Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt is pleased that Walker T. Sumner has been appointed a bishop as many people in high positions lose touch with ordinary people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-10-02
President Roosevelt rebukes Maria Longworth Storer for her repeated attempts at “ecclesiastical intrigue” while trying to get Archbishop John Ireland made Cardinal. Roosevelt has repeatedly told Storer and her husband, Ambassador Bellamy Storer, that both they and he cannot officially get involved in matters regarding the Catholic Church. However, the Storers seem to have ignored these directives and continued to improperly write letters on Ireland’s behalf and to improperly quote portions of Roosevelt’s letters about the matter. If such actions do not stop, Roosevelt will have to remove Bellamy from his position as Ambassador. He asks Maria to return his letters on the subject.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-11
President Roosevelt does not believe that he will be consulted about “any of the appointments of that nature” but if he was he would support Father Belford for a bishopric in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-07-22
Maurice France Egan writes to President Roosevelt regarding his thoughts on the Bellamy Storer / “Dear Maria” scandal. Egan shares that he and many others feel sympathy for Archbishop John Ireland after the recent controversy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-10
Andrew C. Murphy writes to Alexander Patrick Doyle to inform him of the appointment of a new Filipino bishop and the dinner that was held in his honor. Murphy lists the representatives from the government that attended the dinner.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-12
John G. Ewing and his cousin, Father Thomas Ewing Sherman, are concerned that the Catholic Church in the United States represents people of many nationalities, many of whose “instincts and prepossessions are not American.” Recognizing the growing influence of Catholics in national life, Ewing believes that the appointment of bishops who uphold Americanism is necessary. He urges President Roosevelt to use his influence, including sending a representative to Rome, to ensure the appointment of bishops who support American ideals.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-23
Governor General of the Philippines Taft is concerned about Beekman Winthrop’s appointment to the Philippine Commission. There are several more experienced candidates and the appointment of such a young man could “disintegrate the Government.” Vice Governor Luke E. Wright has been diagnosed with amoebic dysentery and is not well. Bishops Denis J. Dougherty and Frederick Zadok Rooker have taken up their posts and Taft is pleased with them. He views the arrival of the American bishops as the end of the “Spanish friar hierarchy.” Negotiations for the friars’ lands continue, and Taft would recommend a deal that does not exceed $7.5 million.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-31
T. B. Connery suggests that President Roosevelt request that John L. Spalding be appointed by the Pope to the see of Chicago. Roosevelt previously appointed Spalding to the Coal Strike Commission. Connery believes that Pope Leo XIII would grant the request, as he did when American politicians recommended Dr. Burke as Bishop of Albany.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-12-28
Archbishop Guidi has been appointed Delegate Apostolic to the Philippine Islands.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-26
T. B. Connery suggests that if President Roosevelt let the Papal Delegate know he desired Bishop Spalding’s appointment as archbishop it would be granted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-12-28
Report on the cordial reception of Bishop Hendrick at Cebu City, Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-18