detested by this combination is Governor McGovern, and he is therefore the man around whom the Progressives should rally…" Much more fine content. Overall very good to fine condition.
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