Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Raymond Robins
Subject(s): Addams, Jane, 1860-1935, Barnes, William, 1866-1930, Catholic Church, Civilization, Modern, Democracy, Japan, Libel and slander, Militarism, Military policy, Military readiness, Pacifism, Political leadership, Political parties--Management, Political parties--Public opinion, Politicians--Public opinion, Presidents--Election, Presidents--Nomination, Progressive Party (1912), Progressivism (United States politics), Religion and politics, Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- ), Russia, Trials (Libel), Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924, World War (1914-1918)
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Theodore Roosevelt views the war as a battle between militarism and democracy. Currently, Russia and Japan are allied with democracy, but with their “alien” institutions and ideals they may “menace civilization.” To do her duty, the United States must be the “just man armed” and avoid pacifism. Roosevelt, and his views, are unpopular and he no longer desires to be a political candidate. He fears his candidacy would be interpreted as greedy ambition. Roosevelt is also opposed by many Catholics due to his previous policies and recent statements. His victory in the Barnes libel suit was also a victory for his supporters as it showed they were right about “boss rule and crooked business.” Roosevelt feels he has done his share in the progressive movement and can no longer take a leading role. The public has had enough of reform and Roosevelt’s presence will now hinder, rather then benefit, the cause.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1915-06-03
Creator(s)
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Recipient
Language
English
Period
Post-Presidential Years (1913-January 6, 1919)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
15
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 Raymond Robins. [June 3, 1915]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o290074. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Raymond Robins. [3 Jun. 1915]. Multi-image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. August 3, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o290074.
APA:
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919., [1915, June 3]. Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Raymond Robins.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o290074.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
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 Digital Library. Dickinson State University. August 3, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
