Your TR Source
Lee C. Spooner demands Frank Harper give his manuscript directly to Theodore Roosevelt. He will continue to send it through multiple channels until he receives a personal note from Roosevelt concerning it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-19
As Theodore Roosevelt is well known for his interest in improving the welfare of United States citizens, Lee C. Spooner sends Theodore Roosevelt a manuscript he has written on the subject of whether poverty can be abolished in the United States. He believes it contains several suggestions which, if implemented, would be helpful to a great number of people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-18
Lee C. Spooner believes Americans share the sentiment that poverty can and must be abolished and proposes how this can be accomplished, primarily by turning competition into cooperation. He argues that the laborers are the enemy of the republic, as they either turn to crime or revolution. To feel the responsibility of citizenship, the laborer must first own property. Spooner proposes they be granted a one-acre, suburban tract of land with a house through a federal initiative. Next, the prohibition of liquor will prevent laborers from wasting their earnings. Instead, they can then invest their earnings in federally regulated trusts. This redistribution of wealth will bring “socialism by purchase” and the end of poverty.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-19
Lee C. Spooner asks George D. Wardrop if Theodore Roosevelt personally read the article which Spooner previously sent. While Spooner realizes Roosevelt must be overwhelmed with people asking for advice or assistance, he emphasizes that he is not looking for either of these in having sent Roosevelt the article, but merely would like for him to read it and consider the plan he presents. Spooner has sent his article to other prominent men in the hope of having them read it as well.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-24