A Edward NewtonBiblio.com
BAKER, Newton D (1871-1937)Biblio.com
Typed Document Signed
47666This attorney and Democratic politician served as Cleveland mayor 1912-15 but most importantly as President Woodrow Wilson's influential Secretary of War 1916-21 during the tumultuous World War One years. TDS mimeograph 6pp rectos only 8½" X 11" n.p. n.y. Very good. Lightly age toned; two original horizontal fold lines not weakened; staple holes at upper left. Untitled typescript of a speech given by Baker the first couple of lines reading simply: "THE HONORABLE NEWTON D. BAKER: Miss DeYoung Senator Nye Mr. Thomas Ladies and Gentlemen: I think it is fair to say that the most profound preoccupation of the mind of America at this moment is the question of the preservation of peace." At top of this first leaf Baker pens "Stenographic Report" at upper right in black ink. Baker gives a lengthy thoughtful elaboration on the difficulty but necessity of maintaining worldwide peace in the face of "a new triumvirate -- Hitler Trotzky and Japan" offering numerous historical allusions one would expect from a former Secretary of War. He stands up for the League of Nations as he always did. We date this speech at mid-1930s which is perhaps affirmed in the April 5 1935 issue of "Spotlight" a publication of "Students of the Women's Division of Brooklyn College of the College of the City of New York" which reports that "Newton D. Baker has accepted an invitation to speak at an anti-war demonstration on October 4 at the University of .Minnesota" -- perhaps this is that very speech though this is uncertain. After the speech's close on page six Baker signs boldly in full. A quite unusual item probably produced in an exceedingly small quantity and this probably the sole signed copy. unknown
