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Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Elihu Root

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Elihu Root

President Roosevelt sends Secretary of State Root a letter from Charles E. Magoon, the occupational governor of Cuba. Secretary of War William H. Taft has also seen it. Roosevelt’s assessment is that Magoon would be the best man to be minister of Cuba during the occupation, and that nothing else can be done until the Cubans elect a president. Magoon has made it clear that the troops should leave Cuba on the 1st of February.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-04-27

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William H. Taft

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William H. Taft

President Roosevelt thinks that Secretary of War Taft should allow Provisional Governor of Cuba Charles E. Magoon to make assurances that “policy declared..by my predecessor…will be strictly adhered to,” to avoid “too much proclamation” from Taft. Roosevelt discusses further issues concerning the occupation of Cuba. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-10-10

Letter from Charles E. Magoon to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from Charles E. Magoon to Theodore Roosevelt

Per President Roosevelt’s request, Charles E. Magoon, the occupation governor of Cuba, provides his assessment of the current political, economic, and social situation in Cuba. He advises Roosevelt of the feasibility of withdrawing from Cuba and dissolving the provisional government and installing Cuban officials. Several measures should be taken to ensure the stability of a new Cuban government, including solidifying economic relations with Cuba, installing several American advisers to assist in the administration of the state, and getting Cuban “non-politicos” involved in politics.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-04-16

Concerning public order

Concerning public order

Panamanian president Tomás Arias announces the separation of Panama from Colombia and the creation of their own independent nation. The “pacific” nature of the people and the open, honest government both contributed to this end result. There is hope that the Panama Canal and Panama’s relationship with the United States will bring happiness and abundance to the nation, still reeling from the “demoralization caused by the last war.” The Hay-Bunau Varilla Treaty signed November 2 will help ensure this new time of peace and rebuilding. Self governance must be done with the good of the entire community in mind and a unity of purpose, as the intolerance of old will lead to ruin. The report writer recounts internal disagreements around the last election and the detention of Colombian, Cuban, Mexican, and Nicaraguan officials who were working against this new unity.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-11-23

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of War Taft updates President Roosevelt on a number of matters concerning the American occupation of Cuba, the establishment of the Cuban provisional government, and disarmament of the insurgents. Taft reports that disarmament is going smoothly, and that in “four or five days,” the insurgents will have complied with the orders. The United States have created a provisional government. Taft believes that Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma is a good man and one of “two or three men in politics in Cuba who is absolutely honest,” but notes that Estrada Palma is not politically talented. Taft also addresses problems that American liberals and moderates have with the compromise that has been set up in Cuba, and offers justifications against a government investigation. Taft notes that it will not be possible to hold a free and fair election until June. He is frustrated that the Associated Press quoted him regarding matters in Cuba without his permission. Taft encloses a speech he gave at the university that offers justification for the Americans’ presence in Cuba. Taft also offers justifications for American intervention in Cuba and discusses the merits of maintaining a provisional government via the Platt Amendment.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-10-03

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of War Taft reports on the situation in Cuba. While Taft had attempted arbitration, Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma resigned from office and dissolved the congress. It sounds like the the insurgents will end the insurrection because of this. The United States may need to form a provisional government in Cuba in order to restore order there. Taft is wary of recognizing the forces of the insurrection as a de facto government, and discusses the possibility of who to select to eventually reform a government.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-26

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of War Taft updates President Roosevelt on the political situation in Cuba, which may necessitate intervention by the United States. Taft has been in communication with Cuban Secretary Rafael Montalvo. Taft includes the text of a telegram from President Roosevelt to Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma, as modified by Taft, and Estrada Palma’s response, insisting that he cannot remain at the head of the government on the foundation proposed by Taft and Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-26

Telegram from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Telegram from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of War Taft updates President Roosevelt on the attempts to elect new Cuban government officials. He provides the text of the letter that President Tomás Estrada Palma will send. Taft has ordered marines to guard the treasury. If a provisional government is established, Taft suggests including a statement regarding the Cuban flag.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-28