White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador to France Henry White expresses regret that President Roosevelt was unable to secure funding from Congress for the construction of four battleships. He praises Roosevelt’s handling of the controversy surrounding German Emperor William II’s dislike of the new American Ambassador to Germany, David Jayne Hill. White also offers his assessment of H. H. Asquith, the new British Prime Minister, and updates Roosevelt on the Trevelyans, with whom he recently dined. Includes handwritten original and typed copy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-04-19

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

United States Ambassador to France White encloses an article by André Tardieu in Le Temps. White is pleased with President Roosevelt’s observations with respect to religious toleration and reform leading to religious harmony. He thinks this view will be productive in France. He also encloses pictures of the new American embassy in Paris. Finally, White updates Roosevelt on the political situation in France. Emile Combes gave an unfortunate speech at a dinner honoring Henri Brisson, which hurt his own chances of ousting Georges Clemenceau as Prime Minister.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-03-20

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Regarding the central bank question, Ambassador White informs President Roosevelt that he has spoken to Luigi Luzzatti, an Italian financier. He believes that sooner or later, the United States will need to move to a central banking system, and that the men in the country are capable of rising to the challenge. Luzzatti provided several examples of banking systems in other countries and noted that Italy modeled their bank after Germany’s. Currently Luzzatti is working to establish an international conference on banking and would like the United States’s cooperation. White briefly congratulates Roosevelt on the progress of the Great White Fleet. White also updates Roosevelt on the progress of the embassy in France, which will finally be able to host the official reception for newly arrived ambassadors and officials. The record includes a handwritten letter and a typed transcription.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01-31

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador White updates President Roosevelt on rumors of a plot to damage the Atlantic Fleet as it travels along the South American coast. Brazilian officials will take precautions to prevent the plot. He has recently seen the Japanese Ambassador, who commented on rumors of Japanese designs of a warlike character against the United States. Further, White comments on what he has read about the possibility of establishing a central bank in the United States. He does not believe that it will be successful at present.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01-03

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador White summarizes a series of informal meetings he had with several European bankers and politicians regarding establishing a central bank in the United States, the effect of the Panic of 1907 on European investors’ confidence in American markets, and avenues of international cooperation to prevent or mitigate future financial crises. White recounts general support for a central bank in the U.S. among the European financial community and expresses his own support for holding an international conference to examine transnational approaches towards financial crises.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-18

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Telegram from Henry White to Elihu Root

Henry White, Ambassador to France, confidentially notifies Secretary of State Root that J. P. Morgan informed him of the Bank of France’s willingness to provide financial aid to the United States if recommended by the French Government. Morgan wants White to inform the French Minister for Foreign Affairs Stéphen Pichon that the United States approves of such financial support but will not pledge credit. White inquires if Root authorizes him to do so.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-08

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador White updates President Roosevelt on his recent activities. White was supposed to have gone on a trip with French President Armand Fallières and Admiral Charles H. Stockton to review the United States naval squadron in Bordeaux, but due to potential protests in southern France, the trip was cancelled and Stockton and his officers were hosted at the President’s Palace and Ministry of the Navy instead. The Japanese Navy will meet the American squadron at Cherbourg, and Stockton will entertain the Japanese admiral and officers there. The French press has been trying to push the idea of war between the United States and Japan. J. J. Jusserand, French Ambassador to the United States, is visiting and is very eager about the new French embassy in the United States, a “sore subject” for White, as he has had trouble finding a suitable house in Paris. White says he will write a separate letter concerning American embassy buildings in the “leading capitals.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-07-19

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador White updates President Roosevelt on diplomatic events in France and elsewhere: White attended a dinner with several important French diplomats where Roosevelt was spoken of warmly and “Washington topics” were warmly recalled; a state visit from the King and Queen of Norway that was cordial except for one Swedish minister who was quite rude to the King at a reception; the state of relations between Japan and California; and the appointment of Thomas J. O’Brien as ambassador to Japan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-05-29

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Henry White received President Roosevelt’s letter but has waited until reaching Rome to answer it. White’s views on disarmament were sent in a confidential letter through the British Embassy’s dispatch bag. He has omitted any reference to Roosevelt’s observations about the German emperor although he has borrowed some of Roosevelt’s phraseology. White writes that Roosevelt’s action in Cuba was met with “universal admiration.” White saw the Chilean minister yesterday who said that Elihu Root’s visit there brought great comfort and was epoch making. Other topics in the letter include the German and Jesuit influence in the Vatican and the reputation of the emperor as an influencer, and White’s visit with the King of Italy and their discussion of new literacy-based immigration laws.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-20

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Henry White reports to President Roosevelt on a week he spent with King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. White and Emmanuel discussed international disarmament, about which both were skeptical. They talked about Vatican relations with many nations, especially Italy and France, and of how the Jesuits were involved. White also describes hunting ibex and shares that the king offered to send Roosevelt some ibex heads.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-29

