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Albert P. Wright writes to President Roosevelt upon hearing that someone told Roosevelt he had a drinking problem, which Wright states he does not. Wright discusses the difficulties in the Philippines, especially in regard to conflict between Filipinos and Americans. He openly divulges his antipathy for the Filipinos on the island.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-15
The writer explains Emperor William II’s concerns regarding the concentration of power between certain European countries. The writers states the conditions under which Germany would be willing to attend a conference to discuss the issues in Morocco.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-05-31
Theodore Roosevelt is unsure what he can do to help the Armenian people. The Germans will not influence Ottoman Turkey in favor of Armenia, as the Germans have too much contempt for the United States and have already disregarded international morality. Since there is no Turkish vote, the United States government could take action but Roosevelt doubts there would be any results. Roosevelt will call attention to Armenian suffering but the American public will need to change its opinion on international duty and affairs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-20
Theodore Roosevelt provides several corrections to William Roscoe Thayer’s article, “John Hay and the Panama Republic.” Roosevelt denies conspiring with Philippe Bunau-Varilla and defends his actions as Colombia could not be treated as a “responsible power.” Had there not been a revolt, Roosevelt was prepared to seize the isthmus by force. However, he took advantage of the situation and stopped the “bandits” from holding up a great project.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-07-02
Theodore Roosevelt comments on an editorial written by Kansas Governor Arthur Capper. He refutes Capper’s arguments against military readiness and recent American foreign policy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-28
President Roosevelt details the numerous accomplishments of Secretary of State Elihu Root to Andrew Carnegie. Roosevelt makes clear that while the successes occurred during his administration, the credit for State Department efforts firmly belongs to Root, especially as they relate to world peace. Roosevelt is unable to give a speech in Norway, as the request came after he accepted three speaking engagements in Europe and rejected all others.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-26
President Roosevelt gives Cecil Spring Rice his assessment on the Russo-Japanese War. Roosevelt is not concerned with the emergence of Japan as a world power and does not think that Japan will become more aggressive. Roosevelt is concerned that Russia must be contained, but insists to Spring Rice that the U.S. has no intention of intervening in the war. In a postscript, Roosevelt discusses the differences between Japanese and American culture and diplomacy, and reflects on race and culture.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-13
Secretary of State Taft offers Theodore Roosevelt feedback on Roosevelt’s letter to Watson. Taft does not think it wise for Roosevelt to equate support for an investigation into the Panama Canal and support for a sea-level canal, solely with people who oppose the canal. Taft also does not think that Roosevelt should include those who oppose the canal with those who oppose the San Domingo treaty, which he thinks will be passed next winter, if Roosevelt handles the political situation correctly. Roosevelt should call public attention to “the wonderful record of the present Congress” through a letter to pressure Congress to ease its resistance. Taft also believes Roosevelt should include a line citing the need for stronger government regulations to protect the working classes from “abuses by organization of power” in connection with Congress’s current resistance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-14
William Woodville Rockhill recounts what occurred between the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government while the Dalai Lama was staying in Peking. Rockhill met with the Dalai Lama and offered advice to Agvan Dorjiev about whether or not the Dalai Lama should return to Lhasa and accept the removal of his temporal power. Rockhill believes that many of the reforms that China wishes to make would improve conditions in Tibet, while still allowing the Dalai Lama to maintain control over the Yellow Church.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-08
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.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-03
Acting Secretary of State Adee sends a copy of a dispatch from Minister Resident/Consul General Dawson concerning the political conditions in the Dominican Republic to Theodore’s Roosevelt’s secretary for the President’s consideration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-19
Acting Secretary of State Adee encloses for President Roosevelt a copy of chargé d’affaires Jacob Sleeper’s report on political conditions in Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-20
Ambassador Tower relays the telegraphed response of the German Emperor to President Roosevelt’s letter. The Emperor is in full agreement with the President with respect to peace between Russia and Japan. The Emperor had thought that England and France might work against Roosevelt because French foreign minister Théophile Delcassé had a separate plan for peace that would indemnify not only Russia and Japan with Chinese lands, but also Britain and France as the price of their intervention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-13
An editorial from the Russian Zionist newspaper Razsviet, questions the appointment of Baron Roman Romanovich Rosen to the post of Russian ambassador to the United States. The post is “probably the most important, every step, every thought of which is connected with extreme responsibility.” The question becomes whether the new ambassador can inspire “sincere respect for an Empire defeated by the Japanese.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-05-21
General Sickles recommends someone for appointment to West Point or the Naval Academy. Sickles also tells the President he agrees with his position on the Philippines and that talk of independence is premature.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-01
General Sickles asks President Roosevelt to reconsider endorsing Secretary of War Taft’s position on the Philippines in his letter of acceptance. Sickles disagrees with the intention to give up the Philippines as soon as they are capable of self-government due to the fact that acquiring the islands consumed many lives and resources.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-30
A memorandum containing summary of Commander Simon P. Fullinwider’s letter from December 6, 1907, which criticizes Brazil’s construction of large and expensive dreadnoughts and says they may be Japan’s project. He recommends the United States ready their fleet accordingly and dismiss Japanese men aboard the ships, who he thinks could be spies. Commander Sims writes that the officers will learn more while in Rio, and he shares Fullinwider’s concerns about “foreign servants” and enlisted men sharing confidential information.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-19
Theodore Roosevelt explains to C. H. Davis that he is against both an English-American alliance and a German-American alliance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-06-03
Theodore Roosevelt does not believe accepting the offer in the telegram Ambassador Jusserand sent him would be beneficial for France at this time.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-05-12
Governor Roosevelt writes about his recent visit to the White House and his hopes for President McKinley’s policy decisions. Roosevelt is finding it difficult to enjoy his vacation because of the amount of work facing him as governor, but he is very happy to hold the office.
1899-07-12