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Text of a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt on January 26, 1893, in Buffalo, New York. Roosevelt calls for greater political participation.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
1923-10-21
Theodore Roosevelt agrees that Americans should be “Americans and nothing else” but criticizes Ernest Brucken for betraying this principle by organizing and threatening to use the German American vote. German American organizations and pacifists have joined together and forced the government into a policy of “abject tameness.” American citizens should be working to create an American culture common to everyone. German American organizations are preventing the development of a distinct American culture.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-06-02
Theodore Roosevelt is happy to hear from Bartow A. Ulrich, and is glad that he considers himself “an American citizen of German parentage and no hyphen.” Roosevelt is pleased with Ulrich’s letter and will let him know if he has anything to say about the campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-05-29
Theodore Roosevelt supports the movement to offer a pension to clergymen. Roosevelt believes that the family life of clergymen offers a fine example to the American people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-05-08
Theodore Roosevelt denies he advocated for war against Germany. He has stated that if he were president he would have gone to war, if necessary, to end the violence in Mexico and the murder of Americans at sea. Roosevelt only wants support from Americans, and if the German-American friends of Frederick H. Bates cannot support him because he is opposing Germany then they are not acting like Americans. Citizens should not vote based on their origin or the origin of their parents. Americans must vote and act only with regard to their duty towards the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-05-22
Theodore Roosevelt mourns the loss of Cecil Andrew Lyon as a friend and as a citizen.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-04-12
Theodore Roosevelt regards J. William White as a “peculiarly high-minded and useful citizen.” Roosevelt feels that most of his time is taken doing “silly things” that he has to accomplish so he does not hurt feelings and do additional damage.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-04-17
Theodore Roosevelt praises the people of Wyoming. If the need arises, the U.S. will have a “cavalry ready made.” Roosevelt is also happy with the gait of the horse that was given him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-01
Theodore Roosevelt emphasizes the qualities of decency, courage, and common sense over regional difference. Those qualities make a good American.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-01
Nearing the conclusion of his travels, Theodore Roosevelt is most struck by the unity of all Americans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-01
Theodore Roosevelt deeply enjoyed his time in Columbia, South Carolina. He praises the people that built the exposition.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-10
Theodore Roosevelt informs Chester H. Rowell that he will be in San Francisco for four days and wants to see as much of the Panama–Pacific International Exposition as possible, as well as certain friends and the Governor. Roosevelt agrees to make one speech while he is there, but reiterates that he is there for the exposition as a private citizen. Roosevelt has referred Mr. Stephens to Rowell and states that the enclosed letter explains itself.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-03
Theodore Roosevelt writes J. Y. Brinton, praising Governor Martin Grove Brumbaugh for passing an effective Child Labor Bill. He comments on the Lelong case, in which Roosevelt asserts that P. A. Lelong had “beyond all shadow of a doubt” elected to be a United States citizen. When an alien becomes a citizen in good faith, Roosevelt says, he would protect him in every way.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-03
According to Theodore Roosevelt, “a good westerner is a good American.” However, regardless of location, all Americans should believe in the unity and greatness of this country. Roosevelt also emphasizes the importance of learning citizenship lessons from the Civil War. Roosevelt closes his speech by highlighting the importance of character in citizenship.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-21
Theodore Roosevelt emphasizes the importance of individual character in building a strong nation. Of all crops, he is most concerned with children.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-21
Theodore Roosevelt thanks the people of Oregon and compliments them on their state.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-21
According to Theodore Roosevelt, “a good American is a good American from one end of this country to the other.” He also praises the virtues of the men who fought during the Civil War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-22
In his travels across the country, Theodore Roosevelt is impressed by the essential unity of citizens. Divisions based on “wealth, occupation, or locality” are “false and un-American.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-22
Theodore Roosevelt emphasizes the importance of duty in making a good citizen. Common sense, not influenced by sentimentality, is essential. The accomplishments of soldiers in the Civil War are also highlighted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-22
Theodore Roosevelt believes that irrigation can make a Garden of Eden out of the region. Circumstances must be created that allow each man to maximize hard work and individual attributes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-25