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Kai Branner asks Theodore Roosevelt for help finding employment in the United States, mentioning his background as a clerk in Denmark and London, his knowledge of English and German, and his hope to secure a position in publishing or another business.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-12
Victor Howard Metcalf provides President Roosevelt with a series of correspondences regarding an immigration inspector, George C. Triick, who was accused of mistreating Mr. Chow Tszchi, a Chinese dignitary. The department agrees that the Government should provide the utmost courtesy to Chinese people but notes issues in proving citizenship or defining who could be classified as a Chinese laborer. Chinese merchants, teachers, students and bankers are welcome, but not laborers with falsified Chinese papers pretending to be of a higher class. A treaty written in 1904 sought to deal with falsified records but the Chinese thought it was too strict. Metcalf notes any concerns of harshness in the enforcement of exclusionary laws is necessary to combat those trying to skirt the system.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-07
Uncle Sam’s boot kicks a Chinese immigrant off a dock as part of an anti-Chinese immigration campaign. Vignettes show how the Chinese can possibly emigrate to the United States, by coming as “a cup-challenger” in yacht races, “as an industrious anarchist,” or “disguised as an humble Irishman,” or “as an English wife-hunter” with “pedigree” in his pocket, or wielding knife and handgun, as a mean-looking “peaceful, law-abiding Sicilian.”
A 1905 Puck cartoon by J. S. Pughe might seem on the surface merely to be a humorous, if stereotype-laden, treatment of immigration issues of the day, particularly the difficulty of Chinese immigration leading to comic subterfuge. It would be that; but there were deeper, longer-lasting, and core consequential aspects to the problem. A modern version might have immigrants wishing to enter the United States to pose as Mexicans, whose ease of border crossings has been legendary; that would be upside-down as a cartoon concept, but relates to the larger issue.
A caricature of the Statue of Liberty replaces Liberty with a labor union “Walking Delegate.” His torch is labeled “Lawlessness” and he holds a tablet labeled “Tyranny.” At the base are crowds of immigrants disembarking from boats, as other boats stream across the sea from a location marked with a sign that states “To the Land of the Free.”
A generation earlier, the concept of this cartoonist might have featured only a different label or two. The caricature of the Statue of Liberty might have represented an urban political boss and municipal corruption. Instead, here, the arriving immigrants, depicted in their various native outfits, are confounded by the tyranny of the crooked labor boss, the “Walking Delegate” union organizer, and advocate of violence. At this point in time, this is how many American citizens, not only immigrants, saw a large part of the labor movement.
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary sends Howard D. Moses a copy of the Progressive Party platform in answer to Moses’s question about immigration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-09-18
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Dr. Abraham Joseph Arbeely for his work among the Syrian immigrants who are now new citizens of the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-05-09
In regards to Frank L. Frugone’s letter about the questioning of immigrants, the secretary to Theodore Roosevelt clarifies that it was a judge, not Roosevelt himself who asked the questions. The questions about immigrants’ membership to secret societies, like the Comorra Mafia-connected Black Hand, was necessary and proper. Frugone was editor of numerous Italian-language newspapers for immigrants throughout his career.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-23
Theodore Roosevelt cites the last census to inform W. N. Mitchell that about three immigrants arrived in the United States for every two children born to American parents. Roosevelt writes that this is “the worst showing about our natural increase rate that has been made in any census.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-05
Theodore Roosevelt is interested in the suggestions Captain Moseley has on training U.S. military forces. Roosevelt does not agree with Moseley’s two types of training, one for those with a college education and one for those without, as he would wish his own sons to “serve with the colors.” Roosevelt does, however, agree about the immigrants and favors the term “universal training” over “conscription.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-11-17
President Roosevelt thanks Raphael A. Dimayuga and the members of the Filipino Club for their sympathy for Archibald B. Roosevelt’s illness. He is improving.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-12
President Roosevelt asks Commissioner General of Immigration Sargent to go to Honolulu to supervise the landing of Southern European immigrants. Roosevelt believes this is one of the most important matters to happen since the Hawaiian islands became a colony of the United States and would like his personal supervision.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-08
President Roosevelt agrees with Finley Peter Dunne about protesting against the “Anglo-Saxon alliance” theory because he believes Americans are “a new race, composed of many Old-World stocks.” While the president is not against friendliness to the English government, he is not going to ignore other European governments. Roosevelt declares himself a “strong home-ruler” and gives examples of a number of individuals who have hated their country of origin, noting it is impossible for him to champion every hatred. The president expresses his gratitude for the support he has received from young men, “Catholic by faith and of Irish descent,” and discusses a number of Irish and Catholic individuals he has put in government positions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-03
President Roosevelt regrets that he cannot attend the unveiling of the Kosciuszko monument in Chicago, Illinois. He mentions that he helped to secure monuments to Kosciuszko and Pulaski in Washington, D.C., and he believes they are historical figures worthy of great admiration and respect. Roosevelt notes the important contributions that people of different ethnicities have made to American history.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-31
Bela Tokaji, a “loyal friend, admirer, and follower,” sends Theodore Roosevelt his article. Knowing that Roosevelt is a “friend of the immigrants,” Tokaji feels Roosevelt will agree with him after reading it. As an immigrant himself, Tokaji declares his and his children’s patriotism. He suggests Roosevelt write an article.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-11
Frances Kellor thanks Theodore Roosevelt for his interest and help with the Shapiro matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-31
Thomas M. Mulry acknowledges Thomas Roosevelt’s response to not being able to assist in his inquiries and adds that Catholic clergy are encouraging Catholic immigrants to come to the United States and receive support in exchange for religious training. Mulry is in support of this and hopes he is able to soon call on Roosevelt to look into the Catholic Home Bureau, which is in his building.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-23
William Williams responds to Theodore Roosevelt’s letter regarding papers filed by immigrants before leaving the country which are used for statistical purposes. Williams encloses an example of the form in question.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-06
Gabriel Ezzo wishes to discuss Free-Masonry with Theodore Roosevelt face-to-face. Additionally, he would like to discuss organizing a club for immigrants in the United States. Ezzo foresees the club helping immigrants gain citizenship and would do so following Republican Party ideals.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-16
Adolph Kruhm regards Theodore Roosevelt as his teacher, having read his articles upon immigrating to the United States. Hoping it will please him, Kruhm sends examples of his “feeble efforts” to express Roosevelt’s ideals.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-29
Ed Bustad sends Theodore Roosevelt a photograph of his triplets, Conrad, Clara, and Oscar. He and his wife also have five other children.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-10