Roosevelt, Theodore & Son

Autograph notecard signed ("Theodore Roosevelt"), 1 page (4 x 5 in.; 102 x 126 mm) with imprint of "United States Civil Service Commission, Washington, D.C.," Washington, 27 November 1889, to an unnamed addressee; inlaid. Gray cloth folding-case.  Together with: Roosevelt, Theodore, Jr. Typed letter signed ("Theodore Roosevelt"), 2 pages (10 1/2 x 7 1/4 in.; 266 x 184 mm) on personal letterhead "Oyster Bay, Long Island," New York, NY, 19 January 1927, to Bishop Frederick DeLand Leete in Indianapolis; formerly folded. Gray cloth folding-case.

The 1889 note: Charles J. Rosenbloom, Pittsburgh (his sale, in these rooms, 23 October 1987, lot 57)

note with a few fold marks, otherwise clean
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

"A politician can be a Christian."

Civil Service Commissioner Roosevelt replies in his usual, straightforward way to an enquiry: "Of course a politician can be a christian; he will never do really first class work in politics unless he applies the rules of morality and christianity as rigidly in public as in private life."

Teddy Jr. (1887-1944) writing after his failed bid for the governorship of New York State, offers his opinions on Prohibition to Bishop Leete: " ... I am sorry to say that this whole question of prohibition is one wherein both sides misrepresent each other. The many sincere and earnest friends I have who are prohibitionists insist upon believing that everyone who feels ... the Volstead Law should be modified ... is an advocate of lawlessness ... the equally sincere and honest friends I have who do not believe in the present law, maintain ... that the Drys are hypocrites and do not obey the law that they themselves have passed. Of course both are wrong ... the majority are actuated by what they consider to be right.