French poetry

This document contains translated excerpts from eleven French and one Italian newspapers commenting on President Roosevelt’s letter to the French poet, Frédéric Mistral, and Roosevelt’s published speech, “The Strenuous Life.” The excerpts compare the different situations of the “young” United States establishing their own traditions, while “old” France is breaking down their traditions. Roosevelt is also compared to President Emile Loubet of France. The translated articles range in date from January 31, 1905, to February 9, 1905, and were compiled on February 13, 1905.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-02-13

Creator(s)

Unknown

President Roosevelt thanks Frédéric Mistral for sending him a copy of Mistral’s book Mireille. Roosevelt wishes Mistral success in his ventures in the West, stating that the U.S. is a nation of wealth-seekers, but that the nation also needs to value the non-material things of life.

3 copies: On the back of the first copy is a handwritten note stating that the letter was printed for press-work and that the G.O.P. could not consider him for a cabinet position. Copy 3 has a note commenting that it was no wonder Mistral admired Roosevelt.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1904-12-15

“Three cheers for the French poet!”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-04-30

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

President Roosevelt thanks Frédéric Mistral for sending him a copy of Mistral’s book, Mireille. Roosevelt states that the United States is a nation of wealth-seekers, but that the nation also needs to value the non-material things of life. The second page is a note, written in a hand other than Roosevelt’s, containing a quote concerning the nature of poetry. This item is a copy of the original December 15, 1904, letter.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1905-12-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Three copies of a letter President Roosevelt wrote thanking Frédéric Mistral for sending him a copy of Mistral’s book Mireille. Roosevelt wishes Mistral success in his ventures in the West, stating that the United States is a nation of wealth-seekers, but that the nation also needs to value the non-material things of life. The first copy has a note at the bottom commenting that it was no wonder Mistral became a friend of Roosevelt’s.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1905-12-15

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919