American Civil War (1861-1865)

Speech of President Roosevelt to businessmen of Cincinnati, Ohio

President Roosevelt speaks to Cincinnati businessmen at a meeting in the Cincinnati Music Hall during a festival. He recalls the memory of President William McKinley, who came from Ohio, and notes the connections the city and state have to American history. Roosevelt congratulates the city on its prosperity, which he credits to “the intellectual and moral fiber of the men and women back of it.” He highlights the need for continued improvements along the Ohio River, as well as the benefits the city will receive from the Panama Canal when completed, explaining that “the whole country if benefited by whatever benefits one part.” Roosevelt argues that, just as military tactics and arms change over time but the soldiering spirit remains, so too will legal and economic realities change but the need for citizens of honesty, courage, and common sense remain.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Speech of President Roosevelt before Spanish War veterans, Armory, Detroit, Michigan, September 22, 1902

In Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt addresses a crowd of veterans of the Spanish-American War, telling them Mayor William C. Maybury’s invitation to speak to them was the first Roosevelt had accepted that fall. After joking that in the Spanish-American War “there was not enough war to go around,” Roosevelt notes with seriousness that veterans of that conflict hope they showed the same spirit and worthiness as the “men of Appomattox.” Using anecdotes from their military service, Roosevelt reminds them that as with soldiers, good citizens come from all walks of life and that the drudgery of hard work comes before heroism in battle. He urges the testing of oneself and one’s neighbors by “the essential instead of the non-essential qualities in each man.” He also highlights the need for modern military training and weapons but emphasizes that the character of the soldier is even more important. Finally, Roosevelt praises the United States’ actions and motives in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines and pledges the best results for the people of the Philippines in particular.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-22

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

A talk with comrades

In a foreign policy speech in Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt first praises the veterans in the crowd, giving special recognition to the Michigan naval militia who served with distinction during the Spanish-American War. On behalf of all who served in that war, Roosevelt expresses the hope that they lived up to the standards of those who fought in the Civil War, and he notes that “a good deed done by any American is put down to the credit of all Americans.” Turning to post-war challenges, Roosevelt says that the Filipinos are happier and freer than ever before and praises the United States for the amount of “self-government and personal freedom” that it has already given to the Filipino people. He discusses Congressional plans to undertake a census, create a legislative assembly, and install telegraph cables in the Philippines. He also explains how matters in Cuba are different than in the Philippines. With Cuban independence, Roosevelt sees a need for economic reciprocity between the island nation and the United States. He concludes by delivering what he calls “the gospel of hope”: the belief that with optimism and hard work the United States will become the greatest nation in world history.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-22

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Address of President Roosevelt at banquet given by Spanish War veterans

In a foreign policy speech given in Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt first praises the veterans in the crowd, giving special praise to the Michigan naval militia who served with distinction during the Spanish-American War, a conflict that pointed out the “fundamental unity of our country.” On behalf of all who served there, Roosevelt expresses the hope that they shared the spirit of those who fought in the Civil War and notes that “a good deed done by any American is put down to the credit of all Americans.” Turning to post-war challenges, Roosevelt says Puerto Rico prospers and that the Filipinos are happier and freer than ever before; he praises the United States for the amount of “self-government and personal freedom” that it has already given to the Filipino people. He discusses Congressional plans to undertake a census, create a legislative assembly, and install telegraph cables in the Philippines. He also explains how matters in Cuba are different than in the Philippines. With Cuban independence, Roosevelt sees a need for economic reciprocity between the island nation and the United States. He concludes by delivering what he calls “the gospel of hope”: the belief that with optimism and hard work the United States will become the greatest nation in world history.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-22

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Address of President Roosevelt at Logansport, Indiana

President Roosevelt begins his economic policy speech in Logansport, Indiana, by thanking the Union veterans. He highlights the importance of material prosperity for national development, particularly noting the industrial growth of the Western states. He observes that, while good laws are key, more important are the merits of the average citizen, referring to the strong, individual traits of the average Union soldier. Roosevelt also touches on the issues of maintaining a robust, honest currency and a stable but adjustable tariff policy. He expresses belief in economic policy that favors business considerations over political partisanship and that affords advantage to American industries over foreign ones. Above these considerations, though, Roosevelt asserts that any tariff change must protect the high standard of living of the American worker.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Address of President Roosevelt at Logansport, Indiana (delivered copy)

President Roosevelt begins his economic policy speech in Logansport, Indiana, by thanking the Union veterans. He highlights the importance of material prosperity for national development, particularly noting the industrial growth of the Western states. He observes that, while good laws are key, more important are the merits of the average citizen, referring to the strong, individual traits of the average Union soldier. Roosevelt also touches on the issues of maintaining a robust, honest currency and a stable but adjustable tariff policy. He expresses belief in economic policy that favors business considerations over political partisanship and that affords advantage to American industries over foreign ones. Above these considerations, though, Roosevelt asserts that any tariff change must protect the high standard of living of the American worker.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Address of President Roosevelt at Kokomo, Indiana

President Roosevelt expresses his pleasure at visiting the industrial center in Kokoma, Indiana, and highlights Indiana’s great natural resources. However, he emphasizes that “material prosperity isn’t everything”—that the real resource is the character of the American people. He advocates the creed of optimism and hope, believing that the United States can develop the continent through hard work and ingenuity despite the difficulties and dangers it faces. Above all, he praises the traits of courage, honesty, and common sense. He also expresses his gratitude towards veterans and current members of the United States Army.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Address of President Roosevelt at Tipton, Indiana

