Your TR Source
T. Augustine Dwyer writes to William Loeb to refute allegations in the New York Daily News that he was paid or otherwise rewarded to write an editorial supporting President Roosevelt. Dwyer asserts that he expressed his honest opinion and asks Loeb to inform Roosevelt of this.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-03
Lyman Abbott informs President Roosevelt that he will publish the editorial forwarded by Roosevelt without intimating from where it came. Abbott goes on to say that public interest in the coming election seems languid and he attributes it to a feeling that Roosevelt will inevitably be re-elected. He also predicts that this election will put an end to “individualist or Jeffersonian Democracy” and leave the country with two parties “one populistic or semi-socialistic” and “the Republican party, the party of real though conservative and cautious progress.” Abbott also hopes that Roosevelt will read Abbott’s editorial on tariff reform which Abbott believes should be the Republican party’s stance on the issue as well.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-03
Brooks Adams advises President Roosevelt to publish a letter in response to Judge Alton B. Parker’s letter outlining the Democratic platform.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-03
Republican National Committee Chairman Cortelyou writes to President Roosevelt about the progress of the Republican campaign. Cortelyou outlines his strategy to allow the Democratic Party to articulate their platform and then attack it in advance of the election. Roosevelt should maintain his current activity and Cortelyou will let him know if speeches or writing are needed from him. Despite some criticism, he believes the Republican headquarters is being run well overall.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-02
James Gardiner writes to Secretary of State Hay to provide information about D. Cady Herrick, Democratic nominee for New York State Governor. Gardiner says that Herrick did not distinguish himself in his legal career and that “he is just the type of man that the New York independent voter dislikes.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-23
Senator Lodge thanks President Roosevelt for his letter. He approves of the selection of Lieutenant Governor Higgins as the Republican nominee for New York State Governor. He goes on to explain why he thinks D. Cady Herrick is a poor choice for the Democratic nominee and to speculate on who the papers will endorse. He asks Roosevelt’s opinion on two other matters, the appointment of a new Commander of the North American Squadron, and a letter he has received from George Mayer on the need to build a new Customs House and expand the size of the Appraisers Department.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-23
William Emlen Roosevelt informs President Roosevelt that although he cannot make another campaign donation, he has given $500 to Republican National Committee Chairman Cortelyou for the campaign in Nassau County. He goes on to discuss Judge Alton B. Parker’s Democratic nomination letter and expresses his opinion that Parker will not win the election.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-26
Joseph Bucklin Bishop writes to President Roosevelt about the Republican election strategy. First, he notes that he does not think Chief Judge Parker’s Democratic nomination acceptance letter will increase his success in the campaign. Then he goes on to say that Parker’s ideas about pensions make for a delicate political situation. Finally, he says he is getting conflicting reports on the situation in New York and the conflict between Governor Odell and Lieutenant Governor Higgins, and he will update Roosevelt when he knows anything definite.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-27
Henry W. Taft writes to President Roosevelt to express his regret that he could not accept the Republican nomination for Governor of New York. Taft also offers to meet with Roosevelt to discuss the Constitution Club, a group he refers to as “a humbug and I think those who are not partisan Democrats will so regard it.” Taft also offers to write a letter in opposition to the Club, but expresses his desire that the issue not dominate the campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-18
John Ellis Roosevelt forwards a letter he received from Judge Tucker to President Roosevelt. John Roosevelt highlighted a passage he thought President Roosevelt would be interested in. He also mentions how much he enjoyed seeing the president and first lady.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-19
Charles Pepper writes to Republican National Committee Chairman Cortelyou to report on his visit to St. Louis. He reports that he believes the Democratic vote will be split and that there is great positive feeling towards Roosevelt in the state of Missouri because of the perception that the national administration helped with the World Exposition.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-19
Joseph Bucklin Bishop writes to President Roosevelt to forward a letter from John Hay regarding Bishop’s pamphlet. Bishop also discusses the state of the Presidential campaign and notes that it is strange that Chief Judge Parker has not published a letter of candidacy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-20
Civil Service Commissioner Cooley informs President Roosevelt that he has prepared a letter about the administration of the Civil Service under Roosevelt. His research indicates that there have been fewer exemptions under Roosevelt than under previous administrations. He is traveling abroad, but he will be back in the United States the following Thursday or Friday and will draft a final version of his letter in response to Judge Alton B. Parker’s Democratic nomination letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-20
Silas McBee writes to President Roosevelt to forward a letter from a friend of his who was lifelong Democrat but, like McBee, supports Roosevelt. McBee notes that the letter’s explanations of the reasons for supporting Roosevelt are very interesting.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-20
Secretary of War Taft reports to President Roosevelt on his campaign activities, asks Roosevelt to review an article for The Churchman, and forwards a report on the progress of the Panama Canal. In preparation for a speech, Taft requests a meeting with the head of the Treasury Department to review government expenditures and also expresses his desire to review Judge Parker’s Democratic nomination acceptance letter. Finally, Taft forwards a letter from Cardinal Merry del Val and asks Roosevelt’s opinion on whether he should respond.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-20
General James Sullivan Clarkson, surveyor of the Port of New York, reports to William Loeb on the progress of the Republican political campaign in the Western states. In his meetings with prominent figures in Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, and Indiana, he found Republicans to be very enthusiastic about President Roosevelt and the efforts of Republican Chairman George B. Cortelyou. He has heard many reports of Democratic voters who will vote for the Republican national ticket and he believes that through the influence of a few prominent Republicans the success of the campaign will be ensured. Clarkson ranks Roosevelt’s letter of acceptance among the finest political writings of all time.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-15
Joseph Bucklin Bishop sends President Roosevelt a letter from the Philadelphia Press and mentions his correspondence with Secretary of State John Hay regarding their feeling that the Democratic campaign will not be successful.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-15
Railroad President John Byrne writes to President Roosevelt advocating for Francis R. Pemberton, son of General John C. Pemberton, to join their campaign because he has close ties with southern industries and would help address “the ‘negro’ question.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-15
Thomas St. John Gaffney reports to William Loeb on his campaign efforts and tells Loeb that he is sending one hundred copies of two pamphlets that he created. He finds much enthusiasm for President Roosevelt’s campaign and little for the campaign of Alton B. Parker, and he will increase his efforts with the Catholic Club. Lastly, he encloses a letter from “a very able Irishman” whom he says will support Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-15
Secretary of War Taft sends President Roosevelt a report on the Philippines, and asks that a copy of his formal letter of transmittal be sent to the War Department to be put on record. The news Taft has heard from Vermont is good, but he is not particularly surprised, as it shows what he has thought about voters remaining with the Republican party, even with the Democratic party turning back to the gold standard. Taft also comments about votes in Maine, and will be disappointed if they have less than a 25,000 vote majority, and writes about the election in general. Taft has been playing golf every day, and has been invigorated by it. He has heard from his brother about Benjamin B. Odell’s nomination for governor of New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-07