Aldrich, Nelson W. (Nelson Wilmarth), 1841-1915

Wharton Barker, during recent testimony in front of the Senate Committee on Interstate Commerce, alleged that he had been told that financiers supported Theodore Roosevelt in the 1904 election because he had made a bargain on the railroad question. Barker additionally alleged that Roosevelt was made aware of the impending 1907 financial crisis, but did not act to save the country. Senators present at the meeting were skeptical of Barker’s claims.

Comments and Context

The “railroad question” refers to the antitrust discussion surrounding the monopolistic railroad corporations.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

In a letter to Governor General Taft, President Roosevelt expresses his admiration for certain members of the Senate with whom he has been able to work to pass legislation through Congress, but he also makes clear his frustration with others, including those from his home state of New York. Roosevelt concedes that the administration failed to pass tariff relief for the Philippines, and he hopes that Taft will take up the post of Secretary of War when Elihu Root leaves the position.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Creation Date

1903-03-19

Susan Dunn examines Theodore Roosevelt’s policy positions during and after his presidency and asks whether Roosevelt was a cautious conservative or a radical progressive. Dunn emphasizes that Roosevelt often made it difficult for others to determine his stance because of his muddled language, but she asserts that Roosevelt was constrained by the need to work with others in the Republican party and by the Constitution which, with its checks and balances, limited the power of the president. Dunn notes that some of Roosevelt’s stances, favoring an inheritance tax and the review of judicial decisions, cost him the support of friends and colleagues such as Henry Cabot Lodge. Dunn labels Roosevelt “a bold, courageous leader” who achieved much despite the need to compromise with his party and the Constitution.

Seven photographs of Roosevelt from 1875, 1880, 1899, 1901, 1910, and 1914 illustrate the article.

A staff correspondent for the Chicago Tribune reports on President William Howard Taft’s recent visit to Kansas. Governor Walter R. Stubbs honored the president and accompanied him everywhere. Taft made friends with his smile and good humor, but there does not appear to be much change in political opinion after Taft’s visit. Many Progressives do not agree with his recent actions and policies as President such as the Payne-Aldrich tariff law, vetoing the wool, cotton, and farmer free list bill, and his Canadian reciprocity treaty. There is much opposition to Taft in Kansas, but it is not clear who else might have the vote in Kansas, perhaps Robert M. La Follette, Woodrow Wilson, or Albert Baird Cummins.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-29

The Chicago Tribune continues their series of dispatches on President William Howard Taft’s campaign in the midwestern states. In this article, they focus on public opinion of Taft in Peoria, Illinois. Most Republican voters in Peoria are dissatisfied with the President, due in large part to his friendly relationships with Nelson W. Aldrich and Illinois politicians Joseph Gurney Cannon and William Lorimer.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-24

The article grapples with the paradox of President William H. Taft’s loyalties and personal ethics. Taft appears to be honorable, but influences from his brother Charles Phelps Taft and others are hindering his ability to carry out the Progressive promises that elected him. The advisors are the cause of many of the scandals in the administration.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-19

Senator Robert M. La Follette recently delivered a speech excoriating President William H. Taft for having “broken all the vital party platform pledges and repeatedly and continuously [betraying] the public interests into the hands of special privilege.” While Taft attained the presidency through his association with Theodore Roosevelt, his actions in office have gone against many of the progressive policies that Roosevelt upheld.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-17

Following a number of legislative items, including voting on an amendment to a bill and a motion to investigate participation in international expositions, Senator Robert M. La Follette delivers a speech beginning with proposed tariff reciprocity with Canada, but quickly turning to his view that President William H. Taft has abandoned his campaign promises to continue the progressive policies of his predecessor Theodore Roosevelt. La Follette excoriates Taft on his stances on taxes and conservation, among other issues.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-15

The article describes a speech on the Senator floor, in which Senator Robert M. La Follette attacked President William H. Taft for ignoring former president Theodore Roosevelt’s policies. La Follette argued that Taft was elected by promising to continue Roosevelt’s agenda, but has not done that. In particular Taft took issue with the firing of Gifford Pinchot, the reciprocity bill, and the Taft administration’s railroad legislation. He also noted that Taft barely mentioned Roosevelt in his first message to Congress.

