McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

John Lowndes McLaurin encloses a letter for President Roosevelt that is confidential except for William Loeb.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-11-11

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-04-20

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Recipient

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Language

English

John Lowndes McLaurin writes to Judge Pritchard regarding various political strategies and the public opinion of President Roosevelt. McLaurin mentions his hope that the President would form a white party. McLaurin also dismisses the idea of his running as an independent in South Carolina.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-12-23

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

John Lowndes McLaurin believes Richard Cheatham’s attacks on James Wilson are unjust. McLaurin also offers his help to President Roosevelt should he need information on cotton interests.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-11-11

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin comments, regarding his dismissal from the Democratic caucus in the Senate, that the same methods used against “Negroes and carpet baggers” in the South are now being used against other classes. He says that he plans to write a speech about it and asks whether Roosevelt has the time to be, or would like to be, consulted on the matter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-12-05

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin describes President Roosevelt’s White House dinner with Booker T. Washington as a customary courtesy and not a breech of inter-racial boundaries and etiquette. A handwritten note by George B. Cortelyou says, “Not used. The President said he did not want anyone to make any explanation for him.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin declines the proposed appointment to the Court of Claims.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-17

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin, in a personal letter accompanying his formal letter declining a position on the Court of Claims, explains his deep sorrow at the charges leveled against him and his conviction of his having lived a “clean and unselfish” public life.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-17

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin writes to ask President Roosevelt to not consider him for any federal appointments as any position given him would seem like a reward for his switching to the Republican party. He has also been considered for federal appointments before and failed to receive them so he does not wish to fail again. He points out that he has several friends that have recommended him for the position on the Court of Claims and that his speech distancing himself from the Democratic Party occurred before his attempt at the office. McLaurin understands that his time in the Senate is short.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-05-15

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin would like President Roosevelt to look at the address McLaurin made to the people of South Carolina. The full text can be found in the “Post” of May 5, 1902. He intended to wait, but decided it would be best to hit the first lick in the primary.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-05-05

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin endorses Captain Claude E. Sawyer for an appointment to a judgeship in the Philippines, describing him as “a good lawyer and of unquestioned integrity.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-01-21

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin explains his position on African American suffrage and repealing the 15th Amendment.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-12-19

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin attempts to clarify his views on African American suffrage. McLaurin supports states being able to restrict suffrage and thus prevent “negro domination.” A small “intelligent electorate” of African Americans can effectively protect their race and serve as a balance of power in the South. McLaurin wants “division of thought” over racial divisions.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-12-19

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin appreciates President Roosevelt’s comments regarding the South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition. McLaurin believes it is courteous for Representative Elliott to introduce the legislation as Elliott introduced the bill during the last session. He also fears that if he introduces the bill then Elliott will work towards preventing its passage. McLaurin is interested in passing the legislation and not using the passing for political advantage.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-12-03

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin requests Representative Elliott’s help to secure funding for the South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition by pushing the necessary legislation through the House.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-12-03

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin supports the appointment of George R. Koester and believes the movement to tie Koester to a lynching is simply motivated by politics. He claims there is no ground to attack Koester or his appointment.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-12

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin has doubts about the claims that George R. Koester participated in a lynching that took place in South Carolina eight years ago. The person making accusations against Koester is a personal enemy. McLaurin does not wish to become directly involved but is convinced that Koester has been wrongly accused.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-09

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin reports that William Demos Crum is more interested in a consulship than appointment as collector of customs at Charleston, South Carolina. Crum, an African American, would prefer a position where “his race would not be a handicap.” The appointment of George Washington Murray will be made as soon as George R. Koester takes charge.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-30

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

The appointment of George R. Koester is creating a great deal of comment and Senator McLaurin encloses a personal letter that may interest President Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-26

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934

Senator McLaurin notifies President Roosevelt that he succeeded in reaching Senator Hanna’s secretary, Elmer Dover, via telephone. He explained the matter and asked Dover to have Hanna wire Roosevelt directly. McLaurin also sent his secretary to South Carolina to speak with John G. Capers. They will not be able to keep George Koester’s presence in Washington, D.C., out of the newspapers much longer.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-21

Creator(s)

McLaurin, John Lowndes, 1860-1934