Your TR Source
The Lexington Leader prints Secretary of War William H. Taft’s speech at the Lexington, Kentucky auditorium in its entirety. He discusses at length the question of race and its relation to political participation. Taft details the differences between President Roosevelt and William Jennings Bryan and appeals to Kentuckian Democrats to evaluate their party alliance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-22
President-Elect Taft writes to President Roosevelt about the upcoming inauguration and legislative debates. Taft reiterates that he has not changed his mind about Fowler (presumably the Fowler Bill relating to financial reform, H.R. 12677) but will attempt to subvert any machinations by that bill’s sponsor, Representative Charles N. Fowler. Taft requests feedback on his inaugural address regarding relations with Japan, and shares that several prominent African American leaders, including Booker T. Washington, have evaluated his speech as it relates to African Americans. Taft concludes by warmly accepting an offer to stay in the White House during the last night of the Roosevelt administration, partially to undermine rumors that he and Roosevelt have been in conflict.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-25
In an address at Hampton Normal School, President Roosevelt praised the school for making colored men and women better citizens because “in the interests of the white man” it is the “safest and best thing that could happen.” He urged members of his audience to “take up work on the farm” and do “hand work” but “develop his brain to guide his hand work…” “Most important of all is character… to secure their own self respect and the respect of others…” Roosevelt concluded that, “The negro criminal… tends to the bitter animosities, the bitter prejudices for which, not he alone, but his whole race will suffer.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-31