EDISON CYLINDER RECORD~ 1908 William Howard Taft Speech "Funtion Of Next Adminitration" 10001-RARE POLITICAL Start Price USD 450.00 Current Price USD 450.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, November 15, 2008 End Time Thursday, November 20, 2008 Location Rosedale, Louisiana See more about 'EDISON CYLINDER RECORD~ 1908 William Howard Taft Speech' Description This auction is for this super rare Edison cylinder recording. It is by Howard Taft and is titled "Function Of Next Administration" In the spring of 1908, William Jennings Bryan, a Democrat, was about to make his third run for president. Republicans had beaten him twice before, and a daunting opponent stood in his way: William Howard Taft, Teddy Roosevelt's hand-picked successor. The moneyed Republicans were the majority party, and Bryan was looking for any advantage he could find. The National Phonograph Co., run by Thomas Edison, made Bryan an offer he couldn't refuse: record a series of two-minute mini-speeches on wax cylinders. The company would sell them for 35 cents each. Bryan even got paid $500, a handsome sum at the time. He donated the money to the Democratic Party. The Republican Taft was far more "old school," but he refused to be outdone. Edison's company made recordings of him, as well. One recording accused the Democrats of a cut-and-run plan for the Philippines — a scenario not unlike debate over the Iraq war. Taft also got $500 for his efforts, plus a new phonograph. If only the 2008 race and debates could have been on Edison cylinders. A Lot has changed in 100 short years.... The cylinder seems to be in good condition. The playing surface is very shiny. I don't have anything to play it on to check sound quality. There are some chips on the very end. The box does not have the original lid. If you have any questions, please ask. Don't miss this opportunity to own a rare piece of political history. Buyer is to pay exact cost of shipping plus insurance (required) I will accept money orders or checks. Checks will have to clear my bank before shipping. Credit card by Pay Pal is also welcome. Thanks for bidding and GOOD LUCK! Place a Bid!