Your TR Source
Lee C. Spooner demands Frank Harper give his manuscript directly to Theodore Roosevelt. He will continue to send it through multiple channels until he receives a personal note from Roosevelt concerning it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-19
F. B. Conley lauds Henry David Thoreau’s Autumnal Tints and compares the recent Borroughs publication. He wonders if critics can accurately critique modern work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-16
W. P. Pycraft thanks Theodore Roosevelt for his sharp criticism of Abbott Thayer’s book on animal coloration, calling it a public service. He discusses his own work on birds, Darwinian views, and a past attempt to send Roosevelt a copy. Pycraft expresses a desire to meet again and recalls their prior meeting at the museum.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-13
William Kent informs Theodore Roosevelt that President William H. Taft is unfit for office, citing his veto of the Arizona statehood bill, poor treatment of honorable men, and weak leadership. Kent urges Roosevelt not to support Taft’s reelection, warns against endorsing an unworthy candidate, and calls for Republican Party reform to end special privilege legislation and protective tariffs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-13
Perlie M. Huntley expresses to Frank Harper that they are unsure if Theodore Roosevelt received the poem and asks for a recommendation of a qualified poetry critic in New York City.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-13
Alton B. Parker fires two pistols, which shoot “accusation” and “criticism,” at President Roosevelt on a stage. This week’s bill is entitled, “The Tenderfoot,” while next week’s bill is “The Rough Rider!” Caption: Everyone agrees that a consummate bit of character work is given by the gentleman who has the title role, but nobody will be more delighted than he at a change of bill next week.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-02
Police Commissioner Roosevelt responds to Professor Frederick Jackson Turner’s review of his fourth volume (most likely referring to The Winning of the West), explaining that he was not able to conduct a more thorough historical investigation because he was busy with other work. He argues that his judgment was sober in relation to his views of Thomas Jefferson.
1896-11-04
Rudyard Kipling holds a pen labeled “Criticism” which he is using as a prod to get the British Lion moving in a particular direction. Caption: The British Lion [“]I didn’t mind the others, Rudyard; but I never thought you’d be prodding me!”
Rudyard Kipling likely was the prototypical British colonial advocate in literature and in public affairs of his day. His feelings were heavily tempered by realism and a recognition that England was overreaching on the world stage, and in good part by faulty administration and training of its military. Toward the end of the Boer War his statements and short stories addressed the weak premises and performances of South African policies. In 1902, three short stories in particular gave voice to his revisionist thinking: “The Captive,” “The Islanders,” and “The Comprehension of Private Copper.” Kipling’s legacy in history does not always reflect his maturing attitudes. It is interesting to note that his friend Theodore Roosevelt, after emerging from the African jungles and a safari of almost a year, delivered his first major speech of several in Africa and Europe, on precisely these points: it was somewhat startling at the time. In Cairo, he lectured British colonial personnel about what he saw as flawed administration; he said, in effect, that England should administer its colonies well, including more to the benefit of the occupied lands, or withdraw.
Theodore Roosevelt is glad that H. V. R. Palmer voted in the primaries and helped bring about a victory in New Jersey. Roosevelt has tried to make his campaign about principles and when he criticizes the President it is for the principles he advocates.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-06-07
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary regretfully informs Oscar A. Von Luebtow that it is impossible for Roosevelt to read his manuscript or provide advice on publication due to the volume of such requests that he receives.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-03-22
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary regretfully informs August Wilhelms that it is impossible for Roosevelt to read his manuscript or provide advice on publication.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-03-23
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks William J. H. Boetcker for the article. However, Roosevelt cannot comment on it as he receives numerous similar requests.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-08
Theodore Roosevelt grants Abbott Handerson Thayer permission to use a picture and expresses his strong disagreement with Thayer’s theory that all animal coloration serves as camouflage. Roosevelt urges Thayer to recognize the complexity of natural coloration and avoid forcing all examples into a single theory. He praises Thayer’s artistic talent and love of nature but warns that his refusal to acknowledge alternative explanations diminishes the scientific value of his work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-08
Theodore Roosevelt is pleased that Charles W. Hargitt enjoyed his study on concealing coloration, and reiterates his opinion that Thayer’s high reputation is unwarranted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-05
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Alexander Konta telling him that the proposal is not in his area and he could not offer an opinion on it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-18
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Morton Fullerton and thanks him for his letter and the copies of the National Review.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-27
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Frank M. Chapman about the Popular Science article and a criticism of Roosevelt’s “Appendix E” by Thayer, in a letter to the Tribune. He also finds Chapman’s Trinidad article very interesting and disagrees on several points about the birds of Trinidad, although he concedes that Chapman’s experience and training is greater than his own. Roosevelt further discusses his arguments about the coloration, cover, behavior, and habit of birds in the United States, Africa, and Latin America. He thanks Chapman for the interest in his article, thoroughly enjoyed his visit the other day, and will take his notes on the galley sheets into advisement. He returns The Awk and Osborn’s copy of Nature. In the addendum, Roosevelt answers Thayer’s criticism in the Popular Science magazine.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-29
Theodore Roosevelt replies to E. A. Stowe and states that he “did not speak of General Otis with one tenth of the severity with which I should have justified in speaking of him.” Roosevelt’s original article favored the cause supported by Otis and went against Samuel Gompers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-24
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Price Collier and assures him that it is fine they disagree, but notes that he will continue to argue “for what is fundamentally right.” As an example, he cites Coller’s recent book, with which he disagrees with certain implications but ultimately believes it is valuable for explaining the good things about British colonization and for instructing Americans about world affairs. Roosevelt also mentions that he “takes a certain grim delight” in the discovery that his opinions, while vilified by the “peace-at-any-price people,” may have had an ultimately positive impact on the proposed arbitration treaty.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-20
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary thanks Reginald A. Everett for sending Roosevelt a copy of Queens of Roman England, but notes that Roosevelt declines to send an opinion on the book. He receives hundreds of books in this way and “in no case is he able to send a favorable reply.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-20