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Theodore Roosevelt writes to Lady Delamere after his return to the United States from Africa. He comments on Lord and Lady Delamere’s success and service in East Africa and their relations with England. Roosevelt also discusses his return to the United States. He comments on public expectations for him and expresses his thoughts on political power.
1911-03-07
President Roosevelt responds to a request from Senator Lodge that he comment on an article about Egypt written by Charles Francis Adams. Roosevelt observes that Adams was apparently not aware of many of the issues related to holding colonies before traveling to Egypt. Comparing the British occupation and control of Egypt and India with the relationship of the United States to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and particularly the Philippines, Roosevelt asserts that the goal of the United States must be to administer the islands for the good of the natives with an eye towards eventual self-government (whereas this has not always seemed to be the goal of the British). Roosevelt also quotes a letter from General Leonard Wood regarding the condition of British colonies and the topic of Chinese labor. Roosevelt believes that the United States has acted much more benevolently towards its island holdings than the British have towards their colonies, and praises the efforts that the United States has made in reducing corruption and increasing the effectiveness of the governments of these dependencies.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-04-30
N. L. Rockey writies to Theodore Roosevelt about his time in India, and encloses something that he believes no one else would send to him pertaining to the matter between Egypt and England. Rockey notes the tendency of the local population to self-identify as Hindus, Muslims etc. rather than Indian, and sees this as a contributor to the current political unrest in the region.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-31
John Morley, Secretary of State for India, thanks President Roosevelt for his speech praising British rule in India. This speech was encouraging to those heading British rule and will put any misgivings to rest.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-22
Ambassador Reid writes to President Roosevelt on a number of topics, including the present situation in India, the aftermath of a controversy in the 1908 Olympics, the health of German Emperor William II and British King Edward VII, and Roosevelt’s upcoming safari. Reid encourages Roosevelt to reconsider bringing a ceremonial outfit along with him for the period following his safari. Edward North Buxton has asked if Reid can send Roosevelt a rifle to test, and Reid is investigating whether such a thing can be done via diplomatic pouch.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-21
Harry Johnston takes great pleasure in corresponding with President Roosevelt, not just because it is an honor to have private letters from an important head of state, but also because Johnston is elated that Roosevelt shares his opinions about the treatment of Black people. Johnston outlines some of his beliefs, including the fact that better treatment of Africans in British colonies makes good economic sense. Johnston will be in the United States in the autumn, and hopes to meet with Roosevelt and discuss a number of matters he hopes to write about, including a history of African people in the Western Hemisphere, the problems of Liberia, and the preservation of big game. In a postscript, Johnston writes in “phonetic English,” saying if English spelling were simplified it would become the “universal medium of international relations.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-06
Flora L. Lugard introduces the topic of British imperialism in West Africa to President Roosevelt. Lugard has been led to believe that Roosevelt is interested in the topic. She will also send Roosevelt a book she has written recently on British development in Africa and hopes that Roosevelt will glance through it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-15
Ambassador Reid writes to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt, describing three dinners he recently attended which were hosted by the Chinese Minister, the Pilgrim’s Society, and the Royal Geographical Society, respectively. Reid includes anecdotes about British politicians like Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Winston Churchill, Augustine Birrell, John Morley, and George Curzon. Reid also references issues associated with the education bill, the administration of India, “trouble” in Natal, and negotiations with Russia over Seistan. Reid felt that the details he included might be of interest to Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-04-12
In his review of J. Lee Thompson’s Theodore Roosevelt Abroad, which studies Theodore Roosevelt’s 1909 to 1910 journey to Africa and Europe, Robert Wexelblatt highlights Thompson’s discussion of Roosevelt’s hunting ethics, his views on imperialism and race, and his commitment to a strong relationship between the United States and Great Britain. Wexelblatt also focuses on Roosevelt’s interactions with Kaiser William II of Germany. Wexelblatt credits Thompson for pointing out shortcomings in Roosevelt’s thoughts and actions, and he employs several block quotes to highlight passages from Thompson and Roosevelt.
The front cover illustration of the book appears at the center of the second page of the review.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
2010