Your TR Source
William D. Washburn is willing to come to Washington, D.C., to inform President Roosevelt on the public sentiment he has observed in the eastern states and in his own home state. He believes that there is a widespread movement in the Republican Party that is not friendly to Roosevelt’s interests.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-18
William D. Washburn thanks President Roosevelt for his letter, but cannot agree with some of Roosevelt’s statements that there is no analogy between the current political situation and the divisions related to slavery that caused the destruction of the Whig party (in spite of the obvious moral differences). Washburn adamantly disagrees with the statement that the tariff should not be discussed as a party issue, and fears that by not addressing it the Republican party will be soundly defeated. He further disagrees with the premise that the tariff and trusts are entirely separate issues, and gives an example to try to disprove this.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-27
William D. Washburn was disappointed to have received a response from President Roosevelt’s secretary in response to a previous letter. Washburn had expressed concern that the issue of tariff reform is not going to be a campaign issue. He would appreciate Roosevelt’s thoughts on the matter, as he fears that many Republicans do not understand the situation and the danger it may present for the party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-18
William D. Washburn offers President Roosevelt his views on the matter of tariff reform. He has heard that, as the result of a meeting between Speaker of the House Joseph Cannon, James Sherman, and Roosevelt, the issue of revision of the tariff is not going to be a campaign issue. Washburn argues against this, saying that in the states of the Mississippi River Valley, and in Minnesota in particular, the tariff is still an important issue that deserves to be addressed. He points out that when the Whig party dismissed the issue of slavery, a new party rose up to address it and killed off the old one. If the Republican party ignores the issue of the tariff, history could repeat itself.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-09
William D. Washburn writes to President Roosevelt about his wish to visit with the president and convey a message to him from Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-09
Washburn dismisses an undisclosed rumor as groundless gossip.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-13
William D. Washburn offers to send letters attesting to John Crosby’s character. He encloses clipping from “Minneapolis Times” and discusses potential delegates from Minnesota.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-26
William D. Washburn encloses a newspaper clipping, “More in sorrow than in anger.” He states that the “people of this town…do not feel very lightly flattered, nor well pleased, by your expressions and suggestions.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-22
William D. Washburn would like President Roosevelt to hold on appointing a district attorney because he has information of which the president should be advised. Washburn wants a personal meeting with Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-07
William D. Washburn writes that President Roosevelt is doing an excellent job. He mentions that certain groups who think they should “own the earth” are the ones who are really complaining, but the mass of the people support what Roosevelt is doing.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-26
William D. Washburn is offering to set up a meeting between President Roosevelt and Charles S. Mellen, the President of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Washburn tells Roosevelt that Mellen would have much of interest and value to say on the situation of the railroads and other topics. He promises to keep this idea confidential.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-15
William D. Washburn has heard rumors that William Rush Merriam, a former Governor of Minnesota, is seeking an “important public position.” Washburn suggests an investigation into Merriam’s political and business record be conducted before President Roosevelt offers Merriam any position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-06