Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons

House of Commons, London

Postcard showing the interior of the House of Commons in London, England. Charles C. Myers describes the dimensions of the room and the seating capacity. Myers does not believe the halls compare with the halls for United States senators and representatives in Washington, D.C.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “This is the Hall of the House of Commons. This hall is 75 x 45 ft and 41 ft high and has a seating capacity for only 476 members while there are 670 members of the House. These two halls will compare in no way with the corresponding halls in our capital Building at Washington.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

The Houses of Paliament

Postcard showing the Houses of Parliament in London, England. A boat is seen traveling down the River Thames in the foreground. Charles C. Myers describes various architectural aspects and cost of the building. Myers describes the clock tower and notes it is nicknamed “Big Ben” after Sir. Benjamin Hall.

Comments and Context

In Charles C. Myers’s own words, “The Parlament [sic] Building of London is a magnificent edifice covering over 8 acres of ground. This great building contains 11 courts and has over 100 stair cases and 1100 apartments and cost in all over 14 million dollars. The clock tower at the north end is 318 ft high and the big clock has four dials each of which is 23 ft in diameter. The great bell of the clock tower, commonly called BIG BEN, (named after Sir Benjamin Hall, Supt. of construction during the erection of the building) weighs over 13 tons and can be heard over the greater part of London during calm weather. A light in the clock at night or the union jack flying from the flag staff during the day is the signal that Parlament [sic] is in session.”

Collection

Charles C. Myers Collection

French Opinion and “The Times”

French politicians consider H. H. Asquith’s statement in the British House of Commons a triumph for The Times. Many people in France have also been very interested in the recent controversy concerning a letter between German Emperor William II and Lord Tweedmouth. The widespread belief is that foreign leaders should be prevented from interfering in internal affairs of other countries.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-03-11

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James R. Sheffield

President Roosevelt is pleased to have played a part in the settlement of the Anthracite Coal Strike and had not heard of the incidents of cheering in the French Chamber of Deputies and British House of Commons. Roosevelt found some of the “Wall Street men” to be “insane in their opposition” to his actions.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-10-27

Letter from George Otto Trevelyan to Theodore Roosevelt

George Otto Trevelyan tells Theodore Roosevelt that the documents and letters Roosevelt sent have arrived and contain a great deal of history. Trevelyan comments on the upcoming speech Grey is expected to give to the House of Commons and hopes Grey will acquit himself as well as Henry John Temple Palmerston was able to. Trevelyan is editing his volumes on the American Revolution in the countryside and has had the opportunity to go for a few successful shooting outings.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-27

Letter from Arthur Hamilton Lee to Theodore Roosevelt

Arthur Hamilton Lee writes Theodore Roosevelt on the issue of the “Parliament Bill.”  Lee details the effects the bill, the House of Commons, and the House of Lords are having on Great Britain and its politics. He also tells Roosevelt about George V, King of Great Britain and his new success as king. Lee inquires how Roosevelt and politics in the United States are going, along with Roosevelt’s views on the Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty. He asks how Roosevelt and his family is doing. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-06-15

Letter from Arthur Hamilton Lee to Theodore Roosevelt

Arthur Hamilton Lee remarks that President Roosevelt’s speech about the English in India came at a critical time for England’s Indian policy and would like a copy of the speech. There have been “agitators” slandering England’s Indian policy. Lee requests Roosevelt’s opinion on Britain’s Two Power Standard of Naval Strength as it applies to excluding the United States. As a distant observer, Lee has been following Roosevelt’s conflict with Congress and believes that the Times correspondents have done “a world of good” with their “excellent dispatches” keeping Roosevelt’s viewpoint before the public. Lee looks forward to Roosevelt’s visit after his trip to Africa. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-29

Letter from George Otto Trevelyan to Theodore Roosevelt

George Otto Trevelyan briefly tells President Roosevelt of some recent hunting he has done, and hopes that Roosevelt is able to visit when he is in Great Britain. Trevelyan’s son, Charles Philips Trevelyan, has told him about a recent dinner in honor of Prime Minister H. H. Asquith, which Trevelyan then relates to Roosevelt. There is a great deal of tension between the House of Lords and the Liberal Party of Great Britain, which controlled the House of Commons, but Trevelyan believes that Asquith will help the Liberal Party advance their reform agenda.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-15

