Your TR Source
A memorandum (in the handwriting of Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary) describing the creation of a Navy civilian training program. Roosevelt considers the training cruises to be “of the highest importance.”
1916
Theodore Roosevelt would like the American people to see the effort, resolution, and self-sacrifice that is happening in Great Britain. He believes that Mary Augusta Arnold Ward is the perfect person to write such an article.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-27
Theodore Roosevelt did not respond to Edmund von Mach’s previous letter as he did not want to say anything offensive. He has been informed that children are suffering across Europe, and if he were to take any action it would be for the benefit of “all the poor mothers and children.” Roosevelt will not advocate for the relaxing of the rules of war in favor of Germany as the Germans have taken advantage of these rules and continue to violate the accepted rules of war. Before the rules of war are relaxed, they must not be violated. Germany has killed thousands of mothers and children through submarine warfare and bombing campaigns. Germany also committed the initial wrong by invading Belgium and causing millions to suffer.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-04-05
The attacks against Armenians have provided a “fresh shock of sympathy and indignation.” If the United States had done its duty in Mexico and regarding the world war, the nation would now be in a place to assist the Armenians. As long as the country follows pacifist principles it will be an ineffective advocate for “international righteousness.” All of the recent “terrible inequities” can be traced to the invasion and subjugation of Belgium and the failure of neutrals to protest. However, the “crowning outrage” has been the Turkish treatment of Armenians and it is dreadful that the United States remains neutral. The United States must prepare to defend itself or it cannot perform any international duty. Wrongdoing can only be stopped by the brave and the just.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-24
Theodore Roosevelt was pleased to receive the book but was pained by Edmund von Mach’s inscription. Roosevelt has judged Germany by the facts surrounding the “subjugation of Belgium” and the killing of American citizens at sea. On these points there is no defense of German actions or of American inaction.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-06
Theodore Roosevelt replies to a letter about the conditions in Poland to Countess Ladislas Puslouske. He considers the conditions in Poland to be worse than those in Belgium, and the conditions and suffering of the people of Slovenia are worse than Poland. Unfortunately, Roosevelt is uncertain what more can be done.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-04-01
Theodore Roosevelt has met with John Reed and believes that Reed is remorseful for firing a rifle on the front lines. Reed simply shot into the night and it is practically impossible that anyone was hit. Ethically, Roosevelt believes that Reed’s actions are pardonable. Practically, Reed cannot now be given permission to visit the French front lines. Roosevelt regrets that nothing else can be done as the writing and drawings of Reed and Boardman Robinson would have been valuable. He was touched by Reed’s description of the French suffering under German rule. At Reed’s request, Roosevelt asks that the full case be placed before the French government for their consideration. He also asks if there would be any French objections against Reed being a war correspondent in Russia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-15
Theodore Roosevelt hopes that Americans traveling in Europe are only there for imperative reasons, such as providing assistance to those who are suffering or urgent business. Those that are traveling for pleasure are “very doubtful.” Pleasure travelers should not be adding to the work of diplomatic or consular officials and should never visit the front lines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-22
Theodore Roosevelt approves of Emily Tyler Carow’s actions after the outbreak of war in Europe and hopes that Italy will not be drawn into war. He understands Carow’s desire to stay in Italy and will not try to influence her as there appears to be no imminent danger. Roosevelt is distressed at the “awful cataclysm” in Europe and describes what is happening in Belgium as “enough to wring a man’s soul.” The Roosevelt family is doing well. Kermit and Belle Roosevelt have been staying at Sagamore Hill before traveling to South America and Roosevelt has been able to see his other children and grandchildren often. In a postscript, Roosevelt asks Carow to thank the consul general at Genoa, Italy for his courtesy and efficiency towards Americans in his province.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-09-01
Report from Rear Admiral Coghlan to Secretary of the Navy Moody about the arrival of the American schooner James Slater on St. Andrews from Cartegena, Colombia with provisions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-26