Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt tells J. L. Garvin he has corrected the objectionable portion of the book. Roosevelt believes that the World War would have been over in ninety days if England had implemented universal military training before its start.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-27
Theodore Roosevelt would like the American people to see the effort, resolution, and self-sacrifice that is happening in Great Britain. He believes that Mary Augusta Arnold Ward is the perfect person to write such an article.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-27
Theodore Roosevelt thoroughly agrees with Dr. Daniel S. Gage regarding Hoke Smith. He directs Gage to the section of his own autobiography that discusses the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt believes England acted in a way that was substantially as Gage describes, but cannot say whether it is exact.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-31
Theodore Roosevelt feels exactly the way Major Luria does about Americanism. Roosevelt does not care where a man is born if he has got the right spirit in him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-17
Theodore Roosevelt is interested in the suggestions Captain Moseley has on training U.S. military forces. Roosevelt does not agree with Moseley’s two types of training, one for those with a college education and one for those without, as he would wish his own sons to “serve with the colors.” Roosevelt does, however, agree about the immigrants and favors the term “universal training” over “conscription.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-17
Theodore Roosevelt denies ever saying that he hates England and would not make such a statement about any nation. He agrees that the best “racial elements” should be sought and brought into the “composite American character.” Roosevelt does not understand Hugo Munsterberg’s objection to Battle Cry of Peace. The play appeals to American patriotism and displays what would be brought on by pacifist teachings.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-06
Theodore Roosevelt appreciated Owen Johnson’s article in Collier’s on the spirit of France. Roosevelt suggests that Johnson may have included information in his article about the French pacifists that “nearly brought France to complete ruin.” Roosevelt also mentions that England has not done as much as France to prepare for war, but that the United States is even “less fit to do our duty.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-08
Theodore Roosevelt says he will use what Charles Patrick Joseph Mooney, editor of The Commercial Appeal, wrote in an article in his own speech. Roosevelt thinks what Mooney said about William Jennings Bryan is admirable and discusses treaties.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-16
Theodore Roosevelt requests that Robert P. Perkins send Alex the November issue of Metropolitan containing his article. Roosevelt asserts that he spoke to the American people more harshly he did into England, and that he explicitly stated that he made this allusion to England “only to emphasize the fact that America will do infinitely worse and has done infinitely worse.” Roosevelt also encloses a copy of a note sent to Owen Johnson.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-16
Theodore Roosevelt and his four sons would like to be in the trenches with British Captain H. Hesketh-Prichard. Roosevelt notes England has fared well in the war, better than Americans would have, although not as well as France has done. Roosevelt is “horrorstruck” by the attitudes of both Welsh miners and rich British men making money off of the war. He also is amazed that the Brits fall behind others in munitions production despite their industrialized economy. Roosevelt advocated mandatory service and has sent his sons all to Plattsburgh for military camp.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-26
Theodore Roosevelt was pleased to hear that British Army Captain Frederick Courteney Selous is at the front. He compares Selous’s position as an older officer to General von Hindenberg, the most successful German general, who is over the age limit for generals. Roosevelt regrets to hear that Selous’s corp was treated poorly in East Africa. He encloses two articles he wrote supporting universal military service and rigorous application of military law. Roosevelt has been distressed at the misconduct of the United States and the activities of the “professional pacifists.” If Germany keeps sinking ships carrying Americans, the public may demand a declaration of war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-28
Theodore Roosevelt has not received copies of Frederick Scott Oliver’s book yet, but he believes he will be in agreement with it. He bemoans the inaction of President Woodrow Wilson in response to Germany’s invasion of Belgium. He comments on the movement for universal disarmament and a League of Peace, which he believes wrong-headed and ineffective.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-29
Theodore Roosevelt is sorry he will not be able to speak at Long Island. Roosevelt believes that sea-power is playing an important role in the current war, and the United States must build up the navy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-29
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Lauro Müller, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Brazil, on behalf of Major George Patrick Ahern, who was formerly the head of the U.S. Forest Service in the Philippines. Ahern has been asked to assist the British and Dutch governments in the development and use of their forests and Roosevelt knows no one so progressive and far-sighted as Müller who might assist Ahern in his work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-07-02
Theodore Roosevelt conveys his deepest sympathies to Huelin C. O’Neill on the death of his son. Roosevelt agrees with O’Neill about how unprepared the United States is to meet the threat of World War, and he believes that there should be compulsory universal military training. Roosevelt has had enough of “peace-at-any-price apostles” who will bring “only dishonor and disaster.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-16
Theodore Roosevelt appreciated Arthur Garfield Hays’ letter. Roosevelt says that if he had been president, he would have made the belligerents “respect our rights.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-22
Theodore Roosevelt met with Owen Wister’s English pacifist friend and could not help telling him that Englishmen should be at home doing their duty. The prime duty of the English and Americans should be to prepare against disaster and stop making promises they do not intend to keep. Roosevelt expresses his displeasure at the policies of the Wilson administration and the influence of American pacifists.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-23
Theodore Roosevelt writes about his desire to go to San Francisco by way of the Canadian Pacific Railway, but expects he cannot do so without stopping to make speeches all along the way, as he has already received numerous invitations. Roosevelt feels he must not speak in Canada because his critical views on the U.S. position on avoiding World War I would be unfavorable against his home country. He also references the labor union disputes in England.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-04-02
Theodore Roosevelt comments on the “simplicity” of Freidrich von Bernhardi’s argument that Germany was justified in invading Belgium, because France, Belgium, and England were convinced Germany would violate Belgium’s rights and that the other countries would need to defend her. Roosevelt notes that this is the opinion of many Germans and German Americans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-13
Theodore Roosevelt is sorry that H. L. Stuart could not use his note to Rudyard Kipling, but he supposes that all England is busy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-25