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

John Callan O’Laughlin found Theodore Roosevelt’s letter heartening, especially his conviction in rebuking Simeon E. Baldwin and Senator William Lorimer’s vindication as an infamy. He discusses his association in prosecuting Lorimer’s case, including which senators support him and the potential implications of allowing him to retain his seat despite obtaining it through bribery.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-12-22

John Callan O’Laughlin congratulates Theodore Roosevelt on his recent speeches, which were “telling and to the point, and above all diplomatic.” He discusses his frustrations with William Lorimer’s case.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-12-15

Senator Beveridge writes to Gifford Pinchot to chronicle the sense of general distrust and disappointment in President Taft. Beveridge reports that early misgivings were roused by Taft’s treatment of Theodore Roosevelt’s friends, the make up of his cabinet, and the men chosen to be his advisors. The tariff bill is almost universally hated throughout the country and Taft has gone out of his way to defend it. Beveridge fears that dislike of Taft is turning to hatred in some parts, and that others think the President is “stupid” or “punk.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-03-24

Senator Dolliver thinks it is extremely important for Theodore Roosevelt to be informed about the state of the current administration in the United States. Dolliver had high hopes for President Taft, but has been greatly disappointed. Due to the influence of Senator Aldrich, many policies which originated with Roosevelt’s administration have been changed beyond recognition, and Dolliver fears that the government is once again ruled by “over-grown financial interests.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-03-25

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-11-10

Creator(s)

Brossian, A. J.

Recipient

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930; Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Gifford Pinchot writes to Theodore Roosevelt in Africa to provide a recap of current events. An investigation into Secretary of the Interior Richard Achilles Ballinger and the Forest Service will begin shortly. Pinchot believes that special interests control Congress and President William H. Taft’s administration, whose actions are characterized by “a most surprising weakness and indecision.” Taft has abandoned many of Roosevelt’s policies, and Pinchot sees a rift emerging between Taft and the more progressive elements of the Republican party. Pinchot sends his love to Kermit Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-12-31

Elijah E. Knott is pleased that Frank Harper acknowledges his letter and enclosure. The response to his outline of reform principles has been positive so far, although Knott believes more work needs to be done. Theodore Roosevelt’s work must continue or else Knott fears that the country will become radical.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-07-29

Frank B. Kellogg urges Senator Nelson to support a revision of the tariff bill that will lower duties. Americans support such a bill, and Kellogg believes that its passage is essential to ensure the continued success of the Republican Party. Kellogg notes that lower duties on raw materials is beneficial to the country, and argues that the wages of laborers have not kept up with the increased cost of living.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-05-29

President Taft wishes Theodore Roosevelt well on his African safari and discusses the strangeness of being referred to as “Mr. President.” He compares his presidential and political prospects with what Roosevelt achieved in office and assures Roosevelt that he plans on furthering the same agenda.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-03-21

President-Elect Taft solicits President Roosevelt’s opinion on various political matters, including his inaugural address, pending statehood bills, and cabinet appointments. In particular, Taft would like Roosevelt to review the enclosed passage regarding Asian immigration and related laws. Taft also discusses the rationale behind his potential cabinet appointments, explaining that his choices are based on the individual’s experience, conduct, and character.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-23

President-Elect Taft writes to President Roosevelt about the upcoming inauguration and legislative debates. Taft reiterates that he has not changed his mind about Fowler (presumably the Fowler Bill relating to financial reform, H.R. 12677) but will attempt to subvert any machinations by that bill’s sponsor, Representative Charles N. Fowler. Taft requests feedback on his inaugural address regarding relations with Japan, and shares that several prominent African American leaders, including Booker T. Washington, have evaluated his speech as it relates to African Americans. Taft concludes by warmly accepting an offer to stay in the White House during the last night of the Roosevelt administration, partially to undermine rumors that he and Roosevelt have been in conflict.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-25

