Letter from Jonathan Bourne to Theodore Roosevelt
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1910-05-14
Creator(s)
Recipient
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Language
English
Your TR Source
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-05-14
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
English
Senator Bourne believes that centralization of capital and labor is inevitable, but man can create laws to ensure that both operate efficiently. He believes that the individual who comes up with a solution will be greater than Julius Caesar or Napoleon I and thinks that President Roosevelt could be that man, but must serve a second elected term. Bourne suggests that a national arbitration committee should be established between labor and industrial interests and that the members will be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate and asks about Roosevelt’s thoughts on his suggestions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-19
Senator Bourne of Oregon asks President Roosevelt if the Great White Fleet might visit Portland, as has been suggested by the Portland Chamber of Commerce. In addition to bringing satisfaction to the people of Oregon, this stop in the freshwater harbor would save costs that would have been spent on cleaning the ships.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-04
Senator Bourne thanks President Roosevelt for his letter and permission to discuss the Atlantic Fleet.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-25
Senator Bourne asks William Loeb to deliver the enclosed letters to President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-23
Senator Bourne hopes William Loeb enjoys his upcoming camping trip. He submits if Loeb had followed his advice, it could have prevented the public furor and blaming of President Roosevelt “for every epidemic or visitation of providence.” Bourne requests Loeb deliver the enclosed letter to President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-21
Senator Bourne was pleased to see Theodore Roosevelt’s favorable comments on the five principles of the “Oregon system of Popular Government” which appeared in The Outlook.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-25
Senator Bourne is sending a box of Oregon Comice pears with his compliments and best wishes. He provides instructions on how to properly ripen the pears before eating.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-26
Senator Bourne encloses a suggested platform for a new progressive party if one should be formed. He defends his support for Senator La Follette throughout the presidential nomination process. Bourne considers Governor Wilson’s nomination by the Democratic Party to be a great progressive victory. He has not decided who to support for president but will be opposing President Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-05
Senator Bourne encloses a letter from Thomas McCusker, the director of the La Follette campaign in Oregon. McCusker wants to draw Theodore Roosevelt’s attention to a petition trying to place Roosevelt’s name on the Oregon presidential primary ballot. Bourne is concerned that a division of the progressive vote in Oregon will allow President Taft to secure all the delegates even without winning a majority. He suggests that Roosevelt deny that anyone has his permission to circulate a petition on his behalf. The Oregon primary ballot allows write-in candidates so people can still support Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-02-02
Senator Bourne has received Theodore Roosevelt’s kind wishes for the New Year and congratulates Roosevelt for his article on arbitration. He also discusses the rights of the composite citizen, and how they begin to outweigh those of the individual.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-30
Senator Bourne is sending the Roosevelts a box of Oregon Comice pears as a New Year’s gift. Bourne provides instructions on how to properly “mellow” the pears before eating.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-27
Senator Bourne’s trip to New York has been delayed until next week, so he will communicate with the Outlook offices to arrange a meeting time with Theodore Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-30
Senator Bourne encloses the text of a speech he delivered on the recall of public servants. He requests criticism of his speech. Bourne will be in New York in the coming week and would like to meet with Theodore Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-24
Senator Bourne introduces Charles B. Merrick, the postmaster of Portland, Oregon, to Theodore Roosevelt. At Bourne’s request, Merrick will meet Roosevelt on the train before it reaches Portland in order to familiarize him with the political situation in Oregon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-01
Senator Bourne writes to Frank Harper that he is confident that the Portland Commercial Club can arrange a proper reception for Theodore Roosevelt. Bourne is making arrangements for Postmaster Charles B. Merrick, William Simon U’Ren, and Governor West to meet Roosevelt on the train before it reaches Portland, Oregon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-26
Senator Bourne reviews his efforts to make arrangements for Theodore Roosevelt’s reception in Portland, Oregon, on April 5. He requests Frank Harper’s advice on how to proceed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-22
Senator Bourne argues in favor of direct legislation and against placing limits on the use of the initiative and recall. He encourages Theodore Roosevelt to take up the fight for popular government in New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-07
Senator Bourne and Senator Chamberlain have informed the people of Portland, Oregon that Theodore Roosevelt will be passing through next spring. He expects that the people of Portland will contact Roosevelt and request an opportunity to show their regard and appreciation during Roosevelt’s trip.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-25
Senator Bourne is pleased that Theodore Roosevelt is interested in the organization of the National Progressive Republican League but regrets that Roosevelt will not be joining the movement. Bourne defends the league’s plans for implementing the initiative, referendum, and recall. There will be no effort to force the acceptance of these reforms and Bourne does not expect efforts for national acceptance for many years.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-11