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Hippolyte Conry is writing an ode to the friendship between the United States and France on the occasion of the inauguration of a monument to Rochambeau in Washington, D.C.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-24
There have been many complaints from Ecuadorian officials against Consul De Leon in relation to his drunkenness and violent temper. Minister Carbo of Ecuador encouraged the removal of De Leon. Secretary of State Hay had suggested De Leon be removed from office and was pleased when De Leon took a leave of absence and said that he would not return. However, De Leon is now complaining to his friends about his mistreatment and would like his record cleared on the State Department’s books. Hay has no problems with these records being destroyed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-07
George Clinton asks Chauncey M. Depew to support his appointment to the international commission provided for in the Rivers and Harbors Bill. Clinton has had a sizable amount of support for this position and is acknowledging his desire for the job.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-08
Secretary of State Hay agrees, as reported by John Rice Chandler, that there “is a disagreeable state of things in the Legation and Consulate at Guatemala.” President Roosevelt already had plans to break up the situation in Guatemala, so Hay did not feel the need to give a more detailed report.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-09
Leonard Wood is happy to hear of the appointment of Herbert G. Squiers as Minister to Cuba and he knows nothing about General Edward S. Bragg. Wood believes that everything will be ready for Cuban independence on May 20. Power will be transferred to President Tomás Estrada Palma but there is little enthusiasm for his administration and many problems. However, Wood thinks Estrada Palma can be successful. Wood also mentions the retrial of Estes G. Rathbone over which he wants the Cuban courts to retain jurisdiction.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-10
St. Clair McKelway was amused with the idea of “settling Manila matters in Rome” and provides some suggestions on how to handle the situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-18
The French artist whose painting was used as the advertisement of the 1900 World Expo will be in Washington, D.C., as a delegate of the French Ministry of Public Instruction. He will deliver the original painting to President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-30
There is conflict over the region of Manchuria between Russia and China. The United States is not hostile toward Russia in this situation, arguing that the region would be no worse under Russia than it was under Chinese control. Charles Richard Crane and Secretary of the Interior Hitchcock (former ambassador to Russia) misunderstand American intentions, while Count Arthur Paul Nicholas Cassini is satisfied with the American position and wants American correspondence in the Russian-French understanding published.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-01
There have been many complaints from Ecuadorian officials against Consul De Leon in relation to his drunkenness and violent temper. Minister Carbo of Ecuador encouraged the removal of De Leon. Secretary of State Hay had suggested De Leon be removed from office and was pleased when De Leon took a leave of absence and said that he would not return. However, De Leon is now complaining to his friends about his mistreatment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-07
Lloyd Carpenter Griscom, United States Minister to Persia, is working to advance American trade in the Middle East and Iran. He has checked out the two main trade routes, one from Tehran to Baghdad, and the other from Isfahan to the River. The Governor of Isfahan, who is also the Shah’s brother, would like an autographed copy of one of President Roosevelt’s books on big game hunting. Griscom thinks such a gift would be very helpful for his work, and suggests two copies be sent so one may also be given to the Shah.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-26
Thomas T. Johnston recommends George Y. Wisner to “represent the United States in matters pertaining to the regulation of the levels of the Great Lakes.” Johnston references Wisner’s experience on the Commission on Deep Waterways and also his experience working in Canada, which would benefit him in this international project.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-26
Governor Taft begins with questions about what should be done in a libel case between Francis B. Loomis and Herbert W. Bowen. He then delves into foreign policy, particularly a dispute between President Castro of Venezuela and an American asphalt company. Taft believes a war with Venezuela can and should be avoided, at least until Congressional approval. Taft would like to send William W. Russell to Venezuela, presumably in a diplomatic capacity. (Description from deciphered transcript.)
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-27
Transcript of a telegram that was received in code. Governor Taft begins with questions about what should be done in a libel case between Francis B. Loomis and Herbert W. Bowen. He then delves into foreign policy, particularly a dispute between President Castro of Venezuela and an American asphalt company. Taft believes a war with Venezuela can and should be avoided, at least until Congressional approval. Taft would like to send William W. Russell to Venezuela, presumably in a diplomatic capacity.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-27
Edward Austin Bond recommends George Y. Wisner for appointment to the international commission on lake levels.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-29
Hermann Speck von Sternburg writes from Simla in British India. Under Viceroy Curzon, India has had a prosperous year. Sternburg finds Curzon to be extravagant, but he is also an effective leader and is making a great deal of progress in India. Afghanistan is calm under Amir Habibullah Khan but Russian and French ambitions in India remain suspect. Discussions of China and trade and commerce also receive mention in this letter. Sternburg believes that India could become a strong industrial power, as it has iron ore and coal reserves, but no means to transport it. He discusses several different railroad projects in this very long letter, which also states his happiness that Ted Roosevelt’s health is improving.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-18
St. Clair McKelway writes to President Roosevelt regarding the proposed handling of the Manila problem in Rome. McKelway encourages Roosevelt to make the Vatican come to the United States and deal with the issues on American soil. Governor Taft is part of the delegation that will attempt to handle the situation. Rome regards the arrangement as an establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Vatican. Mssers. Ireland and Gorman are preceding Taft’s delegation to tell the views of the American government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-18
Senator Lodge encloses a telegram from Francis B. Forbes, who has experience in China and the Philippines. Lodge suggests they take Forbes’ opinion on the potential conflict with the Moros seriously. Lodge thinks that war with the Moros “should be avoided at all hazards,” especially in light of the recent insurrection in Luzon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-19
Leonard Wood is concerned about who will be appointed to positions in Cuba. He believes that appointing the right person for the job is very important to the relation between the United States and Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-19
St. Clair McKelway discusses the government negotiating with the Vatican concerning property in Manila, Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-08
Joseph C. Sibley had applied “for the Italian Embassy” and lets President Roosevelt know that he is no longer able to take the position if offered. Therefore, any embarrassment that this application would cause would be unfounded.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-11