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Transcription of Senator William B. Allison’s speech at the Iowa Republican convention. Allison covers a variety of topics, including the upcoming state election, William McKinley’s assassination, economic conditions, and several foreign affairs issues.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-15
H. de H. Hay congratulates President Roosevelt on his succession to the presidency. He believes the anarchists are an active threat in Russia and England, although the various groups seem to be independent. Hay also discusses recent family events.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-31
Felix Agnus recommends that Admiral Schley command the American fleet at the coronation of King Edward VII. He argues that appointing Admiral Crowninshield would be insulting as Crowninshield is responsible for starting the controversy around Schley’s brave service during the Spanish-American War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-26
E. C. Machen decries President Roosevelt’s choice of Admiral Crowninshield to attend the coronation of King Edward VII of Great Britain. He strongly recommends that Admiral Schley represent the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-27
Through his European contacts, Hiram S. Maxim has learned that many German officials supported an attack in the Philippines to prevent the United States from taking the islands. However, they feared that the British would intervene. The current feeling, also held by Emperor William II, is that Germany needs a larger fleet that will help expand German influence in South America. Austria-Hungary and France are also interested in limiting American influence in South America. Great Britain remains confident that the United States has control of the Western hemisphere and can foil any German plans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-29
Mr. Brown’s employer instructs him to investigate the meetings Frederick William Holls had with leading British politicians. Holls serves as a mouthpiece for the Roosevelt administration and he has been saying that the United States will not tolerate any interference in the effort to build a Nicaraguan Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-18
Newspaper article praising President Roosevelt’s popularity and recent success in international affairs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-19
The Isthmian canal treaty is fine and the British government only requests the removal of their own amendment. Ambassador Swenson informed Secretary of State Hay that Denmark will not negotiate unless the prices are raised. Hay asks President Roosevelt to consider the matter and provide him with an answer tomorrow.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-24
A circular from the Transvaal League is being prepared which will request that President Roosevelt put a stop to the shipment of horses from New Orleans, Louisiana, to the British. The circular does not have Wilhelm Snyman’s support. He hopes to discuss the matter personally with Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-15
McCoskry Butt believes that British soldiers are too dependent on their officers and that British officers are on par with the National Guard of the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-16
John J. McCook believes that the United States is in a position to “dominate the American continent.” The country’s growing power will help “compel peace” and may even lead to expanded borders under the Roosevelt administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-16
Secretary of State Hay received a letter from Ambassador Choate stating that the “canal question” with the United Kingdom has likely been resolved. Senator Lodge made an agreeable impression in England.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-17
Albert Shaw had agreed to write an article about President Roosevelt for the November issue of London’s Contemporary Review; however, Poultney Bigelow wrote an article about Roosevelt and it is going to appear in the October issue. Shaw saw drafts of Bigelow’s article and found it to be “impertinent and undignified” with a “melange of boyish reminiscence.” Shaw wants his article to be serious and combat the damage Bigelow has done. Shaw asks if there are allusions he should make regarding Roosevelt’s attitude and policies.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-07
King Edward VII inquired about President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Hay. The king requested a photograph of Roosevelt which will be provided by Ambassador Joseph Hodges Choate. Hay is concerned that their friends’ complaints might make Earl Halsbury hold up the treaty.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-08
The South African War has increased interest in mounted infantry in Europe and India, with some even advocating for a full army to be mounted. The gloomy news from South Africa is difficult, especially since many of the British admire the Boers. The British are seeking to get their candidate on the throne of Afghanistan but Russia is opposing them with its own influence. There are also tensions in the Persian Gulf as Britain seeks to protect its interests and Germany desires access to Kuwait Harbor as the terminus of the Anatolian railroad. There is a great deal of interest about President Roosevelt in India.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-09
Newspaper article describing President Roosevelt’s background and forecasting the success of his administration. He will likely be neutral towards England but may come into conflict with Germany.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-10
Secretary of State Hay received President Roosevelt’s instructions to appoint Mr. Ames as consul in Ghent, Belgium. However, Senator Foraker requested the position for a friend. Since they will need Foraker’s support, Hay suggests that Foraker’s candidate receive Ghent and Ames be appointed to Antigua. Ames can receive a more appropriate position later. Hay is pleased with the British negotiations and thinks Ambassador Choate has shown ability and tact.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-04
In a letter to the editor, T. A. Brassey argues that the British Navy should not focus on producing Dreadnaught-class battleships. He cites the recent sinking of large ships, especially during the Russo-Japanese war, to show that even heavily-armored ships are vulnerable to submarine mines and torpedoes. Furthermore, the costly large battleships are vulnerable to accidents at sea, and the more expensive guns on a ship the greater the financial loss when it sinks. Finally, Brassey argues that having more, smaller ships will allow for the great training and promotion of young captains.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-28
Ernest Howard Crosby does not believe the “economic game” is fairly played and must protest about the labor question to keep his convictions. Crosby is also distressed at American imperialism as the United States had an opportunity to set an example for the world but instead followed the methods of the British Empire.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-29
Secretary of State Hay directs President Roosevelt to an admirable article about the President written by Spectator editor John St. Loe Strachey. Hay is pleased with the progress towards a Central American canal, and the British appear supportive. Congressman Hepburn will attempt to rush a canal bill through the House. Hay hopes to extend his New Hampshire vacation a week or two more but is available at any time.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-02