Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Samuel Train Dutton
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1918-11-25
Creator(s)
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Recipient
Dutton, Samuel Train, 1849-1919
Language
English
Your TR Source
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1918-11-25
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Dutton, Samuel Train, 1849-1919
English
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-20
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Dutton, Samuel Train, 1849-1919
English
The attacks against Armenians have provided a “fresh shock of sympathy and indignation.” If the United States had done its duty in Mexico and regarding the world war, the nation would now be in a place to assist the Armenians. As long as the country follows pacifist principles it will be an ineffective advocate for “international righteousness.” All of the recent “terrible inequities” can be traced to the invasion and subjugation of Belgium and the failure of neutrals to protest. However, the “crowning outrage” has been the Turkish treatment of Armenians and it is dreadful that the United States remains neutral. The United States must prepare to defend itself or it cannot perform any international duty. Wrongdoing can only be stopped by the brave and the just.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-24
Theodore Roosevelt told Judge Osborn that he felt great sympathy for the Armenians that are being persecuted in Turkey but he cannot speak to a mass meeting on the subject. Roosevelt thinks a meeting about Armenian atrocities should also address Belgian atrocities. However, there will be no results until the United States atones for the Americans lost on the Lusitania and murdered in Mexico. In a postscript, Roosevelt states that no protest will be effective until the country shows it has the strength and will to fulfill its promises.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-25