RICHARD OLNEY - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 02/12/1906 - HFSID 17500

RICHARD OLNEY
The Cabinet member under President Grover Cleveland's administration signed this handwritten letter
Typed Letter signed: "Richard Olney". One page. 7¾x10½. On personal letterhead. Boston. Dated February 12, 1906. To John Neafie, New York, N.Y." In Full: "I have your favor of the 10th inst. and note contents. Quite an elaborate genealogy of the Olney family was published some years ago by a Providence gentleman by the name of James H. Olney. I have no copy of the work, but my brother, Peter B. Olney - counselor at law, William St., New York - may possibly have one. If you should call upon him he would probably give you more of the information you desire than I am able to. I return autograph as requested - and remain Very truly yours."  Richard Olney (1835-1917) was a United States politician who began his political career in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he served one term from 1874 to 1876. In 1893, he was appointed the United States Attorney General. In this position, he developed a pro-business reputation due to his rejection of labor strikes as a legitimate means of protest. After Secretary of State Walter Q. Gresham passed away in 1895, President Cleveland elevated Olney to the position. He formulated the Olney Interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine, which maintained the U.S. right to intervene in international disputes in the Western Hemisphere. He also converted diplomatic posts in foreign nations into embassies, thus making them permanent fixtures rather than temporary ones. These two actions have greatly elevated the United States in international politics over the years. Olney sought the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1904, losing to Alton B. Parker. Slightly soiled. Lightly creased, mostly at blank top edge. Signature is slightly smudged. Vertical fold crosses "ne" of "Olney." Otherwise, fine condition.