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Ambassador to Great Britain Reid updates President Roosevelt on various matters, including poet Algernon Charles Swinburne and his “suppressed” poem, the Newfoundland modus vivendi, and happenings in Parliament. Reid also details how he “warded off…the offer of some brand-new territory and responsibilities” in Nicaragua.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-28
Ambassador Carter, Secretary of the American Embassy in London, thanks President Roosevelt for his letters, and for having his daughter Mildred stay at the White House. Carter discusses the response of the British public and press to the “Jamaica incident.” This likely refers to the inadequate relief provided by British Governor of Jamaica James Alexander Swettenham to Jamaican residents after the Kingston earthquake, and the subsequent intervention by American Rear Admiral C. H. Davis. The reaction in Britain is one of “amazement, indignation, and mortification.” However, Roosevelt’s answers to British Secretary of State for War R. B. Haldane’s and British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Edward Grey’s telegrams “had a most soothing effect.” Carter also references an earlier conversation he and Roosevelt had about Swettenham, in connection with the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-25
President Roosevelt sends Ambassador White a letter detailing some of his thoughts on reductions of armaments with the caveat that while White may use the letter when speaking with officials, he must realize that what Roosevelt writes is “tentative and suggestive,” and neither binding Roosevelt nor the United States to any official position. While Roosevelt agrees with British Secretary of War R. B. Haldane that it would be good to put limits on the growth of militaries, he does not think the United States can reduce its army or navy because of their already small size. He clarifies his relations with German Emperor William II, explaining that contrary to Haldane’s assumption his influence over him is very limited, and he does not know if he would be able to convince him of anything. Roosevelt is additionally hesitant about a policy of disarmament coming soon, and believes that while it may be possible to someday reduce armies and navies, he thinks that at present it would be “a great misfortune for the free peoples to disarm and leave the various military despotisms and military barbarians armed.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-14
Andrew V. Henry writes in support of subsidies for American shipping. He argues that the United States does not have an adequate merchant marine force and that the economy is losing out on the benefits of reduced freight rates. Other article topics include the banning of indecent theater posters in New York, David J. Brewer’s recent commencement speech, a poem by Minna Irving, and details of the bribery charges against Frank J. Gethro.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-31
President Roosevelt tells his sister that he enjoyed the Haldane book. He also mentions his pleasure that Helen Roosevelt Robinson and Theodore Douglas Robinson liked the tray, and he concludes by noting how nice it was to see Douglas Robinson.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-31
Ambassador Reid has discussed President Roosevelt’s upcoming trip to Africa with Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes, and reports that the issue regarding permits to enter game reserves has been resolved. The licenses will be taken care of. Crewe-Milnes assured Reid that Roosevelt’s needs will be taken care of, but that the British government understands that he does not want a fuss. Reid also discusses a number of domestic political issues in England, as well as the state of international affairs in Europe. He thinks that in spite of rumors in the British press about southwestern Europe, a war is unlikely. Reid encloses a caricature of Roosevelt that he thinks he will find amusing.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-03
Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on a number of matters happening in England, including the nervous breakdown of Lord Edward Marjoribanks Tweedmouth, whose recent trouble relating to a letter from German Emperor William II was only the latest in a long string of misfortunes. He also offers insight into the English interest in the American Presidential election, and explains that he has told questioners that he believes Roosevelt will answer the call if his party ultimately nominates him against his wishes. Reid also discusses the lack of a profitable liberal newspaper in England.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-01
Ambassador Reid writes President Roosevelt about a number of issues, both political and social. He adds more information about Lord Edward Marjoribanks Tweedmouth’s mental breakdown and discusses the man who will replace him. Reid also relays an indignant letter he got from Clarise S. Ramsay, an American who wrongly felt she should have been invited to a royal ball. Roosevelt’s plan to go on a safari in Africa after leaving office is, Reid thinks, a very good one, and Roosevelt should not need to worry about receiving proper treatment and courtesies from British officials there. On a personal note, Reid thanks Roosevelt for his kind wishes at the news of his daughter Jean’s engagement to John H. Ward. He discusses his future son-in-law and the couple’s plans following their marriage.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-04
