TR's 'speak softly, carry a big stick' letter for sale
SOURCE: AP (4-5-07)
PHILADELPHIA -- The typed letter in which Teddy Roosevelt first used the phrase "speak softly and carry a big stick" is for sale at $200,000.
It was written in 1900, and Roosevelt, then governor of New York, is pleased he convinced Republicans to reject a reappointment: "I have always been fond of the West African proverb: 'Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.' If I had not carried the big stick ... I would not have had 10 votes. But I was entirely good natured, kept perfectly cool ..."
Less than two years later he was president. The letter comes from a dealer; a carbon copy is in the Library of Congress.
It was written in 1900, and Roosevelt, then governor of New York, is pleased he convinced Republicans to reject a reappointment: "I have always been fond of the West African proverb: 'Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.' If I had not carried the big stick ... I would not have had 10 votes. But I was entirely good natured, kept perfectly cool ..."
Less than two years later he was president. The letter comes from a dealer; a carbon copy is in the Library of Congress.
Source:
AP
Source URL:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2050289,00.html
Date:
4-5-07
