Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1918-12-28

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Recipient

Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

Publication Date

2025-09-25

Theodore Roosevelt sends Rudyard Kipling a copy of his, America and the World War. Roosevelt kept silent as long as he could, but there is no chance of President Wilson creating worthwhile policy. Roosevelt wants it known that he was not part of the route the country has chosen.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-01-16

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt encloses several articles he has written on the situation in Europe. Roosevelt disagrees with President Wilson’s and Secretary of State Bryan’s attitude toward foreign affairs. However, he is reluctant to speak out about what actions he would have taken as president because he is powerless to see anything done. He believes that England is “entirely right” and that there can be no peace until the wrongs against Belgium have been redressed. Roosevelt has not publicly addressed the “outrages against individuals” due to the large amount of conflicting testimony. He likes the German people and believes that many have been “influenced by genuine fear.” Roosevelt agrees that there is a danger to the United States but Americans that share this view are a minority and Roosevelt’s political influence is “nearly gone.” He requests that Rudyard Kipling keep his letter confidential and write frankly about the articles, as well as anything else he should speak out about.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-10-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Theodore Roosevelt encloses several articles he has written on the war in Europe which call for American military preparation and stress the nation’s duty to interfere on behalf of Belgium. He does not state the form of interference, as the American public would not support him. Roosevelt views the American public as short sighted with far too much confidence in their security across the Atlantic Ocean. He has a low opinion of President Woodrow Wilson and Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan. Roosevelt has not seen first hand statements regarding the German outrages in Belgium and recommends that Great Britain launch an investigation among the Belgian refugees. Strong evidence is needed to reach world opinion.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-04

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

President Roosevelt thanks Rudyard Kipling for sending him a collection of stories, and offers some of his thoughts on his recent political campaign. Roosevelt acknowledges that, while he holds his actions as having been the correct ones to take, there are may people who disagree with him, particularly regarding the Philippines, Panama, and his dealing with the railroads and the trusts. Regardless of the outcome of the election, Roosevelt feels that he has “had a first class run for [his] money, and [he has] accomplished certain definite things.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-11-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919