Conservation of natural resources

George Shiras makes reference to Theodore Roosevelt’s recent work in the Outlook and to Charles Sheldon’s new book, The Wilderness of the Upper Yukon. Shiras explains that he was not at the recent Boone and Crocket Club dinner because his mother is sick. He goes on to explain his publishing habits and mentions his work in National Geographic Magazine, Sportsmen’s Magazine, and Forest and Stream. Shiras addresses what he calls Roosevelt’s question of whether he will publish any “sportsman’s literature.” He says it is possible, but that he has been consumed with writing about the legal foundation for expanded federal powers, including federal health legislation, federal regulation of natural resources, and international trade and tariffs. Shiras encloses a chapter summary of his work in progress, Hunting Wild Game with Camera and Flashlight.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-18

William H. Shippen, a lumber manufacturer, describes how his dispute over harmful fumes released by Tennessee copper smelters turned into a United States Supreme Court case and, ultimately, what he calls, “one of the greatest pieces of practical conservation.” He argues that the precedent set in the court case should be applied nationally. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-08

Alden Stevens provides a brief biographical look of Theodore Roosevelt’s life, giving particular focus to his experience with and impact on conservation in the United States.

Collection

Grand Canyon National Park

Creation Date

1958-10-27

Overton W. Price sends Theodore Roosevelt a copy of the book he wrote, The Land We Live In, to tell the story of conservation to boys. Price hopes Roosevelt will join several others in praising the book because a line from Roosevelt will be very effective in getting the book read and supporting the movement for the conservation of our natural resources.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-13

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Reverend Newton for his letters and support. Roosevelt expresses his agreement with Newton about the mineral lands and says he will forward his letter regarding the issue to George Washington Kirchwey.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1912-08-02

President Roosevelt thanks Chairman Willard S. Hopewell and Secretary Ralph Emerson Twitchell of the Board of Control for the National Irrigation Congress for their invitation. Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior Frank Pierce will attend in Roosevelt’s place, as irrigation and the conservation of the nations resources are crucial topics. Roosevelt hopes to co-sign bills that designate New Mexico and Arizona as states.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-23

President Roosevelt writes to Herbert Myrick to apologize that he cannot be present at the dedication of Myrick’s building, but wants to wish him well and send a few words regarding national cooperation to support technical education, specifically in agriculture. Roosevelt praises Myrick for his work with the Orange Judd agricultural papers and for exemplifying professional cooperation and ethical business practices. Roosevelt details his feelings on the importance of the preservation of natural resources, the updated applications of the Homestead Law, and the possible ways the Nation and the State can empower hard working farmers to make sure the business of agriculture thrives in America.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-10

Senator William B. Allison’s death created a vacancy on the Inland Waterways Commission. President Roosevelt invites Senator Dolliver to fill the position.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-07

President Roosevelt is pleased with Governor Charles Evans Hughes’s actions and believes they will have a positive impact on the conservation of New York’s natural resources, as well as on public opinion on the matter. The success of the movement, Roosevelt says, depends on stirring up public interest.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-04

President Roosevelt has submitted Charles Richard Van Hise’s paper to U. S. Forest Service Chief Gifford Pinchot and will talk to him about conserving the lands Van Hise mentions.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-10

President Roosevelt writes John Muir about the city of San Francisco trying to gain water rights to the Hetch Hetchy valley. Roosevelt will do what he can to protect the great “natural beauties of this country.” However, the citizens of the area are not standing against the Hetch Hetchy project. Roosevelt worries that he will be seen as interfering in the development of California.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-09-16

Secretary of the Interior Walter L. Fisher thanks Theodore Roosevelt for his previous letter and gladly accepts his invitation to lunch. Fisher believes he and Roosevelt share the same views of Alaskan resources and working with The Outlook will allow for the adoption of the necessary legislation.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-30

Henry B. Runnalls writes to Theodore Roosevelt about Alaska. From 1897 to 1898, Runnalls was in charge of the postal service of Skagway, Alaska, and worked as a surveyor of the White Pass. Based on his time in the state, Runnalls believes that measures must be taken to ensure the conservation of Alaska’s forests and fisheries. Alaska’s natural resources are an essential asset to the entire United States, and Runnalls is concerned about the “irresponsible class of men” in the state who are attempting to profit from it. He discusses a number of wealthy families and companies vying for control of the land for its coal, timber, and copper riches — and suggests some may not be operating within the law. Runnalls cautions Roosevelt that these “present inhabitants” should not gain control of the state’s government.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-25

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-09

Creator(s)

White, John Barber, 1847-1923

Recipient

Baker, Bernard Nadal, 1854-1918

This article praises President Theodore Roosevelt for his conservationist efforts, and as a result, protecting western forest lands from politicians such as Senator Charles William Fulton of Oregon and Senator Weldon Brinton Heyburn of Idaho. Rich men with interests in the timber industry claim that they oppose forest reserves for the sake of poor settlers needing land, but the forest reserves do not negatively impact settlers.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-06

Secretary of the Interior Hitchcock relates to President Roosevelt the circumstances which led to Hitchcock’s order that any land available for purchase must be inspected by a federal agent before the deed is granted. Hitchcock recalls that Roosevelt asked him to modify this order, and provides two options: one order that modifies the previous order, and another – which Hitchcock prefers – that replaces the previous order.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-01-19

Secretary of the Interior Hitchcock updates William A. Richards, Commissioner of the General Land Office, on an order from July 26, 1906, and subsequent related orders. On any lands where substantial coal is found, all orders for “entry, filing, and selection under the coal and other land laws” are to be modified to “provide for the withdrawal of ‘such lands from coal entry merely.'” Richards is to advise all affected land districts, especially those in Juneau, Alaska.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-12-17

Henry Rider Haggard writes to Theodore Roosevelt about a report Haggard has written which outlines and proposes a scheme that would benefit humanity, alluding to overcrowded cities and unoccupied lands. Haggard asks that Roosevelt keep the report confidential until it has been presented to Parliament, but to forward to Haggard any opinions and criticism of the proposal.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-13

Marian A. White sends Theodore Roosevelt a report based on thirty years of her personal experience and research regarding the destruction of natural resources around Chicago, Illinois.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-12-19

Robert Underwood Johnson, writing from The Century Magazine’s office, congratulates President Roosevelt on the election results. Johnson encloses an editorial on forestry.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-11-11