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Henry White updates President Roosevelt on the allegations against Francis Augustus MacNutt, that he was leaking secret, official Vatican documents. Although MacNutt has been cleared by the Court of Appeals at Rome, and White concurs that there was no truth in the matter, it will be better if MacNutt does not present himself at the Embassy, and it is hoped that he will not do so.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-25

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador White is returning to Italy after having visited England, where President Roosevelt was unanimously praised. White thinks King Edward VII of Great Britain may be somewhat jealous of Roosevelt supplanting him as “the great peacemaker of the world.” White had a substantial conversation with British Secretary of War R. B. Haldane wherein Haldane stated his belief that Roosevelt and the United States may be able to influence the world to accept a global reduction of armaments. White will go shooting with King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy soon, and will try to get a sense of his views on the matter of disarmament as well. White has so far avoided making any sort of comment about Roosevelt’s views on the matter, but asks what his thoughts are.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-30

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador White informs President Roosevelt about American relations with the Vatican, including a controversial dinner White had with four cardinals in honor of Archbishop John Ireland. He says that some in the Vatican, including Pope Pius X, approved of the meeting, while others did not, given that the United States and the Vatican did not officially have relations at that time. White makes a number of other short remarks on various diplomats and the relationship between the Italian Government and the Vatican. White tells Roosevelt that Cardinal Merry del Val and the Pope both appreciated the signed photographs Roosevelt sent them.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-27

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Raphael Merry del Val

Ambassador to Italy Henry White sends Cardinal Merry del Val signed photographs of President Roosevelt for both the cardinal and the pope, along with a copy of one of Roosevelt’s recent speeches.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-19

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador to Italy Henry White recaps key aspects of the Algeciras Conference for President Roosevelt. White notes that American influence was well-received, that America asserted its economic rights while maintaining its neutrality in continental affairs, and that this should silence Roosevelt’s isolationist critics in the Senate. The Germans were unable to disturb Anglo-French unity, and they should treat the Italians with more respect if they wish to preserve the Triple Alliance. White relates his very positive interactions with the Spanish ambassador, noting that relations have improved since the recent war. He also praises his fellow American delegate, Samuel R. Gummere, America’s first ambassador to Morocco.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-04-08

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Henry White, ambassador to Italy, explains to President Roosevelt that he accepted an invitation to dinner with Francis MacNutt, chamberlain to the Vatican, before he knew of the charges against MacNutt. He has had no further contact with MacNutt and will continue to avoid such contact. White also discusses the importance of a bill to authorize the purchasing of embassy houses in foreign countries. Especially in Rome, where real estate is in high demand, such a purchase would allow the U.S. to stand alongside other great powers. Finally, White congratulates Roosevelt on his daughter Alice’s engagement.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-12-28

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador to Italy Henry White thanks President Roosevelt for appointing him to attend the Algeciras Conference on behalf of the United States. An associate wrote him that his coadjutor, Ambassador Samuel R. Gummere, may prefer German to French influence in Morocco. White relates his Thanksgiving experiences hosting Lord and Lady Trevelyan and visiting American Episcopal, Methodist, and Catholic celebrations in Rome. White anticipates a collapse of the ministry in Italy soon, or at least a reorganization, owing to a customs arrangement with Spain which is unfavorable to the Italian wine industry. White wishes Theodore Roosevelt Jr. a speedy recovery from a football injury.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-12-10

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Henry White, United States Ambassador to Italy, tells President Roosevelt that he is pleased Joseph Hodges Choate will head up the delegation to the upcoming Hague Convention of 1907. He glowingly reports on the farewell speech of Lord Curzon upon leaving his post as Viceroy of India. White notes that he will no longer need to send Roosevelt as many direct reports now that the position of Secretary of State is filled by Elihu Root. White expresses his approval of a speech Roosevelt made in Arkansas countering Governor Jeff Davis’s pro-lynching views. White ends by noting that the French ambassador is worried about the position the Germans may adopt at the upcoming Algeciras Conference.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-11-21

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Henry White has received updates from Morocco, where the Sultan hopes to escape French and German influences. The Germans will march on France if France marches in Morocco. White has not had occasion to send President Roosevelt any recent telegrams. White congratulates Roosevelt’s progress in establishing peace between Russia and Japan. White laments the difficulty of finding housing in Rome, and relates details of a railroad strike with more details to follow in a later letter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-10

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador White was received very cordially by King Victor Emmanuel III, and White impressed on the King President Roosevelt’s desire to push for peace between Russia and Japan. After failing to get Roosevelt’s support, German Emperor William II attempted to get Italy and Spain to support him against France, in regards to Morocco, but these plans came to naught. White reports that there is a great increase in school attendance in the Italian southern states by both children and adults who are afraid they will not be allowed to enter America if they are unable to read. White visited with Secretary of State John Hay and found him much rested, and also met with the new Russian ambassador, Nicholas Mouravieff, who said that he believes that Russia will have a form of representative government soon.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-05-06

Creator(s)

White, Henry, 1850-1927