Your TR Source
After deliberation, President Roosevelt shares John A. Sleicher’s opinion regarding renominating Governor Charles Evans Hughes and has told the party leaders. Roosevelt directs Sleicher to write to William H. Taft. He agrees that Taft’s personality needs to be highlighted, but does not believe speeches are the solution.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-22
President Roosevelt was glad to find that former president Grover Cleveland holds Thomas Goode Jones in such high regard, and is glad to have appointed him as a judge, even though he did this before hearing Cleveland’s opinion. He appreciated Cleveland attending the funeral of former president William McKinley with him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-09
J. T. Kendall requests Theodore Roosevelt sign his masonic credential, which is enclosed. Kendall has the autograph of Mexico’s ex-president and would appreciate the autograph of the United States only living ex-president.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-04
This cartoon depicts four different options for President Roosevelt after he leaves office: “President of Harvard,” “In charge of the Panama Canal,” “A member of the Peace Congress at The Hague,” or “U.S. Senator from New York.” Caption: A composite horoscope by the Hon. Champ Clark.
Only a year into President Roosevelt’s second term, editorialists, politicians, and cartoonists continually speculated on his future — as a young ex-president (he would be 50) with a range of professional opportunities; or, if he were to break his word not to seek a successive term, how American politics would be affected.
Animated cartoon of Theodore Roosevelt’s reception in Europe during his April-June 1910 tour. Sequences of crowned heads of Europe sitting in an open automobile, labeled Europe, located on a pier. Roosevelt, carrying a big stick, is in the bow of a ship that approaches the pier as the crowned heads wave. Caricatured are: Roosevelt; Victor Emanuel III of Italy; Manuel II of Portugal; Franz Joseph I of Austria; Alfonso XIII of Spain; Nicholas II of Russia; Edward VII of Great Britain; Clément Fallières of France; and William II of Germany.
Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound
1910
Theodore Roosevelt is a private citizen and cannot influence the state department on foreign policy. His secretary suggests that J. Gersony contact the Secretary of State.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-06-08
Theodore Roosevelt is sorry but he cannot help Joseph H. Brown with his pension problem. Roosevelt no longer interferes in official matters since leaving the White House.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-06-04
Theodore Roosevelt found Charles Dwight Willard’s letter interesting, and thinks it is a wonder that Willard has lived this long with his health challenges. Roosevelt reflects on their being “within range of the riflepits” and reasons that all is well should they be hit as they have “fought the good fight and accomplished something.” He found the anecdote about Harrison Gray Otis at The Outlook lunch amusing, and it is true that he found it proper to leave Lyman Abbott’s correction to his article even though he believes that The Times building was dynamited. He is pleased with the success of Edwin T. Earl’s paper and comments on the corruption of other newspapermen. Roosevelt comments on the progressive contingency having to “use the curb quite as much as the spur” in dealing with the popular movement against big corporations and men of wealth. Willard’s compliments of his article pleased him, especially as he admits to sometimes feeling dispirited about them. As an ex-president, Roosevelt must balance standing up for what he thinks is right without appearing to censor the current president. However, he is “extremely indignant” that President William H. Taft vetoed the statehood bill for Arizona and New Mexico.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-18
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Representative Madison regarding the undesirability of the precedent established and was the only person to protest against it. While an ex-president is a private citizen and should appear before a Senate committee if asked, it should only be under exceptional circumstances. Roosevelt read the testimony before Madison’s committee. He thanks Hines for his treatment of George H. Earle and discusses the latter’s poor conduct.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-11
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary reports to Axel J. Ditlefsen that Roosevelt cannot help in the matter that Ditlefsen wrote about, as only those in official positions can influence the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-19
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary reports that Roosevelt is not able to help Clara Vickers Hartzog in the matter she wrote to him about. Only those in official positions may be able to help her son enlist in the military, and he cannot interfere in such matters now that he is no longer in the White House.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-19
Theodore Roosevelt wishes he could help Miller Freeman as he requests, but it is not possible for him to submit such matters to Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson. He is frequently approached by people asking him to intervene in official matters, and if he attempted to do so in one case, he would be obliged to do so in every case.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-14
Theodore Roosevelt does not think it is advisable for an ex-president to express an opinion on the matter that Walter E. Davenport wrote to him about.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-12
Theodore Roosevelt tells John C. Bates that he is hesitant to write to congressmen about bills. If he takes up the practice, it will be come an “almost endless task.” Roosevelt promises to look into the matter and help if he can.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-08
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks John A. Reaves for sending a copy of his magazine. Reaves can get a photograph of Roosevelt from Harris & Ewing. Roosevelt is unable to write something for the “dedication number” of Reaves’s magazine.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-02
Theodore Roosevelt writes Senator La Follette stating he does not want to have a prominent part in any political movement but is willing to endorse the National Progressive Republican League in The Outlook. Roosevelt has been trying to engage in politics like a private citizen, as an ex-president should, without claiming special status.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-24
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary informs James J. Conway that Roosevelt has not spoken on behalf of a single person regarding an official position since leaving the White House and cannot do so now.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-23
Theodore Roosevelt denounces the interview as false. He explains to William Hutchinson Cowles that he is giving a speaking tour because he wants to visit each state and acknowledge them as the former president. Roosevelt hopes to see Cowles during his visit to Spokane, Washington.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-14
President Roosevelt outlines his travel plans and schedule for his upcoming safari in Africa for Ambassador Reid. He wants Reid to make clear that he only intends to shoot specimens for the Smithsonian Institution, and perhaps a few extra trophies for himself and his son Kermit. He does not want special treatment in any of the countries he will pass through, although he would appreciate any game reserves being opened for him if possible. If it is not possible for him to travel through Europe without fanfare during the months following the safari, Roosevelt will likely return straight home to America. If he does travel through Europe with his family, he would like the American diplomats to make it clear that he is traveling as a former president and does not want to meet heads of governments.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-20
Theodore Roosevelt tells General Wood that his M1903 Springfield rifle is worn out and asks if, given he used to be Commander-in-Chief, the Army could make him a rifle of the newest model but with the same stock, sights, and trigger-pull specifications. He offers to send his old rifle so they know its exact specifications. He also asks that the rifle be fitted to fire U.M.C. 172 gr. cartridges.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-06