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Speaking as a half-Southerner by birth and in feeling, President Roosevelt tells B. Lawton Wiggins, vice-chancellor of the University of the South, that he laments the South’s political tradition, which has prevented it from playing a major role in national policy making.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-14
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-08-31
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
2025-08-14
In a memorandum requested by President Roosevelt, Secretary of War Taft outlines the reasons for the reversal of the Joint Board of the Army and Navy’s 1903 unanimous decision to construct a defensive naval base at Subic Bay in the Philippines. The decision was reversed in 1907 due in part to the emerging strength of Japan and the cooling of relations with Japan, and to the indefensibility of the area by land.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-14
General Wood tells President Roosevelt he has received his instructions regarding how to handle trouble with a foreign enemy near the Philippine Islands. He tells the president, however, there is not clear understanding between the Army and Navy as to what they need to do. Wood indicates he has recommended an increase in the Philippine garrison to make sure it is large enough to protect the important places from raids and updates Roosevelt on the topographical work in the Philippines. Wood spends the majority of the letter discussing the relative strength of the military on the island and what he believes is necessary to be able to defend Subic Bay. He urges the development of a local board of fortification. Wood concludes by encouraging the development of a large Pacific fleet and informs Roosevelt he sent a similar letter to the War Department.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-13
Major McIntyre forwards William Loeb a cablegram from General Clarence Ransom Edwards, located in Manila. Edwards relays the plan to send out cruisers commanded by Rear Admiral Joseph N. Hemphill: one to Vladivostok the following day and one to Nagasaki to receive any incoming communications.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-08
Governor-General of the Philippines Smith provides his analysis of the upcoming formal establishment of the Philippine Assembly to Secretary of War Taft. This includes a brief description of the history and political affiliations of the country’s governors, the party leanings of each province, and the number of votes for each party from the most recent election. Smith also reflects on how the United States can improve upon Spain to ensure better relations with the Philippines. Smith considers self-government to be the ultimate goal of American involvement in the Philippines, but cautions that granting independence too quickly could leave the country vulnerable to dictatorships or foreign invasion. Smith ends the letter with a report on the status of various government projects across the country.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-07