360
●
ROOSEVELT, THEODORE.
Typed and Autograph Letter Signed praising
a children’s play about George Washington,
to organizer Beatrice Chanler. One page,
5
1
/
2
x 9 inches; folds and minor wear; framed in corner mounts with a related picture of
Roosevelt meeting the play’s cast. Not examined outside of frame.
Np, [March or April 1915]
[800/1,200]
The Children’s Revolution was an historical pageant presented in Manhattan on 4 March and
15 April of 1915, featuring children in the roles of Washington, Lafayette, and others. It was
presented by the Lafayette Fund, with the proceeds going to relief for French soldiers. Roosevelt
wrote this letter after hearing of the successful first performance. It was prepared for his signature
as a typed letter, but he almost completely re-wrote it in his own hand: “I am glad to hear of
the success of the Children’s Revolutionary Play. There are not enough plays for children which
teach American History. Washington’s career is a lesson in that kind of patriotism which translates
words into deeds; and Lafayette’s career is a lesson in international morality. Both careers
teach devotion to the peace of justice and righteousness, and scorn of the ignoble baseness of the
peace of dishonor. Washington’s whole career is pointless, and no man has a right to praise it,
save as we accept his view that preparedness for righteous war is the only way to secure
righteous peace. Hoping I shall have the pleasure of seeing your gallant little company at their
next performance, believe me very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt.”
Roosevelt did attend the 15 April performance, and visited the children backstage. The
photograph depicts Roosevelt with ten of the young cast members in costume. Notes in the margin
identify cast members William Astor Chanler Jr. and Douglas Robinson (“TR’s neighbor”),
and boast that “WAC played Lafayette. TR put his arm around me.”