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President Roosevelt tells James E. Sullivan that he will agree to serve again as honorary president of the Amateur Athletic Union because he believes “emphatically in you and the other men engaged in the movement.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-09
In an unofficial letter to British Ambassador Bryce, President Roosevelt expresses dismay at the decision of the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., to issue a formal statement regarding the controversy at the Olympics in London. Roosevelt strongly believes that no good can come from the British and American governments getting involved in the controversy, and says that he will not allow the American government to respond. However, the American Amateur Athletic Union wants to respond to the British statement, which feels like an official action from the government. Using as an analogy the animosity between Harvard and Yale resulting from a controversial football game, Roosevelt suggests that the two governments allow the matter to drop.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-25
President Roosevelt regrets that there should be any further discussion in publications about the London Olympics controversy. He reiterates to James E. Sullivan, president of the American Amateur Athletic Union, that he does not want to be brought into the affair in any manner.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-25
President Roosevelt would be happy to accept the position of honorary referee if he were able to attend the games James E. Sullivan mentioned, but as he cannot be present he cannot accept. Roosevelt additionally feels that he cannot accept the honorary presidency. Roosevelt invites Sullivan to visit Washington, D.C., so he can hear about the game and explain more fully why he will not accept the honorary presidency.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-21
President Roosevelt has enclosed James E. Sullivan’s response about the matter referred to in Lord Desborough’s letter. Roosevelt wants to know what it is Desborough would like him to do after he reads the letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-31
James E. Sullivan compliments Alice Roosevelt for presenting medals at the American Athletic Union’s National Championship held in St. Louis in conjunction with the 1904 Olympics and the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in spite of the bad weather. Sullivan asks President Roosevelt to present A. Roosevelt with the commemorative gift he is sending separately on behalf of the AAU.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-15
In a statement published in the London Times, the Amateur Athletic Association in Great Britain responds to “unfair and untrue statements” about the conduct of the Olympics in the American press. The American Amateur Athletic Union accused the A.A.A. of unfairness and poor conduct in several matters, objecting in particular to the disqualification of John C. Carpenter in the 400 meter final. The A.A.A. denies any claims of unfairness.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-17
The London Telegraph reports on the American Amateur Athletic Union’s “campaign of misrepresentation and abuse” following the Olympics in London. In particular, the Union’s president, James E. Sullivan, has spoken out against English officials and criticized the British Amateur Athletic Association’s running of the games, especially in regard to the disqualification of John C. Carpenter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-18