Lot 294

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

Franklin Roosevelt Signs Doc Summarizing State Involvement in the Build Out of an Electric Power Plant on the St. Lawrence River. Ex. Forbes


Eight page typed document signed on State of New York letterhead. Dated "January 19,1931", and boldly signed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt as "Franklin D. Roosevelt". Each 10" x 16" page is individually inlaid. Near fine condition. Ex. The Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine, and consummate collector, amassed one of the most substantial and broad collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences, and sat on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in Multi-million dollar sales By Christie's in the early 2000's. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection.


A fantastic document which demonstrates Roosevelt's achievements reminiscent of what later would provide him the confidence to roll out his "New Deal", and the WPA. In the document offered here, Roosevelt discusses how the State was capable of building a dam safely as a "vindication for those who supported the project against the insidious propaganda for private development". Later as President, Roosevelt employed these same policies to provide work to the unemployed and build infrastructures during the Great Depression. This document represents one of many launching pads for Roosevelt's successes using the State and Government to successfully complete and build what historically had been only in the hands of private enterprise.


Franklin Roosevelt transmits a summary of the recommendations of the St. Lawrence Power Commission. He points out that the Commission's finding that a dam can be built safely "is an outstanding vindication for those of us who have supported the project against the insidious propaganda for private development. It should foreclose for all time to come further discussion of public development of the St. Lawrence site ..." As for the question "Who shall get the power?", Roosevelt points out that the Commission, like himself is "interested chiefly not so much in disposition of this power to industries which might locate near the St. Lawrence River, but in its cheap sale and transmission to household consumers ..." And the Commission has also reported its agreement with the Governor's position "...that the rates should not be subject to the control of the Public Service Commission, but should be fixed by contract based on a definite method for transmittal of power, but the Governor feels that keeping these alternatives as options will be a useful 'bargaining club...' in negotiating with the newly formed private Niagara Hudson Power Company." He concluded by saying that both minority and majority reports "should be a source of gratification to those of us who have been interested in cheaper electricity in the homes. They show - first, that power can be developed cheaply; second, that rates at which it is to be sold to the ultimate consumers should be fixed by contract in the interest of the consumer; third, that if the contract is impossible to obtain, alternate methods should be pursued which would ultimately place this power in our homes of our citizens at low rates; fourth, that the authorities of the United States and Canada have so far evidenced an attitude of friendly cooperation; fifth, that the time is ripe for the creation by the Legislature of a Power Authority with Legislative sanction to proceed to carry to completion its negotiations, as well as such further necessary studies as need be made of the building of transmission lines by the State, or the possibility of a new corporation to undertake to contract with the State, for the transmission of cheap electricity ..."


A superb document, one that can be viewed as precursor to Roosevelt's policies once he became President.


This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.



WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

 

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

August 19, 2020 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000