Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt thanks William Wood for writing and applauds his work with the Commission on Conservation in Canada. He believes that the preservation of the natural world is a democratic pursuit and to the benefit of all people. He wishes Wood success with the movement in Labrador.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-15
Theodore Roosevelt thanks E. R. Bradfield for his letter and has directed a friend to send Bradfield relevant literature regarding deforestation and erosion.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-29
Edward Jackman writes to Theodore Roosevelt asking why, as a private citizen, has he not yet spoken out against the “commercialization and personal greed of the present day.” Jackman also mentions appalling business practices, the over-consumption of liquor, and the destruction being done to the environment for commercial purposes. He finishes his letter by asking Roosevelt what he can do to help combat these issues.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-30
James G. Lewis explains how deforestation in China became a central part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s last annual message to Congress in December 1908. Lewis notes that Roosevelt’s conservation efforts had been increasingly thwarted by Congress in the last two years of his administration, and Roosevelt decided that he needed to make a strong case to Congress in his last message. Roosevelt used the example of what had happened to China’s soil, rivers, and climate after massive deforestation had rid many of its mountains of trees and vegetation. Roosevelt relied on evidence, eyewitness accounts, and photographs supplied by Frank Nicholas Meyer and Willis Bailey to emphasize the damage done in China. Lewis notes that Roosevelt was the first president to add photographs to his annual message.
Five photographs appear in the article, including three of deforestation in China, a similar scene from Utah, and one of Meyer.
President Roosevelt speaks about “The wage-worker and the tiller of the soil” to a crowd in Sioux Falls. He speaks about the modern problems of farmers, stock growers, and soil tillers as well as problems between “employer and employed.” He links the well-being of the state with the well-being of farmers, and also of the needs of those classes in light of industrial changes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-04-06