Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Commissioner William Williams about the racial designations on the back of the blank immigration forms he sent. He wonders why immigrants from Cuba and the West Indies are designated as separate races and compares it to the way Russia classifies its immigrants.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-07
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Commissioner of Immigration Williams regarding complaints made to him about a Department of Commerce and Labor ruling that Jews are to be classified as Hebrews on paperwork for outgoing immigrants. Roosevelt does not understand why religious affiliation should be included on such paperwork and would like to know more about the papers and their purpose.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-05
Regretfully, President Roosevelt accepts William Williams’s resignation as commissioner of immigration at New York. If possible, he requests Williams stay on for three more weeks. Roosevelt recognizes the sacrifice Williams has made holding the position and commends him for “a service of real and high importance to the whole Nation.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-12
President Roosevelt states that the enclosed letters speak for themselves. If Mrs. Cooper has done good work, Roosevelt requests that she be continued.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-16
President Roosevelt approves of William Williams’s letter in its present from and will not deal with Mr. Nelson further.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-05
In light of the “scoundrelly article” by Henry Loomis Nelson, President Roosevelt instructs Williams to work with Van Ingen and prepare a statement about McSweeney.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-20
Ralph Trautmann has expressed fears that events at Ellis Island have given citizens of German origin the impression that the Roosevelt administration is influenced by anti-foreign feeling. Roosevelt would like William Williams to go over the immigration situation on Ellis Island with Trautmann and Frederick W. Holls to show that Trautmann’s fears are unfounded.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-21
President Roosevelt has received several complaints from prominent members of the Jewish community on the manner of deportation of aliens from Ellis Island. Roosevelt supports the need for deportation but stresses the need to avoid “unnecessary harshness” and prevent discrimination against immigrants of a particular race or creed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-23
President Roosevelt apologizes for missing William Williams and requests that he return tomorrow.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-19
President Roosevelt would like a full statement from William Williams regarding the “dishonesty and malpractice of the various present holders.” Roosevelt is likely referring to the employees of Ellis Island where Williams is Commissioner of Immigration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-23
A voided letter from Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary to William Williams.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07
President Roosevelt encloses letters regarding Mrs. Cooper’s case and asks if she has done good work. If so, he plans on requesting that Cooper be continued. A note on the verso reveals that an examination found Cooper’s work to be “highly satisfactory” and that her position was exempted from the civil service law and made permanent.
1904-09-16
William Michael Byrne writes to Commissioner of Immigration William Williams to request an appointment in his department.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-18