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President Roosevelt holds “the big stick” and sits on cannons as Uncle Sam looks through a monocular. Beside Uncle Sam is an “Uncle Sam debt collector” bag. In the background is an angel of “peace” and a sign that reads, “Roosevelt Monroe Doctrine—’Scat’!!!” There are a number of battleships in the water.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-12
Theodore Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to describe his successful trial against George Newett for libel and lists all his witnesses. He talks of all the money he has had to expend this year and that he is glad his autobiography is finished as well as the book he wrote with Edmund Heller. He adds that he is glad Kermit has gone into a new business.
1913-06-02
Alberto E. Pagera discusses Paraguayan debt, a result of “war carried out by the Triple Aliance,” which could ruin the country. Pagrera requests Theodore Roosevelt’s attention to this.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
1913-11-10
Translation of article regarding the war debt in Brazil and Paraguay due to triple alliance in war.
Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
1912-10-01
Mr. and Mrs. Newrich and their daughter consult with a man who is using “Burke’s Peerage” to trace the lineage of a prospective son-in-law. Caption: Mrs. Newrich — You say Lord Naryared’s family only goes back to Charles II. / The Heraldic Expert — Yes; to Charles II. / Papa Newrich — Great Scott! Judging from what he owes I thought he must go back to William the Conqueror!
This Nankivell cartoon is on the contemporary mania of the rich, and especially the nouveau riche, to lust after, and sometimes “purchase” titles of nobility and royal lineage before marriages were arranged. A popular theme of cartoons was that phony titles were as common as the bankrupt estates of suitors.
President Roosevelt informs Secretary of State Hay that Herbert G. Squiers, American minister to Cuba, should tell the Cuban government there should be no increase in indebtedness except for “genuine necessity” per the Platt Amendment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-23
Theodore Roosevelt sends James Sloane a check for five hundred dollars and tells him that he is sorry he is not able to give him all that he desires. Roosevelt suggests that Sloane and his wife discuss a monthly payment plan to manage their debts.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-27
President Roosevelt wishes he felt more easy about Edwin V. Morgan and Herbert G. Squiers, and he asks what they decided to do with Morgan. He asks Secretary of State Root to inquire if Madame C. de la Rosa has made a claim for an unpaid bill from Harriette Bard Woodcock Squiers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-14
Elihu Root has written to President Roosevelt about appointing a member to the commission that is working out a solution to the Venezuela debt crisis. Secretary of State John Hay has reservations about the proposed arrangement. Roosevelt would like Root, Hay, and himself to discuss Charles H. Tweed’s proposition.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-07
Minister Bartlett of the First Presbyterian Church in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, requests President Taft’s help to raise money for his indebted church.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-21
William A. Corey discusses his “great distress.” He purchased fifty acres several years ago and fell behind on payments. The seller recently sued him for foreclosure, and he needs to raise money to pay it off. Otherwise, he will be without any means of support. He asks Theodore Roosevelt to help pay his debt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-07
George E. Megee gives Theodore Roosevelt an extensive history of himself, including his financial troubles revolving around a steam boat vessel which was destroyed in an incident involving night watchmen. Megee feels he has been unjustly treated, and is frustrated with how his local authorities and his country broadly-speaking have handled the situation. He asks Roosevelt for advice and/or assistance in this matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-31
William Wiggin introduces himself to Theodore Roosevelt as the son of Judge Pierce L. Wiggin and a navy veteran. He is a postal clerk and is currently fifty dollars in debt due to the high cost of living and caring for his invalid wife. Concerned for his future independence, Wiggin asks if he can do something for Roosevelt to earn fifty dollars and start afresh.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-21
The church of which George V. Rollins is a member is deeply in debt, and he asks Theodore Roosevelt if he would be willing to come to Altoona, Pennsylvania, to give a lecture on their behalf.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-28
Reverend William B. Carroll introduces himself to Theodore Roosevelt as one of “those Colored Baptist ministers who took an active part in the advocacy that [he was] right and justifiable in the position which [he] took regarding the ‘Brownsville’ incident,” and expresses his admiration for Roosevelt. Carroll’s congregation recently built a new, modern church, which has cost them a great deal of money and left them in debt. While he does not ask Roosevelt to personally donate the money to help the church save its pipe organ from being repossessed, he asks if Roosevelt knows of anyone who may be able to help provide financial assistance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-25
Per Secretary of War William H. Taft’s request, Timothy L. Woodruff sends President Roosevelt a letter from Stewart L. Woodford. The letter is in response to Woodruff’s request to repay the expenses from the State Convention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-29
Dominican Finance Minister Velásquez y Hernández references an agreement between the Morton Trust Company and the Republic of San Domingo. He asks on behalf of the republic for an adjustment of the terms.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-12
Attorney General William H. Moody writes to President Roosevelt regarding an investigation of John G. Capers, U.S. Attorney from South Carolina, and Capers’ reappointment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-30
The memorandum outlines Venezuela’s revenue and debts.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-28
Representative Goulden writes William Loeb that he finds no fault with George Benson’s dismissal from the army. From General George B. Loud’s writing, he was led to believe that Benson’s offenses were less serious than they actually were. Goulden closes by wishing Loeb a good trip to Yellowstone Park.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-11