China

Letter from Arthur James Sage to Theodore Roosevelt

Arthur James Sage tells President Roosevelt about the success of the Atlantic Fleet’s recent visit to Australia. Sage has built a new house, which he named Sagamore Hill without remembering that it was the name of Roosevelt’s house. He is also jealous of Roosevelt’s upcoming hunting trip to Africa, and invites him to visit him in Australia after his safari. In a handwritten postscript, Sage congratulates Roosevelt on William H. Taft’s election victory.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-10-26

Letter from John Callan O’Laughlin to Theodore Roosevelt

John Callan O’Laughlin informs President Roosevelt that the Japanese government has had a change of heart regarding the agreement between the United States and Japan which was proposed last fall. They would now like to enter into the agreement, which would give assurances that the Japanese would honor United States sovereignty over its Pacific possessions. Regarding a treaty that will end in 1912, O’Laughlin notes that the Japanese would like revisions regarding Japanese immigration to the United States. The Japanese are also thinking about annexing Korea.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-10-11

Memorandum of conversation with Count Komura, Minister for Foreign Affairs

John Callan O’Laughlin recounts his conversation with Jutarō Komura, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs. Komura assured O’Laughlin of Japan’s commitment to the Open Door in China, although its relations with Russia mean that they have interests in Manchuria. Komura also says that Japan has been discouraging immigration to Hawaii and the United States, although the country would like to be treated as an equal with other nations by the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-10-21

Letter from Elihu Root to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of State Root presents his thoughts on matters discussed in President Roosevelt’s previous letters. Topics include whether to send a minister for Abyssinia, Japan’s rescheduling of their planned exposition, Ambassador William Woodville Rockhill’s report on the Lamas, the situation on the Mexican frontier, and the renomination of Governor Charles Evans Hughes.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-23

Memorandum from Robert Bacon

First Assistant Secretary of State Bacon has heard that it would be satisfactory for only half the Atlantic Fleet to visit China. This allows Plan A to be ruled out. An attached note states that this meets Secretary of State Elihu Root’s approval.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-04-27

Letter from Hermann Speck von Sternburg to Theodore Roosevelt

German Ambassador Sternburg provides President Roosevelt the text of a letter from the German minister in Peking. The letter states that China desires a closer relationship with the United States and Germany, but that they would like any agreement between the powers to be secret so as not to upset other powers. Sternburg advises against secrecy. He also praises Roosevelt for his recent message to Congress and relays his wife’s greeting to Roosevelt and Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-04-14

Letter from Charlemagne Tower to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Tower has spoken with Emperor William II about a variety of issues. First, they spoke about a joint declaration by the United States, Germany, and China regarding the Chinese Empire and open commerce policies. The Emperor wants Tower to impress upon President Roosevelt that a formal public announcement of this policy is important to ensure China’s integrity. The Emperor also spoke with Tower about his dislike of David Jayne Hill, who will replace Tower as ambassador in Berlin. He will speak to American Ambassador to Italy Lloyd Carpenter Griscom about the matter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-03-16

Memorandum for the President

This memorandum provides a brief overview of the history of the United States Court for China, which was established in 1906. One major accomplishment of the court was the closing of a number of brothels, which were run by Americans or Europeans purporting to be Americans. This action, along with the high standards for admitting lawyers to the bar in this court, have worked to improve the image of Americans in China, although the court still lacks appropriate facilities. There are presently some charges against the Court, which the memorandum outlines as having primarily originated from Lorrin A. Andrews who, while admitted to the bar, has behaved unprofessionally.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-25

Letter from John James Jenkins to Theodore Roosevelt

Representative Jenkins, Chairman of the House Committee on the Judiciary, informs President Roosevelt that the committee has been directed to investigate Lebbus R. Wilfley, judge of the United States Court for China. Jenkins understands that Roosevelt has independently started an investigation, and mentions that the committee would be pleased to have the information that this other investigation has produced, if such a thing is agreeable to Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-24

Letter from Cheng Liang to Theodore Roosevelt

Chinese Ambassador Cheng Liang expresses his government’s gratitude for the fair way President Roosevelt has dealt with the Imperial government. Empress Dowager Cixi directed Liang to thank Roosevelt for his work to lower the Chinese indemnity in the wake of the Boxer Rebellion, and spoke pleasantly of Alice Roosevelt Longworth’s visit to China. Liang also comments on developments in China in general, including the construction of schools, the fight against the opium trade, and the building of railroads, the last of these being the reason Liang was recalled from the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-18

