Franklin D. Roosevelt: Nominating Address by John E. Mack....

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A very rare item, an original copy of the  Address by John E. Mack of Poughkeepsie, New York Nominating for the Office of President of the United States Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Governor of New York: National Convention of the Democratic Party Chicago Illinois, June 30th, 1932. Mack places FDR in nomination for the Presidency of the United States during this fateful period, this is an original copy of the bound nominating speech, measuring 4 ½ x 6 ½," 15 pp., paper. John Mack continued to have close contact with FDR. The latter's papers from his senatorial days include many exchanges of correspondence on appointments and pending legislation. In 1912, FDR said in a letter, "I do not need to tell you that I look on you as a true friend, and I am well aware what a difference your work has been making." The correspondence continued while Roosevelt was Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Mack appears to have been regarded as a good conduit to FDR regarding appointments and the awarding of contracts. Not all approaches were successful as Roosevelt's answers would respond to requests with advice to take civil service exams or entrance exams for the military academies. He did however schedule appointments to interview personally some of Mack's nominees, particularly those for military service. John E. Mack and FDR knew each other for many years. Correspondence from Governor Roosevelt to Mack in 1929 solicited information on judicial candidates and evaluation of judicial candidates. In 1923 John E. Mack had been widely discussed for a position on the court of appeals, replacing the retiring Associate Judge John M. Hogan. He had the support of the Dutchess County Democrats who tried to line up too many leaders. They believed they could also deliver Republican support for the candidate. The position was the only one previously held by a Democrat and both Republican and Democrats wanted to keep it for a Democrat who would be acceptable to the Republicans. The person should also come from upstate. Mack did not receive the endorsement of the state committee, it went to a sitting judge. Democrats from Westchester were affronted that their nominee, John B. Coyle, a twice defeated candidate for the bench, had been passed over. The Westchester County Democratic chairman resigned because of the slight (Justice Young had come from Westchester). Meanwhile the other Justices of the Supreme Court congratulated the new Justice and members of the Bar welcomed him warmly. Judge Mack put in a busy six and a half months in office and at the same time conducted a strong campaign for official election to the position. In November he carried the traditionally Republican Dutchess County (which FDR never did) but lost in the other counties constituting the judicial district. The lack of support in Westchester was particularly damaging. Mack never stood for election again. In June 1932, Roosevelt appointed Martin Conboy and John E. Mack to advise him on whether the Governor could or should remove Mayor Walker of New York City from office. The Governor said the lawyers would merely sift the evidence while he himself would make the decision. Mack claimed to know nothing about the case and said he would rely on materials in the Governor's possession. "If the Governor calls on me for any assistance I will feel it a great honor to acquiesce." On June 30, of that year Mack placed the name of his old friend in nomination for the presidency of the United States, with this nominating speech. FDR announced his selection of Mack for the job on June 20. "I am very happy that my old friend and neighbor John E. Mack has been good enough to say that he will make the nominating speech in my behalf at the Democratic National Convention. Aside from my close association with him, covering a period of twenty-five years, it seems to me very fitting that the same man who, in 1910, placed me in nomination for the first office for which I was ever a candidate should once more act as my sponsor." (New York Times, June 20, 1932, page 3). Mack was not a delegate to the Chicago convention which he addressed. He distinguished Roosevelt from the many other men of ability, intelligence and integrity who were available for the Democratic nomination by his track record in New York. He told the delegates that in 1930 FDR won his re-election as governor through the support of upstate Republicans as well as City Democrats, the first Democrat ever to do so. The "whole mechanism of his public life" was based on a thorough knowledge of the state he led, a sympathetic understanding of its people, and the courage to fight for what was just. Mack stressed the already announced support in 34 states and six territories. He began his speech by referring to the existing "Depression and dissatisfaction and ... general alarm" but he did not promise that FDR would bring an immediate solution: "We make no reiteration of the glowing but unfilled promises of our opposing candidate of four years ago nor present assurances of recovery within twenty-four hours from the depression which exists, but we do promise an earnest, sincere and determined effort, under the leadership of a man whose courage is unquestioned and whose word is as good as gold – who has already convinced the country that he is big enough for the job." After listening happily by radio in Hyde Park, FDR wired Mack "my affectionate thanks to you old friend, for that fine speech. No matter what the results today you and I will always go on together." A one of a kind item.