Lot 251
Holmes, Oliver Wendell (1841-1935) Associate justice, U.S. Supreme (1902-32), known for vigorous, lucid arguments, often in dissent; he promulgated the "clear and present danger" test for freedom of speech; author of The Common Law (1881).
Scarce Autograph Quotation Signed, on a 3 x 5¼ in. card, no place, June 12, 1901. Written as chief justice of the supreme court of Massachusetts, in recognition of American Revolutionary War patriots, and especially of the contributions of John Marshall, who was the principal founder of the American system of constitutional law and chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1801-35. The quotation undoubtedly rings with special resonance today, but when the words were uttered, they may have been in response to a contemporary story of questionable accuracy: It was said that some protesting strikers had wrapped a baby in an American flag and threatened to place it on railroad tracks in front of an approaching train.
"The flag is but a bit of bunting to one who insists on prose. Yet, thanks to Marshall and to the men of his generation - and for this above all we celebrate him and them - its red is our life-blood, its stars our world, its blue our heaven. It owns our land. At will it throws away our lives. Oliver Wendell Holmes / June 12, 1901." Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
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