President Roosevelt thanks the local chairman, presumably a Democrat, for introducing him, saying that political party is of little importance when Americans are unified in the spirit of fairness. He notes the presence of school children in the crowd as well as veterans of the Union Army in the American Civil War, saying that the veterans’ victorious spirit lived on in the American soldiers who fought in the Philippines. He notes how evolving weapons and tactics have not changed the necessary qualities of the soldier. Benedict Arnold was a gallant and talented soldier who helped win major battles but was missing the important “root of righteousness” that eventually led to his reputation as a traitor. Similarly, laws may change, but the need for patriotic citizens with honesty, courage, and common sense remains the same.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Address of President Roosevelt at Noblesville, Indiana

President Roosevelt expresses pleasure at viewing the industrial growth and natural resources of Indiana, making special note of the new free mail service in the area of Noblesville, Indiana. He addresses the rise of industrial capitalism and large-scale industrial combinations, saying that they are an inevitable and positive feature of modern prosperity. As interstate entities, they must have national regulation to ensure they serve the public good. Roosevelt also highlights the national unity created by the various military exploits shared by soldiers from all sections of the country. He closes by noting that, while good laws are important, nothing is more crucial for America’s prosperity than the “high average citizenship of the ordinary American citizen.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Address of President Roosevelt at Indianapolis, Indiana (delivered copy)

In a military policy speech given before a group of soldiers and veterans of the American Civil War and Spanish-American War, President Roosevelt stresses the need for preparedness. He says the borders of the United States, once separated from Europe and Asia by the vast oceans, have been brought closer to potential threats by modern naval technology. He insists that the United States, now a world power, must become very engaged in international affairs, ready to back up words with action, and he affirms his belief in the Monroe Doctrine. For the army, he believes in small but strong regular National Guard units which can train up and lead a larger volunteer force in the event of war. He believes this would be impossible for the navy, however, as it takes years to build warships and train sailors on the “highly specialized work” of operating them; Roosevelt feels that the warcraft and crews prepared in time of peace would be the factor on which success would rest. He concludes with anecdotes and a message on the need for citizens and soldiers to do their duty every day and not just in moments of glory.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Remarks of President Roosevelt at Waterloo, Iowa, June 2, 1903

President Roosevelt speaks to the citizens of Waterloo about brotherhood and unity. He refers to the Civil War and speaks to the veterans present.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-06-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Remarks of President Roosevelt at Manchester, Iowa, June 2, 1903

President Roosevelt greets the citizens of Manchester. He speaks about Captain Merry, who introduced him and is a veteran of the Civil War. He also discusses his foreign policy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-06-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Remarks of President Roosevelt at the dedication exercises of Memorial Hall, Rockford, Illinois, June 3, 1903

President Roosevelt speaks at the dedication of Memorial Hall in Rockford, Illinois. He speaks to the veterans of the Civil War, to whom the hall is dedicated.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-06-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Address of President Roosevelt at Lincoln, Illinois, June 4, 1903

President Roosevelt speaks to citizens in Lincoln, Illinois, and discusses his trip across the U.S. He discusses the Civil War, political divisions, citizenship, and character.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-06-04

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

History repeats itself

At center, William Jennings Bryan, labeled “16 to 1,” stands on a platform “Built by Popo. Platform Silver Syndicate” and holds up a paper that states, “‘We Denounce Arbitrary Interference by Federal Authorities, in Local Affairs, as a Violation of the Constitution,’ etc., W.J. Bryan.” On the right, labeled “1861,” Jefferson Davis holds a paper that states, “‘We Denounce Arbitrary Interference by Federal Authorities, in Local Affairs, as a Violation of the Constitution,’ etc., Jeff. Davis.” Davis confronts Abraham Lincoln who is holding a copy of the “Constitution of U.S.” The bombing of “Fort Sumter” is taking place behind them. On the left, labeled “1896,” Benjamin R. Tillman, John Peter Altgeld, Eugene V. Debs, and John P. Jones are standing on a torn American flag labeled “National Honor” and raising a new flag labeled “Dis-Order and Mis-Rule.”

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1896-10-28

Creator(s)

Dalrymple, Louis, 1866-1905

Speech of President Roosevelt at North Platte, Nebraska, June 1, 1903

President Roosevelt speaks to the citizens of North Platte about brotherhood and the American Civil War. He discusses the quality of life one should lead, based upon what the veterans fought for during the Civil War. Roosevelt also discusses his foreign policy and the need to build a strong Navy. Roosevelt also highlights the lessons he learned from his days in the “cow country.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-06-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Address of President Roosevelt at Fort Dodge, Iowa, June 2, 1903

President Roosevelt speaks to the people of Fort Dodge about the unity of the American people. He greets the veterans of the Civil War and discusses the lessons they taught the American people about brotherhood.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-06-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Resolutions on officer promotion

Resolutions supporting the promotion of Civil War veterans over recent graduates of the military academies and against favoritism in the selection of commanders.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-08-04

Creator(s)

Unknown

Letter from Elihu Root to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of War Root asks what information President Roosevelt has on Robert Shaw Oliver. Root knows that Oliver served in the Civil War, was in the regular army for three years, and commanded a National Guard Brigade. Root can visit Oyster Bay, New York, on Sunday afternoon. (Oliver was being considered, and was soon appointed, Assistant Secretary of War.)

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-07-07

Creator(s)

Root, Elihu, 1845-1937

Clippings scrapbook, volume one

Scrapbook of clippings from various periodicals related to the activities of Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and his son, Theodore Roosevelt. The clippings related to Roosevelt Sr. generally reference his work with the allotment system during the American Civil War and his charity work. The clippings related to Roosevelt are generally reviews of his books and articles regarding his work on civil service reform.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1862-1896

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1831-1878; Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919