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Theodore Roosevelt discusses the Mormon Church with Isaac Russell. Roosevelt responds to charges that he had negotiated secret deals with the Mormon leadership while President.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-17
Horace G. Whitney sends Theodore Roosevelt an editorial from the Desert News responding to Roosevelt’s letter to I. K. Russell. Whitney assures Roosevelt that “plural marriages are absolutely things of the past in the Mormon Church.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-25
I. K. Russell certifies “that you can’t beat it,” sharing how the newspapers assert that by denying “collusion with the Mormons,” Theodore Roosevelt proves the veracity of such claims. Following advice that Roosevelt’s letter appear in Eastern magazines, Russell contacted Colliers, who agreed to publish it. Fellow “muck-rake” magazines McClure’s and Everybody’s then turned on Colliers for going against them. Russell explains how Harvey Jerrold O’Higgins deliberately misquoted and doctored the comments of Joseph F. Smith, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to appear he approved the continued practice of plural marriage. Russell sincerely thanks Roosevelt for writing the letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-22
Secretary of War Taft informs President Roosevelt of the political situation in Idaho where he was sent to campaign for the reelection of Governor Gooding. Gooding is confident that he will win the gubernatorial race, but he faces significant opposition in response to the arrest of Charles Moyer and William Dudley Haywood and the efforts of the Western Federation of Miners to defeat him. Senator Dubois has been trying to make Mormonism another central issue in the campaign and to portray Taft in a negative light by associating him with the religious group. Taft concludes by stating his admiration for Secretary of State Root’s speech on William Randolph Hearst.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-04
James Sullivan Clarkson writes to President Roosevelt to send him a report he wrote on the history of the relationship between the Republican Party and the Mormon Church, particularly efforts to persuade the Mormons to give up polygamy in exchange for citizenship rights in the United States. Clarkson expresses his hope that the information will help with Roosevelt’s visit with Judge George W. Bartch and asks Roosevelt to keep the information private since he is writing a book on Mormon history.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-23
James Sullivan Clarkson writes to President Roosevelt to reiterate a dispatch from William Loeb that Roosevelt had received when he was with Clarkson. Clarkson argues that a “righteous element” is keeping up a crusade against the Mormons as Mormons and their claims have nothing to do with polygamy, which the church has renounced and prohibited.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-30
Theodore Roosevelt’s letter to I. K. Russell completely refutes the “ludicrous” charge that Roosevelt bargained with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that the organization would receive certain considerations in exchange for delivering votes. Roosevelt advises the “Mormon[s]” that any attempt to reintroduce polygamy would mean the Church’s destruction, advice that aligns with Church leaders’ views.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-18
Uncle Sam is ailing with a toothache labeled “Mormonism!” He sits on a chair in the office of “Washington Dental Association” offering “S.S. Cox’s Laughing Gas – Mild & Harmless,” as two arms labeled “Senate” and “House Representatives” reach toward him. One hand holds a pair of pliers labeled “Heroic Measures.” Caption: Uncle Sam – “I suppose I’ve got to have the derned thing out – only, pull it easy!”
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1883-11-07
Attorney General Knox says nothing can be done by federal authorities in the polygamy case of Heber J. Grant, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Knox encloses newspaper clippings indicating that state authorities are taking steps to capture and prosecute Grant.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-17
Secretary of State Hay instructs Ambassador Tower to look into a report that Americans of the Mormon faith are to be expelled from Prussia. If true, Tower should seek to end unjust discrimination against American citizens.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-04-25
Ambassador Tower has been instructed to protect American citizens after the report that American Mormons are to be expelled from Prussia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-04-25
Secretary of State Hay encloses correspondence regarding the expulsion of American Mormons from Prussia and diplomatic efforts on their behalf.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-04-25
Senators Kearns and Smoot have been informed that all American citizens of the Mormon faith are to be expelled from Prussia. They request intervention to right this wrong and protect American citizens.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-04-25
President Roosevelt has discussed with “a number of gentlemen” his views on electing a Mormon apostle in Utah to the Senate. He is understood not to find it advisable because of the effect it might have in Utah on people’s willingness to accept the Constitutional prohibition against polygamy. The president would have no such objection to any member of the Mormon church who fully accepted the United States government’s policy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-10
Senator Hanna advises against making Reed O. Smoot a Senator because Smoot is a Mormon apostle and will face opposition due to his religious beliefs and high position in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hanna does not make the argument that no member of the Mormon church should be a member, just not one that is holds so high a position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-12-17