- November 20, 1929 – George Foster Peabody to JSA –
Dear Mr. Apperson:
Thank you for your letter of November 19th, with copy of your letter to Mr. Woodbury. I do not see any reason for your not sending this letter and I do not suppose the Governor will. Unfortunately the Governor is under such extreme pressure, with the various important matters that press upon him, with the necessity of his going from time to time to Georgia, that it is difficult, I find, for him to cover the vast amount of ground which those of us, who see things within our own limited fields, consider of first importance.
I agree with you, of course, respecting the important aspects of the matter which, fortunately, you have on your mind and heart so continually and I have said this to the Governor and know that he is sympathetic but, unfortunately, he has to realize more than you or I can how many pitfalls he has to look out for in the matter of partisan opposition which considers every question that comes up as possibly an opening for weakening the Governor’s general support throughout the State which, of course, is very important to us who are sympathetic with forward movements. I am afraid in this particular that you are not sympathetic with my strong conviction, from my own experience and business relations, that nothing is more vital than the conservation of power.
Unfortunately the land-holding interests are among those who oppose the Governor’s strong convictions in connection with the obligations of State Officials to the welfare of the people with connection with power rights. It is perhaps, therefore, doubtful whether activity in this direction would be the occasion for much added opposition to the Governor.
I am sort of thinking aloud in writing thus aggressively. My own feeling is that we cannot have this question properly dealt with until the Governor puts his own man into the Conservation Department. I greatly wish that he could see his way to accomplish this most important movement immediately.
I am
Faithfully yours,
George Foster Peabody
Notes to FDR:
FDR – I am as you know sympathetic with Mr. Apperson’s urgency, but I fear the Conservation Commissioner has complicated your dealing with the matter and you should know all the facts by having your own man in the chair and at that desk. GFP
This letter will not [?] you when you have a few moments – but I do press upon you the underscored above. I spoke of it to Mr. Cross over the phone this AM . The temper of Senator Knight and the Speaker will be keen indeed after this discussion You should not risk by delay a long hold up to keep your man. In [?] personal sympathy with your convictions – out of the office – Do not delay for your trip south – any one even for a brief time.