Your TR Source
I. K. Russell asks Theodore Roosevelt to reflect on President Schurman’s public statements, criticizes Schurman’s ties to business interests, and defends his own views on leadership and justice. He mentions sending an article to Collier’s Weekly and comments on the changing political climate.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-09
I. K. Russell returns a copy of Edward Young’s resolution with his letter to Theodore Roosevelt. Russell is attempting to get Collier’s to publish on the strength of Young’s resolution.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-15
I. K. Russell certifies “that you can’t beat it,” sharing how the newspapers assert that by denying “collusion with the Mormons,” Theodore Roosevelt proves the veracity of such claims. Following advice that Roosevelt’s letter appear in Eastern magazines, Russell contacted Colliers, who agreed to publish it. Fellow “muck-rake” magazines McClure’s and Everybody’s then turned on Colliers for going against them. Russell explains how Harvey Jerrold O’Higgins deliberately misquoted and doctored the comments of Joseph F. Smith, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to appear he approved the continued practice of plural marriage. Russell sincerely thanks Roosevelt for writing the letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-22
I. K. Russell recalls Theodore Roosevelt mentioning his willingness to remark upon the Mormon situation, and a letter Roosevelt wrote that could give Russell the opportunity to make Roosevelt’s opinions public. Russell has enclosed an amended version of Roosevelt’s letter, omitting several personal names upon Roosevelt’s request. If Roosevelt does not object, Russell plans to send the letter to B. H. Roberts, a historian of the Mormon Church who frequently writes in defense of the church.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-14
I. K. Russell follows up on an earlier letter he sent discussing charges regarding Theodore Roosevelt’s attitude with Senator Reed Smoot retaining his seat after he was charged with polygamy. Further charges have been made regarding this and Russell would like a statement from Roosevelt about it. Russell provides information about his journalism background and strong support of Roosevelt’s policies.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-08
I. K. Russell sends Theodore Roosevelt various clippings alleging his involvement in a suspected corrupt bargain involving Senator Reed Smoot. Russell believes that anti-Mormon sentiments are behind stories in Pearson’s, McClure’s, and Everybody’s about Utah politics. He points out that much of the reporting in the pieces is incorrect. While Russell knows that Roosevelt cannot address various reporting mistakes, he asks about the charges that Roosevelt was involved.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-02
I. K. Russell writes to Theodore Roosevelt to ask if he would be willing to write a letter commenting on the charges that, while president, he was part of a “corrupt alliance” with the Mormon church in Utah. Russell hopes to publicize Roosevelt’s response to show once and for all that there was no such alliance, as well as to help improve the public perception of the Mormon church, which has been slandered by a number of sources.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-14