LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Rare Books & Manuscripts #675  / 

30675

Carrie Chapman Catt, 7 Typed Letters Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
Carrie Chapman Catt, 7 Typed Letters Signed
<B>Carrie Chapman Catt, a collection of seven Typed Letters Signed "</B></I><B><I>Carrie Chapman Catt."</B></I></B></I> A fine correspondence documenting Catt's post-suffrage activates, seven pages, 5.25" x 8.5" & 8.5" x 11", New York City and New Rochelle, N.Y., August 17, 1922 to February 5, 1932, all addressed to Miss C. E. Mason of Tarrytown. Following the success of the woman's suffrage campaign, Catt turned her attention to the challenge of world peace in the aftermath of the First World War. Some correspondence focused upon failed meetings with Miss Mason, the head of the Castle School in Tarrytown. In 1927, Catt's post-suffrage activities earned her the label of "Internationalist" (code for communist) by the Daughters of the American Revolution. On April 14, 1927 Catt thanks Miss Mason "<I>for rising to my defense, and I think that that ought to be done every time that such a woman makes an attack on decent people. I think the tide is now somewhat turning, and that the threats of the patriotic gentlemen and ladies who think all the rest of us are inspired with the desire to overturn the government is proving a boomerang which is recoiling upon themselves.</B></I>" Much of Catt's post-suffrage work centered upon the noble and optimistic campaign to outlaw war. (Anyone recall the rather optimistic -- albeit naïve -- Kellogg-Briand Pact in August of that year?) In November 28, 1928 she wrote Mason that "<I>I am occupied in the early part of the winter with the Conference on the Cause and Cure of War to be held in Washington...</B></I>" By 1932, Catt became overwhelmed, and responded to Mason's "<I>request begging that I should have a conference of women to see what was the matter with the world...</B></I>" As she declined the notion of launching yet another committee she confided, "<I>I don't myself think that men or women can make a very stirring appeal on the subject of the causes of our present state, unless they come out flatly and lay it on the last war. Perhaps that war is not wholly blamable for all of it. Around the newspaper offices I learn that there is much prediction that before we get through we shall be involved in war with Japan. I don't know what use there is of having a Friend F.D.R.? for President if he cannot keep us out of war. I am still trusting that he will...</B></I>" Strong content which provides a superb portrait of Catt's post-suffrage career. Usual folds, else fine condition. <I>Ex. Henry E. Luhrs Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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