Your TR Source
President Roosevelt asks Richard Bartholdt what the chances are of passing a bill to investigate the facts related to the working conditions of working women and children. Roosevelt believes that there are likely abuses connected with these situations, and thinks that they should be investigated so that Congress can take any necessary further action.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-18
Lieutenant Governor Guild explains to President Roosevelt why he believes an inquiry into child labor instituted by the president would be more effective than one from the legislature. Guild also apologizes for troubling Roosevelt in the matter of General Miles’ appointment to lead the Massachusetts State Militia through the army appropriations bill. Guild believes that Senator Lodge handled the situation well and will continue to defend Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-04
Lieutenant Governor Guild writes to President Roosevelt that the cause of depression in the cotton mill industry is child labor in the south. Guild urges Roosevelt to call for an executive investigation into child labor and warns that democratic congressional representatives are already planning to introduce a bill calling for an investigation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-28
Theodore Roosevelt respectfully declines an invitation to attend a meeting of the Consumers’ League of New York City proposed by Frances Perkins. Roosevelt expresses support for the organization’s work, discussing violations of labor laws, restrictions on the working hours for women, and the cessation of sweatshops. Roosevelt also conveys support for the Child Labor Committee, writing of child labor laws in regard to the Canneries in New York State and the Canner’s Association.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-31
Governor Murphy’s first annual address to the 1903 session of the New Jersey Legislature. Murphy recommends a variety of avenues for legislation for the upcoming session.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903
The Child Labor Committee reports on the progress it has made in New York during 1902-1903, and outlines some of its plans for 1903-1904. The report is also accompanied by a list of people from around New York who have endorsed the efforts of the committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09
A speech by Lieutenant Governor Guild explaining that the cause of depression in the cotton mill industry is child labor in the south. States like Massachusetts, which regulate child labor, cannot compete with southern states which do not. Guild urges the creation of federal laws regulating child labor, for both economic and moral reasons.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-20
The cause of child labor laws has been advancing, albeit slowly. Child labor activists have experienced setbacks in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but many other states have seen expanded labor protections.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-06
A letter from the child labor committee of the Iowa Federation of Women’s Clubs asks that the enclosures concerning child labor be presented to members of other regional clubs. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs has asked that regional members report back. The letter discusses child labor laws and compulsory education laws in Iowa as well as in other states and emphasizes the importance of the Beveridge Child Labor Bill. The club asks that members write letters to senators and representatives, and that they ask their local ministers to preach on the topic. The letter is signed by club president Gertrude C. Russell Nash and other members.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-05
Theodore Roosevelt refutes Amasa Pierce Thornton’s statement that Roosevelt’s platform is “abandoning civilization” by explaining that all of his proposals for judicial review were made in favor of obtaining justice for the “plain people” of the United States. He writes that he would have gladly supported someone else who made a similar, practical proposal that would allow the people to review the decisions of the New York Court of Appeals regarding the Workman’s Compensation Act, the Bake Shop Case, the prevention of child labor or over-working of women, and the elimination of the sweatshop. Roosevelt ends his argument by stating that the U.S. is the only civilized country in the world where courts are able to review acts passed by the legislature and that Thornton should call Canada and countries in Europe and the Pacific uncivilized if he really believes Roosevelt is in the wrong.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-06-10
Fred S. Hall requests President Roosevelt’s help in starting a campaign for the enforcement of the new child labor laws in the state of New York by writing a few lines of congratulation for the newspapers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-14
An article breaks down the party platform of the Democratic Party into several points. The points discussed include the general principles of the party, questioning of power held by few that effects many like trusts/monopolies, the glorification of war to the American youth, unfair tariffs, equal rights for all men, any repeal of the 14th or 15th amendments, and labor reform in regards to women, children, and railroad workers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10