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Cecil Clay summarizes his trip down the Magdalena River to Zaragoza, Colombia. He reflects on the mode of travel, hunting, and the effects of the civil war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902
There are reports that revolutionary forces are preparing an attack on the government forces of Colombia in Panama. Due to America’s potential interest in the New Panama Canal Company of France and guarantees of free transit across the isthmus, it may be necessary to secure the railroad terminals and route. Naval forces have been ordered towards Panama to protect the interests of the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-12
President Roosevelt informs George Frisbie Hoar that, after consulting with Governor Taft, he has decided not to announce the potential for Philippine independence due to possible unrest. Two copies of the same letter are included.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-16
President Roosevelt explains to Henry W. Taft that the federal government needs to tackle trusts and monopolies because using common law is not possible, and Senator Philander C. Knox, Attorney General William H. Moody, Secretary of the Treasury Leslie M. Shaw, and Secretary of War William H. Taft all agree that the action is constitutional. Regarding American expansion in the Philippines and Cuba, Roosevelt states that Cuba has a measure of independence but not in its entirety, and that similar measures could be taken in the Philippines with certain safety precautions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-28
President Roosevelt writes to Joseph Gurney Cannon, Chairman of the Notification Committee, to formally accept his nomination as the Republican presidential candidate and to approve the platform adopted by the Republican National Convention. In the letter, Roosevelt provides a comprehensive defense of his foreign and domestic policies and outlines what he believes are the major differences between the Republican and Democratic parties in the upcoming election. Roosevelt discusses, among other topics, his position on international relations, antitrust legislation, tariffs, the gold standard, pensions for Civil War veterans, the military, civil service, commerce, agriculture, taxation, and self-government in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-12
President Roosevelt is frustrated that Bishop Hendrick has not brought his concerns before Governor General of the Philippines Luke E. Wright or Commissioner James Francis Smith. He is confused about Hendrick’s actual complaint, as he seems to be contradicting himself regarding the Aglipayan movement for an independent church.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-02
President Roosevelt sends Secretary of War Taft a copy of Bishop Thomas Augustine Hendrick’s letter. He asks Taft to write a reply so that they may both respond to what Roosevelt found to be a disrespectful tone concerning independence in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-29
President Roosevelt will not recommend Mr. Waring to the Philippine Commission until he knows if they will accept his recommendation of Dominick I. Murphy. The petition to give the Filipinos ultimate independence which was recently signed by Cardinal Gibbons places Governor Wright, Bishop Hendrick, and the other American bishops in a bad position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-26
President Roosevelt enjoyed Lawrence F. Abbott’s editorial and wishes he had shown Abbott his message on the construction of the Panama canal. Roosevelt remarks that both he and Secretary of State Hay were unprepared for the revolt which occurred on November 2, 1903, which led to Panama’s declaration of independence from Colombia the next day.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-12
Governor-General of the Philippines Smith provides his analysis of the upcoming formal establishment of the Philippine Assembly to Secretary of War Taft. This includes a brief description of the history and political affiliations of the country’s governors, the party leanings of each province, and the number of votes for each party from the most recent election. Smith also reflects on how the United States can improve upon Spain to ensure better relations with the Philippines. Smith considers self-government to be the ultimate goal of American involvement in the Philippines, but cautions that granting independence too quickly could leave the country vulnerable to dictatorships or foreign invasion. Smith ends the letter with a report on the status of various government projects across the country.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-07
Former Ambassador Wright advises President Roosevelt on his policy in East Asia, specifically as it pertains to Japan and the Philippines, in anticipation of Roosevelt’s address on Japanese affairs. He agrees with Roosevelt’s statements regarding immigration, but cautions him against claiming that the United States plans on helping the Philippines reach independence. Wright worries that public opinion will not support this idea, and that such a statement would encourage unrest. He suggests that Roosevelt remove this mention of the Philippines from his final statement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-25
Hjalmar Christian Hauge provides background information and updates on Norway’s efforts to form a fully independent country from Sweden. Hauge asks newly appointed Secretary of State Root if the United States will recognize Norway’s diplomats and the unique needs of the Norwegian people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-12
Luke E. Wright responds to the allegations of Bishop Rooker about the violation of rights of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. Rooker claims that the Federal Party is at the root of the Aglipayan movement and that Governor Taft and his colleagues are “merely puppets in the hands of the Federal Party,” with the result that “a large amount of church property has been seized and is now withheld.” Wright disputes these allegations by explaining the origin of the Federal Party and analyzing the relations between different religious and political groups in the Philippines. Wright notes that the continued discussion about independence has made the situation in the Philippines more difficult.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-15
In a pair of quotes, Theodore Roosevelt comments about how the Panamanians were justified in their revolution from Colombia, and that while he did not foment the revolution, neither did he stop it from happening.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
1903-1915
In two quotes Theodore Roosevelt explains that he did not foment a revolution in Panama, but concedes he did prevent Colombia from turning the revolution into a larger war, and did not suppress the revolution.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
1914-1915
Benjamin Ide Wheeler tells Edward W. Ordway, co-founder of the Philippine Independence Committee, that while he does not wish to take a stance opposing the people whose opinions Ordway has mentioned, he must hold to his opinion that the Philippines is not ready for independence at this time.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-01
A “Filipino” points at President Roosevelt as Alton B. Parker holds “the Constitution of the United States” and points to the “Declaration of Independence.” There is a sign on the wall that reads, “Independence political and territorial—I also favor making the promise to them now to take such action as soon as it can be prudently done. Alton B. Parker.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-27
This article, identified as a “specimen of the utterances of the ultra element,” was sent to President Roosevelt with a letter on educational and cultural trends in China. The main article presents a translation of a pamphlet that had circulated in China lamenting the current international situation China finds itself in. The author highlights China’s former glory and present weakness, and lays out the steps it will be necessary to take for the preservation of the country and the resumption of strength. The reverse side of the page contains an interview with Japanese Prime Minister Saionji Kinmochi, a discussion of Australian trade with China, a report of a robbery in Hongkou, China, and a portion of an article on two new steamships.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-04-12
In excerpts from his speech, Jacob Gould Schurman discusses concerns with large corporations and ways to make competition fairer. He believes the solution is not socialism. Rather, he suggests the public should abolish special privileges to corporations. Schurman is glad President Roosevelt mentioned this issue in his annual message and agrees with his suggestion of giving the Interstate Commerce Commission more power. In addition, Schurman suggests other policies for reform, including an income tax and changes to the tariff and the Philippine policy. Schurman looks forward to when the Philippines will have an independent republican government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-20
Charles W. Watson shares his opinion concerning independence for the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-29