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President Roosevelt tells John A. Sleicher he is reluctant to appear to be a dictator or to force the nomination of Charles Evans Hughes for governor of New York. However, he has done, and will continue to do, all he can to impress upon leaders his “very strong personal judgement” that Hughes should be renominated. Doing otherwise would be a mistake.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-29
President Roosevelt thanks Representative Parsons of New York for the letter. Based on present information, Roosevelt believes “that of the two evil courses open to us, by far the least evil course is to renominate” Governor Charles Evans Hughes. He reminds Parsons that they must still consider the feelings of those republicans who do not participate in the primaries.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-29
President Roosevelt and Frank H. Hitchcock agree with Leroy B. Crane concerning Governor Charles Evans Hughes, “that tho we may lose votes if we nominate Mr. Hughes, we shall lose many more if we fail to nominate him.” While Roosevelt has told leaders his opinion that Hughes should be renominated, he will not dictate the nomination.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-29
President Roosevelt assures Francis J. Hendricks he does not intend to force the renomination of New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes, and appreciates Hendricks’ oppositions. It is not Roosevelt’s job to be the Republican party’s boss or compel friends to do something they do not wish to do. In his judgment, “it will be a bad thing to nominate Mr. Hughes, it will be a worse thing not to nominate him.” Nonetheless, he assures Hendricks he will support him whatever his decision may be.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-28
President Roosevelt believes New York State Supreme Court Justice Spring correctly explained the situation. It would have been possible to find another candidate after New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes announced his refusal, but it is too late to do so now even though “to renominate him will do damage; but not to renominate him will do very much more damage.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-27
President Roosevelt knows of no one who would sacrifice Governor Charles Evans Hughes, if renominated, to get votes for William H. Taft. While Roosevelt agrees with Senator Raines’ reasons for opposing Hughes’ renomination, he feels it would be worse not to. Roosevelt does not want Raines thinking he is interfering or dictating on the matter. He will stand by the decision and do what he can to ensure the ticket’s success.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-27
Understanding it to be a vent to an irritation and not a serious question, President Roosevelt responds to Representative Parsons concerning his supposed opposition “to having the Republicans of New York County express their wishes in this matter on primary day.” The matter in question is the nomination of Governor Charles Evans Hughes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-27
President Roosevelt hopes Lafayette B. Gleason, secretary of the Republican State Committee of New York, understands he is aware of the issues posed by renominating Governor Charles Evans Hughes. Roosevelt will give his advice to those who request it, but will stand by whatever decision is made.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-27
President Roosevelt assures Representative Fassett that he does not want to force the nomination of Governor Charles Evans Hughes. There will be heavy loss regardless of whether Hughes is or is not nominated. Roosevelt believes the loss will be heavier if Hughes is not nominated, but will support whoever the convention chooses.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-27
President Roosevelt is glad to receive James R. Sheffield’s letters. He decided to publish the letters from Grover Cleveland “to put a stop to the yapping of the dishonest scoundrels” of the press.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-25
President Roosevelt appreciates A. Miner Wellman’s arguments against Governor Charles Evans Hughes. While Hughes’s actions weakened him as a candidate, Roosevelt believes more votes will be lost by not renominating Hughes than by renominating him. His feelings aside, Roosevelt hopes the convention will follow the judgment of the majority of New York Republicans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
President Roosevelt agrees with William L. Ward’s friend that while it hurts to renominate Governor Charles Evans Hughes, it will hurt more if he is not renominated. Roosevelt will stand by the party’s decision but strongly believes Hughes should be renominated.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
President Roosevelt believes it is unwise to give an interview to the newspaper. He agrees with William H. Taft’s opinion of the speeches given by J. S. Sherman and Secretary of State Elihu Root. Although he does not care for him, Roosevelt feels Governor Charles Evans Hughes should be renominated. Roosevelt wants Taft to show his personality and offers words of encouragement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
President Roosevelt is concerned to hear of John Appleton Stewart’s accident and wishes him a quick recovery. He has come to the conclusion that it is necessary to renominate Governor Charles Evans Hughes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
President Roosevelt delightedly informs Herbert W. Collingwood that L. H. Bailey has consented to serve. He agrees with Collingwood that the general opinion favors renominating Governor Charles Evans Hughes, and he has told Republican party leaders this is his view.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
President Roosevelt informs William Barnes that he will support the decision of the New York Republican State Committee. He has given its members, including Barnes, his best judgment, which he bases on canvasses conducted across the state. He feels that Governor Charles Evans Hughes should be renominated, as it will hurt more not to do so.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
President Roosevelt praises Lyman Abbott’s “first class editorial.” Many political friends protest Roosevelt’s attitude favoring the renomination of Governor Charles Evans Hughes. The reasons for renominating Hughes outweigh those opposing it. Roosevelt encloses a letter from Charles Eliot Norton on farming for Abbott’s consideration. He apologizes if he seems too familiar with Abbott and explains his reasons for sending pieces written by others.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
President Roosevelt privately informs George H. West, chairman of the Saratoga County Republican Committee, that he has written other party leaders that he thinks it best to renominate Governor Charles Evans Hughes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-22
After deliberation, President Roosevelt shares John A. Sleicher’s opinion regarding renominating Governor Charles Evans Hughes and has told the party leaders. Roosevelt directs Sleicher to write to William H. Taft. He agrees that Taft’s personality needs to be highlighted, but does not believe speeches are the solution.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-22
After deliberation, President Roosevelt shares Charles Sprague Smith’s opinion regarding renominating Governor Charles Evans Hughes and has told the party leaders. However, Hughes “has grave elements of weakness.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-22