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Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Manuel Luis Quezon that in view of the attitude of the current Administration and of the American people, the United States should grant the Philippines “absolute independence without any responsibility on the part of the United States in guaranteeing such independence.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-04
President Roosevelt responds to the letter from Major Douglas Hughes Wise, enclosed in the letter from his father, John S. Wise. Roosevelt believes that the “Democrats and anti-imperialists” in Congress care little of the needs of the Filipino people, and makes legislation on the matter “almost impossible.” However, Roosevelt will share Major Wise’s letter with Governor-General of the Philippines James Francis Smith and Secretary of War William H. Taft, as he fundamentally agrees with it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-16
President Roosevelt will avoid using Cuba as an example when speaking about the Philippines. He believes that Christian Filipinos will eventually “show themselves fit” to be given a form of self-government like Cuba, but it may take a number of years.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-26
President Roosevelt responds to a request from Senator Lodge that he comment on an article about Egypt written by Charles Francis Adams. Roosevelt observes that Adams was apparently not aware of many of the issues related to holding colonies before traveling to Egypt. Comparing the British occupation and control of Egypt and India with the relationship of the United States to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and particularly the Philippines, Roosevelt asserts that the goal of the United States must be to administer the islands for the good of the natives with an eye towards eventual self-government (whereas this has not always seemed to be the goal of the British). Roosevelt also quotes a letter from General Leonard Wood regarding the condition of British colonies and the topic of Chinese labor. Roosevelt believes that the United States has acted much more benevolently towards its island holdings than the British have towards their colonies, and praises the efforts that the United States has made in reducing corruption and increasing the effectiveness of the governments of these dependencies.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-04-30
General Wood informs President Roosevelt about the situation in the Philippines, reporting that besides the areas of Leyte and Samor, the situation is relatively quiet. He recommends that America keep the islands garrisoned to prevent agitators from upsetting order. Wood opines that the Filipinos are far behind Cuba on the path to deserving independence, but praises the Spanish for having evangelized and civilized the Philippines. Wood recommends the recovering Lieutenant Gordon Johnston for the Medal of Honor. Wood plans to send his family home to the United States for the children’s schooling, and after the Filipino elections hopes himself to visit France and Germany to observe military maneuvers and methods there. Wood hopes afterwards to be appointed to New York where he can work on seacoast defense, but is willing to return to the Philippines if requested. Wood also discusses his opinions on the results of the Russo-Japanese War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-18
Governor General of the Philippines Smith has consulted with T. H. Pardo de Tavera, José Ruiz de Luzuriaga, and Gregorio Araneta, who all agree that W. Morgan Shuster would make a good Philippine Commissioner. Shuster is also popular with the Filipino people. David P. Barrows and Arthur W. Fergusson would also be a good fit.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-23
Secretary of War Taft informs President Roosevelt that he agrees with all that General Leonard Wood says in his letter. Taft believes that Wood’s statements “show how absurd it would be for us to attempt to give the Filipinos independent government, with the hope that they can better themselves without outside aid under present conditions.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-05
Secretary of War Taft is surprised that the tone in Bishop Thomas Augustine Hendrick’s letter lacks the patience which is necessary to accomplish things in the Philippines. However, Taft informs President Roosevelt that Hendrick’s letter comes only after a stay of one week on the islands. Taft cannot answer some of Hendrick’s charges of how political appointees were chosen, and states his views on how to navigate between the state and the Catholic church in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-05-04
Bishop Hendrick writes to President Roosevelt to relay the facts about insurrection in the Philippines. Hendrick notes that Roosevelt had told him the attitude of the Philippine government towards his mission would be friendly, but he has found that this is not the case. Hendrick argues that if the Filipinos were given independence it would not necessarily result in the removal of the Catholic Church from the country, and he sees the Aglipayan Church as a political rather than religious movement. Hendrick also enumerates wrongs experienced by the Catholic Church at the hands of the Aglipayan Church and notes that the courts are not reliable sources for justice in such cases. Finally, Hendrick asks Roosevelt’s help with the following: ensuring that all the provisions of the Treaty of Paris be fully carried out by the government, instructing the municipalities of the Philippines to protect the Catholic Church and Hendrick himself, and establishing a society where all individuals in the Philippines can pursue their livelihoods safely.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-30
Senator Lodge thanks President Roosevelt for writing a second letter to George L. Cain, even though the statement concerning the Navy Yard seems to be conclusive. Lodge notes that Henry M. Whitney and Eugene N. Foss have raised a large amount of money and that their reciprocity campaign is directed against him. Lodge believes Roosevelt is right about Chase. He also mentions that “the friends of liberty and the Filipinos held a meeting…with Burke Cochran…as the start performer” and that “Charles Adams said the most dangerous trust was the Senatorial trust.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-02
Governor General of the Philippines Taft writes to Secretary of War Root about the tariff bill that is currently in the Senate. Taft asserts the necessity of passing the bill, as the situation in the Philippines is serious, especially regarding the sugar and tobacco industries. All political parties in the Philippines are petitioning for the bill, and if it fails it will be very discouraging.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1903-02-26
President Roosevelt praises former President William McKinley for leading the nation through several crises with virtue. Roosevelt compares McKinley to Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Grant, Jefferson, and Jackson, all of whom Roosevelt notes have left long-standing legacies in the American memory. Roosevelt traces McKinley’s service to the United States from his commission in the Union Army during the Civil War, through his time in Congress and governorship of Ohio, before becoming President of the United States. McKinley helped the country move through a period of financial depression, as well as the Spanish-American War and the subsequent issues arising from having claimed new island territories. Roosevelt closes by noting that McKinley’s assassination shocked the nation, but that he died “in the golden fullness of his triumph,” and that his example lives on.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-27
