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President Roosevelt thinks that Commissioner Brown’s bulletin outlines one of the ways that the Department of Education could be most useful.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-11
President Roosevelt accepts Commissioner of Education Harris’s resignation, and expresses both his regret that Harris is leaving government service and his gratitude for the good work that Harris has done while in office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-06-19
President Roosevelt will be meeting with Mr. Butler and will not discuss educational matters unless they are brought up. Roosevelt wants to continue to be friends with Butler and James Russell Parsons even though they are at odds regarding education.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-27
Mrs. C. E. Vinnedge writes Theodore Roosevelt regarding the challenge to America’s public schools through private and religious institutions, especially the Roman Catholic Church, which do not allow their children to benefit from the country’s public school system. Vinnedge believes it should be compulsory for all of American children to attend public schools and reap the benefits of this great civil liberty.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-27
John James compliments Theodore Roosevelt on his Memorial Day address at General Grant’s tomb on the topic of a peace treaty with England, though James hopes to inform Roosevelt of a topic that may change his opinion on international relations with the foreign power. He purports to hold a confidential report from the London Board of Education that proves that American statesmen and historical figures are belittled in English schools, and offers to send the report to Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-31
Charles Edward Magoon writes to Secretary of State Root regarding recommendations for successors to his positions in Panama, since he will be transferred to the Philippines. He recommends Colonel William Crawford Gorgas for governor and commissioner and William F. Sands for minister. Given the circumstances of Panama, he believes that Gorgas should be given the dual appointment of governor and minister. However, if the positions are separated he recommends Sands. Magoon wishes to return to the United States prior to his transfer in order to handle his personal affairs and confer on his next position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-24
This pamphlet on education is dedicated strongly to President Roosevelt. The author critiques curriculum based too much in reading passively and encourages a “doing” sort of mentality. C. W. Larned describes classical civilization as he sees it to build his argument.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908
James Russell Parsons discusses legislation concerning revamping the education system in New York state.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-18
Nicholas Murray Butler encloses a letter from Charles Rufus Skinner, whose re-election is being opposed, according to Skinner, due to his efforts to prevent public money from going towards religious and sectarian schools. Skinner has a great deal of “ammunition” on the subject and is considering a public fight over the issue. Butler wanted to warn President Roosevelt of another potential “firebrand” complicating the 1904 political situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-08
As previously agreed, Lyman Abbott requests letters of introduction for his son, Ernest Hamlin Abbott, who will be investigating conditions in the South. Abbott will be in Lake Mohonk next week pressing for two reforms, the transfer of the Indian Bureau to the War Department and placing all public schools under the Bureau of Education. He believes these reforms will remove the issues from partisan politics. Next week, Abbott is beginning a lecture series on preaching at Yale University. He encloses clippings on James Kimble Vardaman and wishes more could be done to oppose Vardaman’s election.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-12
Charles A. Gardiner advocates for federal statutes that will ensure the education of illiterate American citizens. He would like the Republican Party and President Roosevelt to take the lead in this legislation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-21
Superintendent Atkinson submits several questions regarding the local and school population.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-28