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Bela Tokaji writes to the editor of the Brooklyn Daily Times to refute claims that immigrants will be the downfall of America made by Alfred Paul Karl Eduard Schultz. Tokaji states the peaceful and industrious men and women who come to America have demonstrated their loyalty. The children of immigrants will continue to take care build America for centuries to come.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-10
Bela Tokaji writes to the editor of the Brooklyn Daily Times to refute claims made by Alfred Paul Karl Eduard Schultz that immigrants will be the downfall of America. Tokaji states the peaceful and industrious men and women who come to America have demonstrated their loyalty. Mary Emelia Clark Barnes is quoted from her speech at the international congress for the welfare of children saying immigrant children are the future of the nation. Since four in five children born in New York City are born to immigrant parents, Tokaji agrees with Barnes and cites immigrant’s enormous contribution to the industrial growth in America as proof.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-09
One article and two letters to the editor of the North China Daily News discuss the Chinese boycott. As a protest of American mistreatment of Chinese immigrants, the boycott was a reasonable response, but has taken anti-American and violent undertones.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-17
President Roosevelt praises Secretary of Commerce and Labor Metcalf for his work in California regarding the treatment of Japanese immigrants. Roosevelt advocates a solution of restricting the movement of both Japanese and American citizens between the two countries. He recounts his discussion with the Japanese ambassador regarding the immigration of Japanese workers to the United States.
1906-11-27
Theodore Roosevelt drafts a letter to Charles Evans Hughes. He encloses a letter from a voter in Brooklyn and a copy of his response. Roosevelt comments on the actions of President Wilson regarding Germany and discusses American sentiment towards German-Americans.
1916-08-09
Civil Service Commissioner Roosevelt proposes an article, co-written with Henry Cabot Lodge, about immigration in the United States. Roosevelt also presents an idea for an article in which he will criticize reverence for literary works simply because they are old. He uses Demosthenes and Cicero versus President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg speech examples. Roosevelt also inquires about his other submissions.
1893-04-01
President Roosevelt sends good wishes to C. J. Hexamer, President of the National German-American Alliance, for the celebration of the two hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the first German immigration to the United States. Roosevelt commends the contributions of German-Americans to the country.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-05
Japanese Ambassador Takahira sends a list of Japanese passengers to the United States to President Roosevelt, noting that there has been a considerable decrease due to strict surveillance of passport applications in Japan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-08
President Roosevelt thanks John St. Loe Strachey for his letter and comments that both of them agree with the great questions between Great Britain and the United States. Roosevelt worries about the rise of socialism in Britain. He also discusses issues of immigration, particularly comparing the race riots in Vancouver, Canada, with those in San Francisco, California.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-09
President Roosevelt is impressed with Commissioner General of Immigration Sargent’s report and requests he continues his observations. Roosevelt feels the transit of Japanese should stop immediately and asks Sargent if the arrangements for Chinese transit can be implemented.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-29
President Roosevelt requests Secretary of State Root review the letters from Representative William S. Bennet regarding an immigration agreement with Greece. Such an agreement could aid in easing relations with Japan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-08
President Roosevelt is glad to hear from Bishop Harris. Roosevelt cannot contemplate war between the United States and Japan, especially since both countries strive to develop the Pacific. He will do what he can to ensure the United States treats Japan and its people fairly. However, large numbers of foreign wage workers create economic pressures.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-06
President Roosevelt thanks William Sturgis Bigelow for the book by the naturalist C.G. Schillings. Roosevelt tells Bigelow that he will look at the pamphlet about starting trouble with Japan, but that he has his doubts. Roosevelt is glad that all is well in Nahant, but hopes that Bigelow gets better soon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-26
President Roosevelt tells Speaker of the House Cannon that he would like immigration legislation this session, but would like funding for the immigration investigation that would provide information to put before Congress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-19
President Roosevelt would like to “make an exhaustive investigation into this immigration matter.” He wants to set up a committee in order to suggest practical solutions to Congress, including “keeping out the unfit” and to find the “proper distribution” for immigrants in order for rapid assimilation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-12
Attorney General Bonaparte updates President Roosevelt on matters regarding United States District Attorney N. M. Ruick, the prosecution of the International Harvester Company, and affairs in Oklahoma. He is greatly concerned about reports of Secretary of State Elihu Root’s health. Territorial Governor of New Mexico George Curry intends to appoint David J. Leahy as assistant attorney general of the territory. Bonaparte feels obligated to inform Roosevelt of this appointment as Leahy is possibly “one of the persons about whom there has been complaint by the Interior Department.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-29
Commissioner General of Immigration Sargent answers William Loeb’s request that a report regarding Japanese movement into and out of the United States be prepared for President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-27
Victor Howard Metcalf provides President Roosevelt with a series of correspondences regarding an immigration inspector, George C. Triick, who was accused of mistreating Mr. Chow Tszchi, a Chinese dignitary. The department agrees that the Government should provide the utmost courtesy to Chinese people but notes issues in proving citizenship or defining who could be classified as a Chinese laborer. Chinese merchants, teachers, students and bankers are welcome, but not laborers with falsified Chinese papers pretending to be of a higher class. A treaty written in 1904 sought to deal with falsified records but the Chinese thought it was too strict. Metcalf notes any concerns of harshness in the enforcement of exclusionary laws is necessary to combat those trying to skirt the system.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-07
Robert Watchorn thanks President Roosevelt for elevating him to the position of Commissioner of Ellis Island’s immigration inspection station. Watchorn recounts how he came to work at Ellis Island as an inspector, and reflects on how he has made himself useful thus far in bringing about reform, and the importance of the position to which he is now appointed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-21
Howard Metcalf writes to Benjamin F. Barnes acknowledging receipt of a letter from Governor Odell of New York. Metcalf summarizes Odell’s letter. The letter is about friction between officials at Ellis Island and the State Board of Alienists of New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-21