Your TR Source
President Roosevelt encloses affidavits proving that Jan Janov Pouren was a revolutionist in Russia and that the crimes he has been accused of are therefore political crimes. As such, the treaty prevents his extradition.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-06
President Roosevelt writes Secretary of State Root regarding a treaty of extradition with Russia. Roosevelt believes that they should refuse to give up a Russian-Jewish refugee (most likely Jan Janov Pouren) and that there should never have been an extradition treaty with Russia because their treatment of political dissidents is uncivilized and harsh. Russia’s refusal to issue passports to Jewish people further validates Roosevelt’s unwillingness to extend assistance. The Jewish Committee requests to know if such actions repeal the treaty, a question Roosevelt will let Root decide. Roosevelt asks Root to go over the information so they can discuss it, and explains that he understands the president makes the final decision on such cases.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-25
President Roosevelt wants to ensure that the legal rights of William D. Haywood and Charles Moyer are safeguarded and that “exact justice” is done. It has been suggested that they were extradited from Colorado in an unlawful manner and Roosevelt would like the pertinent information from the District Attorneys of Colorado and Idaho. Political pressure from the socialist and labor press will be strong in favor of acquittal, regardless of their actual guilt or innocence. The goal of federal authorities must be to “further the cause of justice.”
1906-03-26