Grand Army of the Republic

Theodore Roosevelt makes the case for a “New Nationalism” in a speech at Osawatomie, Kansas, on August 31, 1910. Roosevelt invokes and quotes Abraham Lincoln frequently in his speech which is peppered with references to the Civil War and the veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic. Roosevelt calls for greater federal government supervision of corporations, and he repeatedly rails against the power of special interests which he argues should be subordinated to the national interest. Roosevelt argues in favor of wealth and inheritance taxes, and he admits that his stances will get him labeled as a Communist or revolutionary. He briefly addresses the topics of international relations, conservation, and policies to help farmers. Roosevelt concludes his address by asserting that good laws and good administration of the laws will be of little value if people do not cultivate traits of character. 

William N. Tilchin provides an introduction to Roosevelt’s speech, and a poster promoting the speech, a photograph of Roosevelt giving his address, and a political cartoon supplement the text.

Benjamin F. Beazell tells Theodore Roosevelt that he has traveled through many midwestern states and all republicans he meets are dissatisfied with William H. Taft and will not vote for Taft even if nominated. Beazell states the dissatisfied businessmen and farmers are true blood republicans, not insurgent republicans. Beazell believes the office will seek out Roosevelt despite Roosevelt not seeking office and offers to help in any way he can.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-12

Joseph B. Potter informs William Loeb that he and the other members of his branch of the Grand Army of the Republic are not in favor of the Service Pension Bill. Potter clarifies that they do not believe a service pension is wrong per se, but they want to “build the Canal and improve America and the Philippines first.” Until then, they are opposed to “all efforts to give Medals of Honor for bravery to those who were not brave” and pensions “for wounds to those who were not wounded.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-01-16

Commissioner Henry Clay Evans is clearly resigning from the Pension Bureau due to pressure on President Roosevelt from the Grand Army of the Republic. This resignation is not complimentary to the “Roosevelt backbone.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-03-03

An example letter of how President Roosevelt could have handled Commissioner Evans’s resignation without creating controversy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-04-14

Evidence that Commissioner Evans’s resignation was not voluntary.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-04-03

Second Inauguration of President Roosevelt

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1905-03-22

President Roosevelt walks with a man of the Grand Army of the Republic as Roosevelt points his finger at Henry Clay Evans. Caption: The president: Get out, Evans. “But have I not been a faithful officer?” “Yes, none better. But my dear old G.A.R. friend here does not like you.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-05-01

A draft of a speech addressing members of the Grand Army of the Republic in which President Roosevelt praises the efforts of the Union Army during the Civil War. He argues that with the growth of cities, and of individual and corporate fortunes, men have become more divided into groups and classes. Roosevelt asserts that in order to solve the “dark problems looming before us,” Americans must “strive onward” in the same spirit Union soldiers demonstrated when they fought alongside men regardless of class or religion.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-08-28

President Roosevelt addresses members of the Grand Army of the Republic, praising the efforts of Union Army soldiers during the Civil War. He argues that with the growth of cities and individual and corporate fortunes, men have become more divided into groups and classes, thereby diminishing the “realization of that essential underlying brotherhood which ought to be deep in the heart of every American.” Roosevelt asserts that in order to solve the “dark problems looming before us,” they must prioritize cooperation. He insists that Americans must “strive onward” in the same spirit Union soldiers demonstrated when they fought alongside men regardless of class or religion.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-08-28

President Roosevelt is pleased that Secretary of State Hay will be with the Grand Army of the Republic on October 6. Roosevelt will review the G.A.R. parade on October 8.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-12

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Effie E. Edmans, a past Department President for Daughters of Veterans, for her letter. Roosevelt is interested in seeing a photograph of the Grand Army of the Republic and Edmans’ baby, and encloses his own photograph.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-08-19

Theodore Roosevelt has passed the invitation to speak at the Twenty-Ninth Annual Reunion of the Grand Army of the Republic in Pennsylvania to the men in charge of his speaking dates. Roosevelt does not think arranging the date will be possible, but wishes that it were.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-31

Frank Harper sends Roosevelt’s regards to Commander Ellison and the William G. Mitchell Post of The Grand Army of the Republic, for he will not be able to address the Veterans at a Sunday memorial service.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-05-24

Theodore Roosevelt is unable to attend the annual banquet of the Union League Club of Brooklyn and the Ulysses S. Grant Post No. 327 of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-04-24

Theodore Roosevelt informs Sherburne Van Tassel that he is unable to accept Van Tassel’s invitation to speak. Roosevelt receives many requests to speak at events related to the Veterans of the Grand Army, and he is unable to accept them all.  

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-28

Theodore Roosevelt rejects Abraham L. Burson request for him to speak at the Grand Army of the Republic reunion in Irwin, Ohio, citing that it is impossible for him to take on any specific request due to the sheer amount that he receives on a reoccurring basis.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-01

Theodore Roosevelt writes to Henry S. Redman to thank him for his invitation, but he regrets that he is unable to accept the offer to speak at the Forty-fifth National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic. Roosevelt appreciates the consideration, but notes that he is physically unable to accept the many invitations he receives and wishes his friends could understand his position.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-10

Theodore Roosevelt says that Catherine M. Gallagher has a “genuine right” to be proud of the vote of thanks from the Grand Army of the Republic.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-02-07

On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary acknowledges receipt of George Edward Hall’s letter and suggests he contact either the secretary or president of the Grand Army of the Republic for help.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-01-16