FORD'S ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS AFTER NIXON'S RESIGNATION. FORD, GERALD R. 1913-2...

FORD'S ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS AFTER NIXON'S RESIGNATION. FORD, GERALD R. 1913-2006. Typed Manuscript Signed, souvenir copy of Ford's Address to a Joint Session of the Congress, 11 pp, 4to (265 x 183 mm), [Washington, August 12, 1974], signed on p 11, housed in gilt-lettered and decorated maroon calf folder. Just 3 days after Richard Nixon's dramatic resignation, Gerald Ford delivered this address to Congress, his former place of employment for nearly 25 years. He opens his speech aware that he is a Republican president addressing a Democratic Congress, but asking for compromise: 'I do not want a honeymoon with you. I want a good marriage.' He quickly pivots to the economy and the inflation that is raging out of control: 'My first priority is to work with you to bring inflation under control. Inflation is domestic enemy number one. To restore economic confidence, the Government in Washington must provide some leadership. It does no good to blame the public for spending too much when the Government is spending too much.' Ford mentions some of his legislative priorities for the present Congress, which includes 'a good health bill' and steps to prevent another winter energy crisis. He professes he will continue Nixon's foreign policy strategies, arguing, 'A strong defense is the surest way to peace.' Ford closes his speech, saying: 'To the limits of my strength and ability, I will be the President of black, brown, red and white Americans, of old and young, of women's liberationists and male chauvinists, and all the rest of us in between, or the poor and the rich, of native sons and new refugees, of those who work at lathes or at desks or in mines or in the fields, of Christians, Jews, Moslems, Buddhists, and atheists, if there really are any atheists after what we have all been through.' For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing