Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Victor Howard Metcalf
Subject(s): Alien labor, Chinese--Legal status, laws, etc., China, Emigration and immigration, International relations, Metcalf, Emily Corinne Nicholson, 1861-1936, Sin, Triick, George G. (George Gannell), 1862-1950, United States. Department of Commerce and Labor, United States. Department of the Treasury, United States. Dept. of Commerce and Labor, United States. Dept. of the Treasury
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President Roosevelt has read Secretary of Commerce and Labor Metcalf’s report about the alleged misconduct of immigrant inspector George C. Triick toward the secretary of the Chinese legation. Although Roosevelt understands there are difficulties in administering the Chinese exclusion laws to make sure the right type of immigrants are in the United States, he does not find Triick’s conduct “justifiable.” Chinese individuals “should no more be molested in this country than any other foreigner.” Roosevelt agrees with Metcalf the best solution is to establish American officials in China to give certification to those coming here, and wonders if such a rule can be established independently of Congress. If new officials are not possible, Roosevelt suggests making an experiment with the consuls. The president closes by insisting Triick’s action was improper, and he should be punished or dismissed. Americans must treat the Chinese how they would like to be treated.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1905-06-12
Creator(s)
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Recipient
Metcalf, Victor Howard, 1853-1936
Language
English
Period
U.S. President – 2nd Term (March 1905-February 1909)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
3
Production Method
Record Type
Multi-image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Victor Howard Metcalf. [June 12, 1905]. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o191902. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Victor Howard Metcalf. [12 Jun. 1905]. Multi-image. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. November 25, 2025. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o191902.
APA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919.: , [1905, June 12]. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Victor Howard Metcalf. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o191902.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. November 25, 2025. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
