ROOSEVELT, THEODORE. 1858-1919.
Typed Letter Signed ('Theodore Roosevelt') to Rabbi [Stephen S.] Wise, 1 p, 183 x 172 mm, on The Outlook stationery, 287 4th Avenue, New York, October 10, 1911, trimmed, minor soiling along top edge, remnants of previous mounting to verso.

'I am not an expert; it is not my business to be an expert; my business is to take the opinions of experts, go over them, make up mind what it is safe to advocate, and then advocate it with all my heart.'

AN EXCELLENT ROOSEVELT LETTER TO RABBI WISE, responding to Wise's letter which apparently suggested another appearance before Congress. He begins, 'It does not seem to me wise, or indeed proper, that I, an ex-President, should go before Legislative Committee to testify. Of course if I am asked I plead no privilege, and go just as any other citizen would. But I do not think I should be asked.' A brief, but important, letter from the ex-President, commenting on the Executive-Legislative relationship, and eloquently expressing his view of the role of the President (or ex-President). In August 1911, Roosevelt had appeared before a Congressional committee investigating the Steel Corporation, in compliance with their request.