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44

Benjamin Harrison

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Benjamin Harrison

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Auction Date:2012 Jul 18 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
ALS as president signed “Benj Harrison,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.75 x 8, Executive Mansion letterhead, September 19, 1889. Letter written from Deer Park to his Secretary of the Interior John W. Noble, who he addresses as “Dear Genl.” In full: “I agree that an early decision ought to be made–but there is one thing much worse than delay–another mistake. The Senators from N.Y. [William M. Evarts and Frank Hiscock] will not back your first choice, and I do not want it to be true this time that the Senators & members hesitate or protest. I have had a very favorable telegram from Genl Cogswell of Mass [Congressman] and a very cautious one from Cabot Lodge [then a Mass. Congressman] referring to a letter not yet received. Mr. Hoar’s delay [Mass. Senator George F. Hoar] is not assuming as to his opinion. Possibly I may wish you tomorrow morning to come here. You can leave by the 3 PM train and can if necessary take a morning train back at 8 o’clock. Should I do so I would want you to bring all the information you know about every one who was named before and now so that the whole field will be before me–and a decision can be made. If Major Warner is still there & is ready to go home he might come with you & stay now & conclude his matter here. It would be natural & his letter could go out with the appointment if one is thus made.” In fine condition, with a central horizontal fold, a few slight brushes to text, and a bit of trivial soiling.

Harrison's reference to "another mistake" was his error in appointing James Tanner as commissioner of pensions in the Department of the Interior. At the time of his appointment in March 1889, critics described Tanner as a “pension crank” who was hostile to former confederates and would give away all government revenues to veterans if given the chance. A controversial choice, he turned out to be an inept administrator and resigned a week before this letter. Here, Harrison asks Interior Secretary Noble to discuss a successor with him. Harrison favored Major William Warner for the office, but Warner would decline the appointment, and in October 1889 Harrison appointed Brigadier General Green B. Raum of Illinois as commissioner.

In Congress, Harrison had championed pensions for disabled Civil War veterans and, once president, signed into law the Dependent and Disability Pension Act in 1890. Pension costs grew to $135 million during his administration and the spiraling expenses were exacerbated by Tanner’s expansive interpretation of the pension laws.
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