PRESIDENT BENJAMIN HARRISON - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 11/14/1894 - HFSID 5085

BENJAMIN HARRISON
The former President congratulates New York Republicans on successes in the 1894 elections.
Manuscript Letter Signed: "Benj Harrison", 2p, 5x7¾, separate sheets. Indianapolis, Ind., 1894 November 14. The former 23rd U.S. President writes to L.C. Whiton, New York City. In part: "I am much obliged to you for the invitation to attend the dinner of the Republican Association of the Second Election District of the 23rd Assembly District of the City of New York, on the evening of Tuesday the 20th inst. I regret that it will not be possible for me to accept this invitation. I beg you to extend to those who shall assemble, my hearty congratulations upon the magnificent victory which has been achieved in the State, and in the City of New York. To win is only the first step; to hold is the important thing. Whatever may be true of other parties the Republican party can only hold the confidence of the constituency to which it must appeal by conducting all public affairs upon high lines." The "magnificent victory" included Levi P. Morton's election as Governor of New York on November 6, 1894. Morton had been Harrison's Vice President from 1889-1893. In the election of 1894, Republicans swept into office in landslide numbers largely due to the economic crisis under Cleveland's administration. First sheet lightly soiled, ¼-inch diagonal tear in bottom blank margin. Erased pencil notations at upper right corner. Second sheet is lightly soiled, not near signature. Mounting remnant on verso with light show through in blank bottom margin results in some creasing there. Overall, in fine condition.