Typed Letter Signed.
This German-born engineer, manufacturer and businessman, a noted strikebreaker, was the first general director of the Emergency Fleet Corporation (1917-19), established by Congress to create the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet to aid the Allies in World War One; a U.S. Merchant Marine vessel named after Piez saw active service in the Sicilian occupation and Salerno landings during World War Two. TLS, 1p, 8" X 9¼" (trimmed), Chicago, IL, 1922 January 12. Addressed to A.D. Sheridan. Very good. All four sides trimmed, though not affecting text; minor mounting traces on verso. On letterhead of the "Citizens Committee to Enforce the Landis Award," (created to combat the building trades' age-old control of construction, which kept rents high; the committee's success paved the way for one of the largest building booms in Chicago history), Piez solicits support for the committee's cause. In part: "...we face a most critical situation. The determined effort, which is being made to rid Chicago of corruption in the building trade, must have united support.. Rent, the largest item in the family budget, has advanced while other things have become cheaper... High rents have a depressing effect on the entire citizen body and effect every payroll in Chicago...." A rousing call to arms, handsomely signed. Item #22385
Price: $95.00