Your TR Source
Henry I. Paulding informs Frank Harper that he has political connections and information for Theodore Roosevelt about Senator Chauncey M. Depew.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02
John Callan O’Laughlin informs Theodore Roosevelt that Senator William Lorimer was cleared of any corruption or wrongdoing in securing a seat in the United States Senate, and claims that he was saved by the actions of lame duck politicians. Even though Lorimer is in the Senate, however, O’Laughlin believes he “is so badly besmirched he will be of no importance save as [an] object lesson to [the] country.” He thanks Roosevelt for his service to the government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-01
John C. Fleming praises Theodore Roosevelt’s time as president, and particularly mentions sending the Battleship Force around the world. Fleming is working on a book entitled “The Battleships of Peace,” and asks Roosevelt if he would send him a picture of a battleship to be reproduced in the work. He additionally asks if Roosevelt can provide him with assistance regarding a matter mentioned in an enclosed letter, which he previously sent to New York Senator Chauncey M. Depew, involving the New York Central Railroad company.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-16
Charles M. Richards petitions President Roosevelt to help him get an appointment to a federal position. He lists his many endorsements, and notes that he had asked Roosevelt for help in his previous term as President, but at the time was told that funds were exhausted. He turns again to Roosevelt for help, as he has had trouble finding work after losing his job of 24 years when a store closed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-23
David Banks Sickels sends Theodore Roosevelt his short article on Elihu Root’s qualifications as a senator, which was copied by syndicate newspapers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-18
President-Elect Taft writes to President Roosevelt about the upcoming inauguration and legislative debates. Taft reiterates that he has not changed his mind about Fowler (presumably the Fowler Bill relating to financial reform, H.R. 12677) but will attempt to subvert any machinations by that bill’s sponsor, Representative Charles N. Fowler. Taft requests feedback on his inaugural address regarding relations with Japan, and shares that several prominent African American leaders, including Booker T. Washington, have evaluated his speech as it relates to African Americans. Taft concludes by warmly accepting an offer to stay in the White House during the last night of the Roosevelt administration, partially to undermine rumors that he and Roosevelt have been in conflict.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-25
Senator Root updates Theodore Roosevelt on political and legislative matters that he has missed while he has been on safari in Africa. He believes that in time President William H. Taft will be seen as a good president in the eyes of the public, and lists some legislature currently before Congress. The Republicans have now been in power for a long time, and Root reports that some people are getting tired of the leaders. Root leaves to argue the Atlantic Fisheries case before the Hague, and Andrew Carnegie would like him to meet with Roosevelt and work on bringing about disarmament in Europe. Root believes this is a bad idea. He discusses news of Roosevelt’s family, including the engagement of his son Ted and reports that Kermit has shot a female warthog.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-02-11
President-Elect Taft thanks President Roosevelt for his support during the presidential campaign, and reflects on the results of the election and the implications of various results. In particular, strange ballot laws and the liquor question impacted the vote in different states. Taft believes that now his challenge is to prevent Representative Joseph Gurney Cannon from being elected Speaker of the House. He would like to meet with Roosevelt to discuss the plan to deal with Cannon, as well as how to fill the vacant Senate seat for New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-07
In a telephone message, Albert J. Beveridge reported on the positions of several Senators regarding the battleship bill, and provided a list of Senators President Roosevelt should speak to about it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-20
Timothy L. Woodruff updates William Loeb on the status of politics in New York state. He believes that Congressman Charles Luman Knapp is all right, and will head the delegation from Lewis County at the convention. At a dinner hosted by Senator Chauncey M. Depew, Woodruff arranged to sit between Congressmen John W. Dwight and Edward B. Vreeland, and believes that they will also be all right. Senator Thomas Collier Platt would prefer not to go as a delegate at large, and Depew will go instead.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-06
