Letter from James Ford Rhodes to Theodore Roosevelt
Subject(s): Bryce, Elizabeth Marion Ashton Bryce, Viscountess, 1854-1939, Bryce, James Bryce, Viscount, 1838-1922, Cleveland, Grover, 1837-1908, Honesty, Justice, McKinley, William, 1843-1901, Peace, Philanthropists, Political corruption--Prevention, Rhodes, Ann Charlotte Card, 1848-1929, Rome, Rome (Empire), Roosevelt, Edith Kermit Carow, 1861-1948, War, Wars, Wealth--Government policy
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President Roosevelt’s former classmate, James Ford Rhodes, reflects on Roosevelt’s administration and how it will be viewed by history. He believes three points will endure: the man whose critics called him a champion of war has become a peace keeper; Roosevelt has set a high standard of honesty in public service, and has inspired good young men to enter into politics; and his presidency has favored neither the rich nor the poor, but administered justice to both. Rhodes also reflects on the lives of the rich, comparing America’s wealthy with others in history, particularly those of the Roman Republic and Empire. He believes the Americans are better because of the use they make of their wealth. While the ancient Romans dedicated themselves to lives of sensual pleasure, the modern Americans live simply and give to educational and charitable causes.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1907-03-16
Creator(s)
Recipient
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Language
English
Period
U.S. President – 2nd Term (March 1905-February 1909)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
5
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 James Ford Rhodes to Theodore Roosevelt. [March 16, 1907]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o55683. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927. Letter from James Ford Rhodes to Theodore Roosevelt. [16 Mar. 1907]. Multi-image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. January 30, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o55683.
APA:
Rhodes, James Ford, 1848-1927., [1907, March 16]. Letter from James Ford Rhodes to Theodore Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o55683.
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. January 30, 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.