Comments and Context

The article includes underlines and comments from Mary E. Wiswell, who mailed the clipping to Theodore Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

The writer of the article calls into question statements made by Senator Theodore E. Burton made in an address the the American Bankers’ Association. Burton’s statements are generally agreeable, but provide little information on what the Monetary Commission intends to do to reform currency matters. Banks should facilitate the flow of money for commercial use to meet legitimate demands, while preventing inflation. Contraction should be prevented by forcing financiers to comply with regulations.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-02-10

The writer responds to an editorial in the Wichita Beacon stating that eventually men like Speaker of the House Joseph Gurney Cannon and Senator Nelson W. Aldrich will be “read out” of the Republican Party before Theodore Roosevelt returns and is made president again.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909

William Emlen Roosevelt tells President Roosevelt that he does not think that either New Jersey Governor Franklin Murphy or Elihu Root is the man he wants for the job of chairman of the Republican National Committee, and that he would prefer someone like Senator Nelson W. Aldrich. Emlen would prefer Root to be governor of New York.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-11

President Roosevelt, Speaker of the House Joseph Gurney Cannon, and Rhode Island Senator Nelson W. Aldrich walk out of the “National Treasury” with “aid for Italy” money bags.

comments and context

Comments and Context

Foreign aid as we know it today was never a major part of the national government’s attention or priorities, and even in President Roosevelt’s era the source of American monies sent overseas was largely the work of charities and church organizations.

President Roosevelt sits at his desk with a long list for his “next message!!!” On the desk is his big stick–“coaxer”–and on the wall is a calendar with half the days of March checked off. Roosevelt tells Rhode Island Senator Nelson W. Aldrich and Speaker of the House Joseph Gurney Cannon, “Now go–and get busy.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

March 1908 marked the beginning of the last year of President Roosevelt’s administration, and a period of increased activity. Other presidents might have, and did, see a possibility to rest in the waters of a lame-duck status, but it was not Roosevelt’s style.

President Roosevelt looks on as Rhode Island Senator Nelson W. Aldrich holds a “currency bill” baby with a “business interest” toy in its hand. Aldrich says, “Isn’t he cunning?”

comments and context

Comments and Context

“Isn’t he cunning?” In fact, President Roosevelt’s answer to this cartoon representation’s question might have been “breathtaking.” But since the Rhode Island Senator Nelson W. Aldrich, leader of the Senate and Republican reactionary, is the nanny, it would be assumed that Roosevelt would have a cautious reaction.

President Roosevelt holds a “Roosevelt Speller revised edition” and crosses off the second “f” in “the tariff” on the chalkboard. Andrew Carnegie says, “That wasn’t on my list!” while Speaker of the House Joseph Gurney Cannon tries to pull Roosevelt back. Secretary of the Treasury Leslie M. Shaw says, “The unkindest cut of all.” Pennsylvania Representative John Dalzell lies flat on the floor while a “steel trust” and Rhode Island Senator Nelson W. Aldrich cover their faces.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-01

Rhode Island Senator Nelson W. Aldrich and President Roosevelt shake hands. There is a “Roosevelt Aldrich rate bill” on the table.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-25

President Roosevelt shows Uncle Sam a “quilting bee in aid of the suffering public.” Rhode Island Senator Nelson W. Aldrich, Pennsylvania Senator Philander C. Knox, Ohio Senator Joseph Benson Foraker, Wisconsin Senator John C. Spooner, Iowa Senator William B. Allison, and Texas Senator Joseph W. Bailey sit at a table stitching amendments on a “rate bill” quilt. Spanish Treaty Claims Commissioner William E. Chandler looks through a window and holds a paper that reads, “I’m no liar.” There is a portrait of George Washington on the wall.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-15

Rhode Island Senator Nelson W. Aldrich and Pennsylvania Senator Philander C. Knox sit on top of a “Senate” dome, trapping President Roosevelt underneath with an “Allison amendment” and “the big stick.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-14

President Roosevelt holds up an “Aldrich” bear club as he leans on a “Standard Oil Co.” rock.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-05