Pinback button promoting Theodore Roosevelt for president, 1904. Erhman Mfg. Co., Milford, New Hampshire.
Unlike his predecessors, who saw no role for the federal government in arbitrating disputes over wages and working conditions, Theodore Roosevelt took a personal interest in labor, most notably during the Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902. Favoring neither monopolistic industrialists nor corrupt union bosses, TR sought to balance the demands of capital and workers, insisting on compromise from all sides. "A Square Deal" was his mantra, and it became the signature slogan of his 1904 campaign, appearing on several items issued by his supporters, including this pinback.
We offer a choice example of this classic TR button, a must for any collection.