President Roosevelt praises former President William McKinley for leading the nation through several crises with virtue. Roosevelt compares McKinley to Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Grant, Jefferson, and Jackson, all of whom Roosevelt notes have left long-standing legacies in the American memory. Roosevelt traces McKinley’s service to the United States from his commission in the Union Army during the Civil War, through his time in Congress and governorship of Ohio, before becoming President of the United States. McKinley helped the country move through a period of financial depression, as well as the Spanish-American War and the subsequent issues arising from having claimed new island territories. Roosevelt closes by noting that McKinley’s assassination shocked the nation, but that he died “in the golden fullness of his triumph,” and that his example lives on for the nation. This is a press copy of the speech.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-27
President Roosevelt thanks the members of the Union League of Philadelphia for their commitment to upholding the principles of Abraham Lincoln. He praises the traits that brought the American people through the Civil War and subsequent trials that the nation faced. Roosevelt asks the assembled club to reflect on former President William McKinley’s policies, and says that while policies alone cannot make a nation great, “good laws and good administration of the laws can give to strong, honest, brave men a chance to do well.” Roosevelt praises McKinley’s ability to handle the unexpected challenges of the Spanish-American War and subsequent acquisition of the Philippines. He outlines the current situation in the Philippines, with the ending of the Philippine-American War, the establishment of civil administration, and general situation of peace. Roosevelt advises that the government must solve issues related to the industrial growth of the nation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-11-22
President Roosevelt thanks the members of the Union League of Philadelphia for their commitment to upholding the principles of Abraham Lincoln. He praises the traits that brought the American people through the Civil War and subsequent trials that the nation faced. Roosevelt asks the assembled club to reflect on former President William McKinley’s policies, and says that while policies alone cannot make a nation great, “good laws and good administration of the laws can give to strong, honest, brave men a chance to do well.” Roosevelt praises McKinley’s ability to handle the unexpected challenges of the Spanish-American War and subsequent acquisition of the Philippines. He outlines the current situation in the Philippines, with the ending of the Philippine-American War, the establishment of civil administration, and general situation of peace. Roosevelt advises that the government must solve issues related to the industrial growth of the nation. This is the press copy of Roosevelt’s speech with handwritten edits and applause noted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-11-22
President Roosevelt thanks the members of the Union League of Philadelphia for their commitment to upholding the principles of Abraham Lincoln. He praises the traits that brought the American people through the Civil War and subsequent trials that the nation faced. Roosevelt asks the assembled club to reflect on former President William McKinley’s policies, and says that while policies alone cannot make a nation great, “good laws and good administration of the laws can give to strong, honest, brave men a chance to do well.” Roosevelt praises McKinley’s ability to handle the unexpected challenges of the Spanish-American War and subsequent acquisition of the Philippines. He outlines the current situation in the Philippines, with the ending of the Philippine-American War, the establishment of civil administration, and general situation of peace. Roosevelt advises that the government must solve issues related to the industrial growth of the nation. This is the press copy of Roosevelt’s speech.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-11-22
President Roosevelt honors General Luke E. Wright on his return from the Philippines. Roosevelt praises both the state of Tennessee and Wright. Roosevelt gives several examples of how the United States is once again a whole entity, using especially Wright’s conduct as acting governor of the Philippines. He also discusses the United States’ actions and duties in the Philippines, and addresses charges of wrongdoing against the U.S. Army. He notes that while the U.S. has made some steps towards allowing self-government for the Filipinos, it would be more dangerous to move too quickly towards self-rule than to move too slowly.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-11-19
President Roosevelt honors Luke E. Wright on his return from the Philippines. Roosevelt praises both the state of Tennessee and Wright. Roosevelt gives several examples of how the United States is once again a whole entity, using especially Wright’s conduct as acting governor of the Philippines. He also discusses the United States’ actions and duties in the Philippines, and addresses charges of wrongdoing against the U.S. Army. He notes that while the U.S. has made some steps towards allowing self-government for the Filipinos, it would be more dangerous to move too quickly towards self-rule than to move too slowly. This is the press copy of Roosevelt’s speech with edits and applause noted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-11-19
President Roosevelt honors General Luke E. Wright on his return from the Philippines. Roosevelt praises both the state of Tennessee and Wright. Roosevelt gives several examples of how the United States is once again a whole entity, using especially Wright’s conduct as acting governor of the Philippines. He also discusses the United States’ actions and duties in the Philippines, and addresses charges of wrongdoing against the U.S. Army. He notes that while the U.S. has made some steps towards allowing self-government for the Filipinos, it would be more dangerous to move too quickly towards self-rule than to move too slowly. This is the press copy of Roosevelt’s speech.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-11-19
Donald McDonald Dickinson offers his opinion on the prospects for President Roosevelt’s administration and the attacks being made on him. Although popular sentiment is with Roosevelt, the organization is likely to oppose him in strength at the next election, and the time to begin preparing for that fight is now. The Booker T. Washington incident and his speech at Arlington hurt him. If Roosevelt could make some statement this fall about his desire to find a solution for the negro problem, it might assuage those in the South who were offended. Dickinson also urges that Abram S. Hewitt and others with large investment interests be made advisers to the president.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-07-11