Your TR Source
President Roosevelt is astonished to learn that in 1827 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe predicted both the construction of the Panama Canal and that the United States would build it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-28
Francis Langer, a self-described amateur natural philosopher, wants to send Theodore Roosevelt his treatise on the “nature, origin and operation of solar gravitation, as the principle of force and motion.” He enumerates some of the truths he discovered. Langer hopes his treatise will give Roosevelt as much pleasure as Roosevelt’s books have given him. He also hopes Roosevelt will be the powerful protector he needs and will bridge the gulf between him and the learned world.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-27
Charles H. Battey “heartily approves” Theodore Roosevelt’s article “Race Decadence.” He believes race suicide reflects the greater focus on ease, haste, material selfishness, and overall feeling of societal disillusionment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-09
William N. Loew wishes to tell Theodore Roosevelt of the “interesting literary-historical fact,” that he learned of recently that Alexander V. Humbolt, in 1827, spoke “of the importance of the Panama Canal destined to be built by the young republic.” Loew learned of this at a recent gathering of friends he attended in Hungary.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-18
Loew, William N. (William Noah), 1847?-1922
Theodore Roosevelt speaks in front of the monument to German polymath Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in Chicago, Illinois.
Sherman Grinberg Film Collection
1915
The author of this article attacks the idea of “social equality,” and on the idea that race makes one person superior or inferior to another, and argues that “social equality consists logically in adaptability for enjoyable companionship.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-27
German Emperor William II has accepted David Jayne Hill, President Roosevelt’s nominee for the American Embassy in Berlin, thereby ending a recent embarrassing incident involving the posting. Part of the Emperor’s reservation in accepting Hill’s posting in Berlin was due to Hill being less wealthy than Charlemagne Tower, the outgoing American ambassador. The author of the article praises Hill’s qualifications, and agrees with Roosevelt’s insistence “that merit must go before millions,” but notes that in practice this can sometimes result in uncomfortable positions and suggests that states provide their ambassadors with ample means if they are not already independently wealthy in order that they are able to present themselves with the appropriate dignity and gravitas.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-01
In a commencement address to the faculty and students of the University of Illinois, German Ambassador Hermann Speck von Sternburg urges the graduating students to use their theoretical and practical knowledge for the public good.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-09
In his article for Ladies’ Home Journal, Theodore Roosevelt describes the benefits of reading and provides advice on how to get people of any age interested in reading “serious literature.” Roosevelt elaborates on his reading habits and book selection processes, which stem from both his current mood and educational desires.
1915-04
Theodore Roosevelt is happy to hear from Bartow A. Ulrich, and is glad that he considers himself “an American citizen of German parentage and no hyphen.” Roosevelt is pleased with Ulrich’s letter and will let him know if he has anything to say about the campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-05-29
A number of historical figures enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of “Sheol” after suffering the flames of Hell. At left is a dejected Devil sitting beneath a sign that states, “This Business is Removed to Sheol, Opposite.” Among those ferried across the river by “Charon” are “Hypatia, Fanny Elssler, Voltaire, Frederick [the] Great, Socrates, J. Offenbach, Darwin, J. S. Mill, Rousseau, George Sand, Galileo, Jefferson, Th. Paine, Goethe, [and] H. Heine.” Caption: According to the new version of the Old Testament, many respectable people who have been writhing in the old fashioned Hell will have to be transferred to the pleasant watering-place known as “Sheol.” This is Puck’s notion of the evolution of Hell to Sheol.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1885-05-27