Colonel Vrooman is sorry that William Loeb will not be able to attend General Albert Leopold Mills’s dinner. Vrooman writes about a variety of other social engagements with the Union League and other friends, and reports that Admiral Dewey spoke highly of Admiral Joseph Bullock Coghlan. In terms of politics, which he discusses “unofficially and confidentially,” Vrooman notes that he has “never seen a more chaotic condition of affairs” in New York State. Republicans must work hard to succeed because it is vital that they should win in New York this year. Vrooman feels that Senators from New York State are not adequately representing residents but rather “private interests are being placed above party and public good.” President Roosevelt is wise to make no suggestions regarding state matters, but Vrooman hopes Roosevelt’s friends will actively protect the interests of the people. In a postscript, Vrooman adds his sincere thanks for Loeb’s kindness to him when he was ill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-24
Congressman Parsons writes to President Roosevelt that the platform of Thomas Collier Platt, Benjamin Odell, and Lemuel Quigg has lost some vigor. Parsons continues on to discuss state politics in New York, especially who might be named governor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-24
Nicholas Murray Butler is preparing to sail for Jamaica, and he writes to thank President Roosevelt for setting a date in May for Butler and his wife to visit the White House. Butler also comments that he is glad to be out of the country for some time, as he is unhappy with what is going on in the United States Congress. He notes that the New York Sun has called for the resignations of Senators Chauncey M. Depew and Thomas Collier Platt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-03-10
Edgar Truman Brackett writes to update President Roosevelt on a reorganization that had been discussed previously. Brackett stresses the need to take excess power from a chairmanship, and calls for the resignation of Senator Depew.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-15
John Laughlin asks William Loeb to thank President Roosevelt for his friendship and for sending Laughlin a letter. Laughlin then adds that he is sure he can get Senator Depew and Senator Platt to endorse him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-05-17
F. Norton Goddard received William Loeb’s telegram advising Goddard that President Roosevelt would like Goddard to go see Frank Wayland Higgins. Higgins is in favor of the appointment of Marcus M. Marks as Postmaster of New York, but does not want to openly recommend him for fear of displeasing Benjamin B. Odell. There is some hesitation among Republicans to nominate Marks due to his being Jewish. Goddard asks for the intervention of Roosevelt into this matter by entering into the conversation via telegram, and discusses the possible involvement of Jacob H. Schiff and Thomas Collier Platt as well. He believes the appointment of Marks would be politically beneficial to the Republican Party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-27
John A. Sleicher writes to President Roosevelt about the upcoming Republican National Convention including the speech to be made by former New York Governor Frank Swett Black and strategies to ensure that Roosevelt will be nominated.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-09
Simon Cordery examines the relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and the nation’s railroads. Cordery highlights some of the significant episodes in Roosevelt’s life made possible by train travel like his trip to the Dakota Badlands in 1883, his exhausting campaign tour as a vice-presidential candidate in 1900, and his “Great Western Tour” as president in 1903. Cordery notes Roosevelt’s affection for the railroad workers and his disdain for their employers. Roosevelt saw the employees, with their difficult and dangerous jobs, as embodying the strenuous life while he wanted to curb the economic and political powers of their bosses. Cordery highlights the Northern Securities Case which dismantled a combination of railroads on the northern Great Plains and the debate over whether the railroads should provide free travel to the president.
The article features nine photographs, including three of Roosevelt and trains, and two political cartoons.
After having lunch with President Roosevelt at the White House, former New York governor Frank Swett Black reports that Roosevelt is certain to win the delegates from New York. The article also discusses the potential of Black becoming the newest U.S. Senator from New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-06
![[Roosevelt at hom]e plate to knock out a home run](https://theodorerooseveltcenter.s3.amazonaws.com/TRC/LC/thumbnails/476/0600/Crop476-0600/0696b-a.jpg)
President Roosevelt stands at the “Presidency” plate on a baseball diamond, holding a bat labeled “Honest & Upright Government.” David B. Hill is poised to pitch him a “Tricky Politics” ball. “Gray,” William Jennings Bryan, and Grover Cleveland are in the outfield, while “Williams, Captain” talks with catcher Alton B. Parker. August Belmont, as bat boy, carries a “$” bag of bats labeled “Trusts” and “Interest.” Behind Roosevelt in the dugout are his teammates, Chauncey M. Depew, Albert J. Beveridge, Joseph Gurney Cannon, John Hay, George B. Cortelyou, “Black,” and vice-presidential candidate Charles W. Fairbanks. In the stands in the background are kings and other interested fans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08