Ambassador Reid updates Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt on the visits of royalties to London, England, including the dinner held for German Emperor William II and his wife Auguste Viktoria. Reid raves about Auguste Viktoria’s dress and notes she wore the “biggest pearls I ever saw worn in any part of the world.” Reid also tells Roosevelt about the Bourbon wedding he and Mrs. Whitelaw Reid attended. The ambassador includes an anecdote about Spanish King Alfonso XIII who wanted to change his clothes, but his wife Maria Cristina told him he could not because the luggage had already left. Reid concludes by telling Roosevelt about a luncheon for the new Mexican minister and a dinner for the Alfonso XIII and Maria Cristina of Spain. Reid discusses his plans for a leave of absence, which will include stopping in New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-20
Ambassador Reid seeks Theodore Roosevelt’s direction as to whether William H. Taft will stop by London on his way back from the Philippines, seeing as he will already be stopping at St. Petersburg and Berlin. If so, Reid will arrange some visits for Taft with British dignitaries. Reid also encloses some news clippings from British publications discussing American political affairs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-10
Andrew Carnegie updates President Roosevelt on matters in Great Britain. Carnegie says Roosevelt’s handling of the “Japanese flurry” was masterful, and says Japan will not make any more trouble due to her financial status. Carnegie notes that many countries are restricting entry to Japanese citizens, and that Roosevelt has solved the problem. Carnegie comments on the stances of Great Britain and Germany at the International Peace Conference at The Hague.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-31
Ambassador Reid provides President Roosevelt with a variety of pieces of information regarding the status of English politics. Douglas Robinson and Corinne Roosevelt Robinson met with many different members of the royal family. Reid recounts a scandal regarding Prime Minister Campbell-Bannerman, who nine months after his wife died, was engaged to her caretaker. Regardless, Campbell-Bannerman has surprised most in Parliament at his effectiveness as a leader. Reid is disappointed that Robert Bond and the Liberal Party agreed to govern the colony of Newfoundland. The U. S. government is not pleased with this agreement, and many of the other premiers disagree with the Liberal Party’s policy. In particular, Alfred Deakin, the premier of Australia, is an outspoken opponent to this policy. Additionally, many of the colonies want preference in the British markets, and may sacrifice free trade agreements to achieve this status. Next, H. H. Asquith proposed an income tax for Great Britain that will introduce a new, objectionable system of old age pensions. R. B. Haldane proposed a permanent standing army in the British colonies. Augustine Burrill’s proposed Irish Council Bill is becoming unpopular and he does not have many successes as a politician. Overall, the Liberal Party is disappointed by Campbell-Bannerman’s performance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-24
Ambassador White is returning to Italy after having visited England, where President Roosevelt was unanimously praised. White thinks King Edward VII of Great Britain may be somewhat jealous of Roosevelt supplanting him as “the great peacemaker of the world.” White had a substantial conversation with British Secretary of War R. B. Haldane wherein Haldane stated his belief that Roosevelt and the United States may be able to influence the world to accept a global reduction of armaments. White will go shooting with King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy soon, and will try to get a sense of his views on the matter of disarmament as well. White has so far avoided making any sort of comment about Roosevelt’s views on the matter, but asks what his thoughts are.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-30
Cecil Spring Rice updates Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt on the declining political and social situation in Russia. Although revolution seems to be in the air, Czar Nicholas seems impervious to demands for reform and determined to maintain the autocracy. Crowds are being shot down in the streets, including women and children; trains are being robbed of munitions; and a complete breakdown of order appears imminent. Spring Rice also describes Great Britain’s stance toward Russia, Japan, and America, particularly King Edward VII’s admiration for President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-13
The Daily Telegraph feels that the sooner the recent business regarding the letter from German Emperor William II to Baron Tweedmouth is forgotten, the better. The letter has been stated to have been personal and private, and will therefore not be published, despite requests for the contrary from some parties. Nevertheless, there is a general feeling that such communication from foreign sovereigns should not be a normal occurrence, as people in positions of power are not able to separate their private lives from their political ones, much as they may wish to do so.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-10