Senator Root updates Theodore Roosevelt on political and legislative matters that he has missed while he has been on safari in Africa. He believes that in time President William H. Taft will be seen as a good president in the eyes of the public, and lists some legislature currently before Congress. The Republicans have now been in power for a long time, and Root reports that some people are getting tired of the leaders. Root leaves to argue the Atlantic Fisheries case before the Hague, and Andrew Carnegie would like him to meet with Roosevelt and work on bringing about disarmament in Europe. Root believes this is a bad idea. He discusses news of Roosevelt’s family, including the engagement of his son Ted and reports that Kermit has shot a female warthog.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-02-11

President-Elect Taft explains his positions on the New Mexico and Arizona statehood bills and the postal savings bank bill to President Roosevelt. Assuming that the bills have gone through the proper processes, Taft has no problems signing them into law but does not think it will be possible in such a short session.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-21

Sydney Brooks prides himself on being one of the Englishmen who have defended President Roosevelt’s policies to people in Great Britain, and was gratified to see his faith borne out in a recent letter of Roosevelt’s describing the middle path he tried to tread between conservatism and radicalism. Brooks has been receiving requests to write articles reflecting on Roosevelt’s presidency, and asks if Roosevelt would be able to send him a collection of his messages and speeches. He recently spoke with John Morley about what Roosevelt wrote about British rule in India, and encourages him to say a public word of praise of British actions in India. While Brooks acknowledges there are some areas that Britain could do better in, he feels that overall Britain has brought benefits to India and Indians.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-12

Senator Lodge wishes that he could speak with President Roosevelt in person, but as he is traveling to Europe shortly, he sends a letter instead. The Republican National Convention went well, and both nominated Secretary of War William H. Taft and endorsed a platform that is faithful to Roosevelt’s policies. Lodge thinks that J. S. Sherman’s nomination for vice-president was the best they could do, as none of the Western men suggested would have been good. Lodge praises the actions of Senator Winthrop Murray Crane who, while he did not want Lodge on the National Committee, used his influence well and for good purpose. Lodge believes his speech was a success, and feels that the convention overall was a success both personally and for the Republican Party as a whole.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-22

Lincoln Steffens writes to President Roosevelt to put some facts and conclusions on record that they have come to together. Steffens clarifies that Roosevelt is not responsible for any articles that Steffens writes, and illuminates the course of an interview that he had with Roosevelt–having an open conversation with him and offering him every chance to correct any errors that may have slipped into the record of the interview. Steffens reiterates a point that he had raised to Roosevelt in the interview that he was trying to get him to think more deeply on political criticism in the United States, and to reflect on the actions of the government and the ways in which it is able to relate to corporations and trusts. Steffens has always respected Roosevelt, in spite of their disagreements, and looks forward to speaking to him in person soon.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-06-09

In his speech on banking and currency, Andrew Carnegie compares the government bond-backed American banking system to the gold-backed European and Canadian systems and advocates for a switch from bonds to gold in American banks. Bonds are not a stable backing for currency and war could cause values to fluctuate. Carnegie is in favor of slowly, gradually, and cautiously switching to the gold standard.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-14

Andrew Carnegie has been urged to publicize some remarks he recently made, and sends President Roosevelt the first copy of what will be published. He is pleased by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge’s recent statement on maintaining the gold standard and separating government debt from banking. Carnegie believes that an amendment to a current bill that would require banks to keep part of their reserves in gold would help the Republican party in the upcoming election. He appreciates the international arbitration treaties that Roosevelt’s administration is negotiating, and thinks that Secretary of State Elihu Root should win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-15

John Callan O’Laughlin provides President Roosevelt with an update on how he believes things stand regarding the Republican candidates for president for the 1908 election. He believes that Secretary of War William H. Taft is the choice of eastern Republicans–buoyed largely because of Roosevelt’s support–but provides a state-by-state breakdown of popular and governmental sentiment. O’Laughlin will cover the Midwest and the South soon.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-17

Secretary of War Taft would prefer a provision that goods used in constructing the Panama Canal be transported in American ships unless the price would be exorbitant. He would alternatively like to buy two ships of American registry if they can be used to transport supplies to Panama, but only if they can buy at a price and circumstance that will make it a “fairly just” bargain. Senator Henry Cabot Lodge agrees, and Taft requests that Senator Hale add the provision.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-01