Harry S. Truman TLS to Hubert Humphrey Re: Korean War-Financing Tax Bill

A 1p typed letter signed by sitting 33rd U.S. President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) as "Harry S Truman" at center. October 3, 1951. [Washington, D.C.] On watermarked bifold stationery with "The White House / Washington" embossed at the letterhead. Expected wear including flattened folds, a few isolated smudges, and scattered staple holes located in the upper left corner. The inner and outer pages are blank. Else near fine. 7" x 8.875."

President Truman wrote to Hubert Humphrey (1911-1978), the freshman Democratic Senator from Minnesota, in part:

"Thanks a lot for yours of September twenty-fifth, enclosing [for] me a statement on the Tax Bill. You certainly made a real fight and I appreciate it…"

President Truman had requested $10 billion from Congress in order to bolster national security measures and finance the ongoing Korean War, which had erupted in June 1950. Although Congress was goggle-eyed over the amount, there was universal agreement that at least part of the sum must be generated by increasing income and excise taxes. In late June 1951, the House had passed a bill pledging $7.2 billion for President Truman's war chest. Later during the Fall 1951, the Senate responded by introducing a compromise bill, sponsored by Walter George (Senator, Georgia), and supported by Tom Connally (Senator, Texas), and Eugene D. Milliken (Senator, Colorado). Senator George's compromise bill would shrink the allotted funds to $5.7 billion.

Hubert Humphrey, who had been elected as Senator from Minnesota just two years earlier, ventured along with Illinois Senator Paul H. Douglas to challenge the compromise bill. Senator Humphrey especially had taken a hard stand, arguing that the U.S. economy was prosperous enough to carry a heavier tax load, one closer to achieving President Truman's desired goal. Humphrey and Douglas had couched their critique of the compromise bill by pointing out that it contained loopholes that would privilege the upper tax bracket, leaving important money behind on the table. On October 16, 1951, Senator George's compromise bill was rejected by the House at a vote of 204 to 157. A revised version passed by several days later, but raised much less than Truman's original request. President Truman would have to lobby Congress for more funds in early 1952, during an election year.

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.

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