Your TR Source
Thomas Mott Osborne regrets being absent during Theodore Roosevelt’s visit to the George Junior Republic Association in Freeville, New York. He comments on the association’s work and how, most importantly, it teaches a sense of responsibility, a principle not taught in the country’s education system.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-07
A Chicago Tribune editorial expresses the opinion that average men should be more excited by and engaged in politics in order to strengthen modern democratic society, emphasizing the importance of community town hall gatherings.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-15
Mark A. Matthews writes Theodore Roosevelt, as he is interested in many of the topics Roosevelt has recently discussed. Matthews thinks that regular people have no leader or opportunity to express themselves. He lays out five factors working against “the common people” of the United States. These include: “a certain class of national banks and their manipulators”, “public service corporations”, “the great liquor interests”, “the subsidized press and the Morgan-ized magazine”, and finally “the under-world with all of its filth, crime and debauchery.” Matthews hopes to speak with Roosevelt personally about these things.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-17
William C. King encloses a copy of a letter of introduction from a “Dr. Mallery” and a “Dr. Abbott” as means of introducing himself to Theodore Roosevelt. King asks Roosevelt for a brief article on “The Civic Duty of Citizenship.” King encloses a diplomatic chart and other illustrations for the upcoming book in his letter.
On behalf of the Civic League of Sacramento, California, Albert Bonnheim tells Theodore Roosevelt that the people of his city are very desirous of meeting Theodore Roosevelt, and asks him if it would be possible for him to set a time at which he will address the population on the following Wednesday.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-25
Eugene A. Philbin encloses a newspaper clipping describing his son’s work in a recent football game. Philbin believes that the qualities he displayed in the game make him a good citizen.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-05
President Roosevelt thanks the local chairman, presumably a Democrat, for introducing him, saying that political party is of little importance when Americans are unified in the spirit of fairness. He notes the presence of school children in the crowd as well as veterans of the Union Army in the American Civil War, saying that the veterans’ victorious spirit lived on in the American soldiers who fought in the Philippines. He notes how evolving weapons and tactics have not changed the necessary qualities of the soldier. Benedict Arnold was a gallant and talented soldier who helped win major battles but was missing the important “root of righteousness” that eventually led to his reputation as a traitor. Similarly, laws may change, but the need for patriotic citizens with honesty, courage, and common sense remains the same.
Theodore Roosevelt writes to continue a discussion with Anna Roosevelt Cowles about the need for lively pursuits at home that he compares to the French art of savoir vivre. He gives examples that Oyster Bay ought to have: a park with a bandstand, a Y.M.C.A, and tennis courts; and explains that Edith Roosevelt and Ethel Roosevelt are trying to enlist some of the villagers to contribute to supplying some of these facilities. Roosevelt updates Cowles on his family’s activities. Edith’s fiftieth birthday was two days ago and she was delighted with her presents, which is not always the case. Roosevelt writes that sometimes she even shares his “own mother’s way of looking at a present of which she does not approve.” They ride and row together, and he plays tennis well.
1911-08-08