Letter from Charlemagne Tower to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Tower relays to President Roosevelt a private conversation he had with Emperor William II of Germany, who had recently heard reports of Japanese soldiers training and gathering in Mexico, Peru, and Chile. The Emperor believes that the Japanese are preparing to seize the Panama Canal if war is declared. Additionally, reports from Portugal suggest that the Japanese are preparing for war against the United States. He approves of Roosevelt’s decision to send the war fleet out because it has strengthened the position of the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01-28

Letter from Charlemagne Tower to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Tower has spoken with Chancellor Bülow of Germany about the Japanese situation. Bülow has spoken with Ambassador Alfons Mumm, who does not believe that Japan intends to attack the United States, even though they do harbor hostility toward the country. Tower expresses concern that Japan might want to invade the West Coast to gain territory. Tower has also spoken with Minister Wilhelm Eduard von Schoen about relations with Germany and China. Tower assured Schoen that President Roosevelt agrees with Bülow on the issues regarding China and the open door policy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01-08

Letter from Leonard Wood to Theodore Roosevelt

General Wood tells President Roosevelt he has received his instructions regarding how to handle trouble with a foreign enemy near the Philippine Islands. He tells the president, however, there is not clear understanding between the Army and Navy as to what they need to do. Wood indicates he has recommended an increase in the Philippine garrison to make sure it is large enough to protect the important places from raids and updates Roosevelt on the topographical work in the Philippines. Wood spends the majority of the letter discussing the relative strength of the military on the island and what he believes is necessary to be able to defend Subic Bay. He urges the development of a local board of fortification. Wood concludes by encouraging the development of a large Pacific fleet and informs Roosevelt he sent a similar letter to the War Department.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-12-13

Letter from Robert Bacon to Theodore Roosevelt

Acting Secretary of State Bacon responds to a letter from William Loeb by sending President Roosevelt information on the exclusion of Chinese laborers from Japan. He also encloses a memorandum which includes the Imperial Ordinance under which Chinese laborers were deported from Japan and is held to also apply to Americans.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-12-06

Telegram from Thomas J. O’Brien to Elihu Root

Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Tadasu Hayashi has asked Ambassador O’Brien to pass on a summary of Japanese Ambassador Kogoro Takahira’s conversation with President Roosevelt on 25 October, 1907, to Secretary of State Root. Takahira advised Roosevelt that positive steps must be taken to counteract negative public opinion toward Japan, and expanded on several points to consider. It is the opinion of the Japanese government that an agreement allowing Japanese workers into the United States that is satisfactory to both parties is impossible under existing circumstances. Takahira also asks that the opinions he stated be kept in confidence, as he is not authorized to speak on these matters by the Japanese government.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-03

Telegram from William H. Taft to Frank McIntyre

Secretary of War Taft instructs Frank McIntyre to direct the message in his telegram regarding his visit in Japan to Secretary of State Elihu Root if he is in town, otherwise to President Roosevelt. Taft has met with many Japanese politicians and officials, and discussed many topics of interest to both nations, primarily concerning Japanese immigration to the United States. Taft does not think it is wise to pursue a treaty including reciprocal exclusion at this time, and wishes to inform Roosevelt so that he can persuade members of congress from California to accept the current status quo.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-18

Letter from Hermann Speck von Sternburg to Rudolph Forster

German Ambassador von Sternburg returns the information about the Chinese military that was sent to him by President Roosevelt. He asks Rudolph Forster to ensure President Roosevelt receives this.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-04

Letter from James Francis Smith to William H. Taft

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-07

Extract of a speech by William H. Taft

Secretary of War Taft acknowledges that the United States has not always properly administered justice within its sphere of influence in China, but celebrates the creation of a United States Circuit Court for China to fix this. He praises the work of Judge Lebbeus R. Wilfley on this court, where he has combined the common law of the United States with the traditions of China to great success. Taft hopes this court will be a positive influence on the Chinese and encourage good relations between the two countries. He encourages the construction of a great building to house the court and the American consulate in Shanghai.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-08

Letter from Henry Cabot Lodge to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Lodge sends President Roosevelt a copy of the speech he recently delivered to the Central Labor Union of Boston, to great applause. He discusses a proposed shipping agreement that he believes the government should accept, as this would support American shipping interests. Lodge is sorry to see the current Chinese Ambassador leave and finds his replacement burdensome and impertinent. He strongly disagrees with the conduct of E. B. Whitney in both political and business affairs, but thinks he has the support of a corrupt press. Lodge will send Roosevelt a copy of his convention speech.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-09-26