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RUSHINGTOWARDTHE PRESIDENCY
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ROOSEVELT,THEODORE.Typed Letter Signed, asVice President-Elect, with a
few holograph corrections, to Colonel Curtis Guild, Jr., reneging on an offer to deliver a
speech at the Home Market Club in Boston because he was unaware that it was indeco-
rous for a vice president to do so. 1 page, 4to; three punch holes at left edge, short closed
separations at folds with vertical one through signature (without loss), some staining at
right edge verso, note at upper right in unknown hand in red pencil: “Please return to
C.G.W. [Charles G.Washburn?]” (TFC)
Oyster Bay, 4 January 1901
[600/900]
“
. . . I find that it is against all the conventions for aVice President to make a political speech . . . so
I shall not be able to speak at the Home Market Club. I had made several such engagements
and have cancelled them all.
“
I was utterly unaware of the existence of these conventions, being too busy with closing up my
governorship . . . . I now find, however, that I am expected not to recommend anyone for
appointments, not to make any political speeches, . . . as well as to write no articles! I am not
well contented with these conventions, and I think I shall depart from them somewhat, but not
until I get on the ground . . . .”