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on a number of personal, social, and official matters. In particular, Reid focuses on the fallout of a controversial interview given by Emperor William II of Germany to the British press. The interview has been suppressed in Germany and caused domestic issues for William, but may improve relations with the English. Reid discusses plans to reform the House of Lords, and a shooting outing he hosted where his son Ogden Mills Reid related stories about the presidential campaign in the United States. Reid also intends to give a dinner for Frantz Bille, the retiring Danish minister. Reid writes that everyone was on “pins and needles” waiting for information about foot and mouth disease.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-11-24

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on the political exploits of Winston Churchill, who is once again running a contested election, and whose comments on Ireland have caused problems in Parliament.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-01

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom Reid comments on Winston Churchill’s recent promotion to the Privy Council, noting that it acknowledges his rise in the party without giving him a seat in the Cabinet. Churchill is still not well liked. Reid relays the debates on Horace Curzon Plunkett in the House of Commons and reports on English newspaper coverage of Roosevelt’s speech at Jamestown. He comments on unease over labor relations in France, the planning of an event after the Colonial Premiers’ Conference, opposition to a proposed move for a limitation of armaments at the Hague Conference, and Lewis Harcourt’s proposed English Land Bill.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-05-01

Letter from Viscount Lee of Fareham to William Loeb

Arthur Hamilton Lee returns C. H. Davis’s reports on the Jamaica affair. He apologizes if he held on to them longer than expected but assures William Loeb that he wanted to be sure that the matter had passed before returning them.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-30

Letter from John St. Loe Strachey to Theodore Roosevelt

John St. Loe Strachey agrees with President Roosevelt’s characterization of William Randolph Hearst as a dangerous man. He also thinks that Roosevelt is right about William Jennings Bryan as a “kindly example of the Jefferson type.” Strachey discusses the status of antitrust law in the British Parliament.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-11-06

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid will send President Roosevelt a pamphlet report of his formal address as well as newspaper clippings about a few less formal speeches he recently made. Reid notes that the English newspapers have taken a great interest in the campaign and seem to understand its significance. Reid further provides updates about the internal affairs of the British Foreign Office.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-11-06

Letter from Lyman Abbott to Theodore Roosevelt

Lyman Abbott advises Theodore Roosevelt against heeding William H. Fleming’s advice in matters concerning corrupt election practices and disenfranchisement of African Americans. Abbott suggests that Congress insist that the southern states follow the provisions and measures for enfranchisement laid out in the Constitution and follow the English House of Commons’ model for dealing with corrupt election practices and disenfranchisement.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-28

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt

Whitelaw Reid discusses opinions and happenings of prominent British politicians and figureheads including Winston Churchill, Sir Curzon, Sir Campbell-Bannerman and Lady Campbell-Bannerman, and Sir Trevelyan. Reid also discusses a recent sightseeing trip to Winchester Cathedral, Winchester College, and Farnham Castle. Reid describes the experience of dining with “minor” royalty, plans for Alice Roosevelt Longworth’s upcoming visit, typical court proceedings, and problems with admission to Parliament.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-06-01

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid writes to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, describing three dinners he recently attended which were hosted by the Chinese Minister, the Pilgrim’s Society, and the Royal Geographical Society, respectively. Reid includes anecdotes about British politicians like Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Winston Churchill, Augustine Birrell, John Morley, and George Curzon. Reid also references issues associated with the education bill, the administration of India, “trouble” in Natal, and negotiations with Russia over Seistan. Reid felt that the details he included might be of interest to Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-04-12

Letter from Helen Hermione Munro Ferguson to Theodore Roosevelt

Helen Hermione Munro Ferguson congratulates President Roosevelt on the upcoming wedding of his daughter, Alice Roosevelt, and is delighted that she plans to come to London. Munro Ferguson also comments on recent British elections, and predicts that in spite of some difficulties “much very useful work will be done.” She predicts that there will be no change in foreign policy or colonial affairs.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-02-02

Letter from Whitelaw Reid to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Reid does not believe there will be a dissolution before the next parliament meeting in February. Many members have now warmed up to Winston Churchill, including Senator Lodge who had a good interview with him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-02

Letter from Henry White to Theodore Roosevelt

Henry White sends President Roosevelt a message from Edward VII. The King wanted to convey his regards and his best wishes for Roosevelt’s success with his second administration and hopes Roosevelt will never be persuaded by any other sovereign or government. The King intends to write Roosevelt shortly. White asks that when Roosevelt replies to the King, he mentions that White delivered the message. White saw Cecil Spring Rice, Arthur James Balfour, and Henry Lansdowne before leaving London, and they were all interested in Spring Rice’s trip to Washington. White also writes that the British government has had two votes of want of confidence in the House of Commons and again in the House of Lords.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-02-25