To Franklin D. Roosevelt New York, August
DEAR OLD MAN,—This is hard work—to say that I can’t be with you on this great day in your life.1 You know that only the mandate of the medical autocrats would keep me away, not that I could do you any good by being there, but that you might know that many men like myself take pride in you, rejoice in your opportunity, and keep our faith in Democracy because out of it can come men of ideals like yourself. I know/that you will not allow yourself to become cheap, undignified, or demagogical. Remember, that East and West alike, we want gentlemen to represent us, and we ask no man to be a panderer or a hypocrite to get our votes. Frankness, and largeness, and simplicity, and a fine fervor for the right, are virtues that some must preserve, and where can we look for them if not from the Roosevelts and the Delanos?
It is a great day for you and for all of us. Be wise! Don’t be brilliant. Get plenty of sleep. Do not give yourself to the handshakers. For now your word carries far, and it must be a word worthy of all you stand for. I honestly, earnestly ask God’s blessing on you. As always,
Franklin K. Lane
Our love to your dear Mother,—proud happy Mother,—and to
Eleanor.
Notes
1 Notification ceremonies following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s nomination as Vice-president by the Democratic party.