International relations

Letter from William E. Alger to Henry Cabot Lodge

Consul Alger claims that South and Central Americans fear the United States and American intentions towards their countries. However, relations could be improved if they are convinced that the United States only wants “friendship and commerce.” Alger suggests that President Roosevelt state American intentions towards South and Central America in a message to Congress.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-15

Letter from Albert Shaw to Theodore Roosevelt

Albert Shaw had agreed to write an article about President Roosevelt for the November issue of London’s Contemporary Review; however, Poultney Bigelow wrote an article about Roosevelt and it is going to appear in the October issue. Shaw saw drafts of Bigelow’s article and found it to be “impertinent and undignified” with a “melange of boyish reminiscence.” Shaw wants his article to be serious and combat the damage Bigelow has done. Shaw asks if there are allusions he should make regarding Roosevelt’s attitude and policies.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-07

Letter from John Hay to Theodore Roosevelt

King Edward VII inquired about President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Hay. The king requested a photograph of Roosevelt which will be provided by Ambassador Joseph Hodges Choate. Hay is concerned that their friends’ complaints might make Earl Halsbury hold up the treaty.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-08

Letter from Charles Fletcher Lummis to Theodore Roosevelt

Charles Fletcher Lummis has not written because he has spent most of the last three months in the New Mexico wilderness. He hopes for the success of the Roosevelt administration and the country under President Roosevelt’s leadership. Lummis believes the two major issues that need to be addressed are the mistreatment of the Boers, who have the widespread support of the American public, and the ongoing Philippine American War.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-08

Letter from Hermann Speck von Sternburg to Theodore Roosevelt

The South African War has increased interest in mounted infantry in Europe and India, with some even advocating for a full army to be mounted. The gloomy news from South Africa is difficult, especially since many of the British admire the Boers. The British are seeking to get their candidate on the throne of Afghanistan but Russia is opposing them with its own influence. There are also tensions in the Persian Gulf as Britain seeks to protect its interests and Germany desires access to Kuwait Harbor as the terminus of the Anatolian railroad. There is a great deal of interest about President Roosevelt in India.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-09

Letter from Alvey A. Adee to George B. Cortelyou

President Roosevelt’s instructions for the American delegates to the Pan-American Conference at Mexico have been delivered.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-10

Newspaper article on Theodore Roosevelt

Newspaper article describing President Roosevelt’s background and forecasting the success of his administration. He will likely be neutral towards England but may come into conflict with Germany.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-10

Letter from Theodore F. Dwight to Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore F. Dwight will be attending a conference of the American Institute of Mining Engineers in Mexico City, Mexico. The engineers are to be received by President Diaz and Dwight suggests that it would be fitting for them to present a greeting from President Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-11

Letter from Isaac Alzamora to John Winfield Scott

Since his arrival in the United States, Vice President Alzamora has been pleased with the “cordial and brotherly feeling” displayed towards Peru. He hopes for more “intimate commercial and social relations” between Peru and the United States. Peru welcomes North American workers and has high hopes for the railroad concessions given to the Pacific Company. Peruvians share the ideals and ambitions laid out in the Declaration of Independence and the country is seeking to cooperate with other American republics for unity and mutual benefit.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-04

Letter from John Hay to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of State Hay received President Roosevelt’s instructions to appoint Mr. Ames as consul in Ghent, Belgium. However, Senator Foraker requested the position for a friend. Since they will need Foraker’s support, Hay suggests that Foraker’s candidate receive Ghent and Ames be appointed to Antigua. Ames can receive a more appropriate position later. Hay is pleased with the British negotiations and thinks Ambassador Choate has shown ability and tact.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-04

Letter from Alvey A. Adee to George B. Cortelyou

Assistant Secretary of State Adee submits the draft of instructions outlining the duties of the American delegates to the Pan-American conference in Mexico. He requests the draft be considered by President Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-07

Letter from Ernest Howard Crosby to Theodore Roosevelt

Ernest Howard Crosby does not believe the “economic game” is fairly played and must protest about the labor question to keep his convictions. Crosby is also distressed at American imperialism as the United States had an opportunity to set an example for the world but instead followed the methods of the British Empire.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-29

Letter from Poultney Bigelow to Theodore Roosevelt

Poultney Bigelow writes on behalf of his friend, Walter Neef, whose son would like to enter the American Navy. He hopes President Roosevelt can help Neef. In a postscript, Bigelow comments on Emperor Nicholas II’s visit to France which he thought went very poorly.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-30

In matters, concerning the stories about a duel

Adolph Hartmann refutes newspaper articles that appeared in the American press stating that Hartmann fought a duel with a German officer. Hartmann did not hear a German officer insult the United States and has never fought a duel.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-30

Letter from John Kendrick Bangs to Theodore Roosevelt

John Kendrick Bangs is interested in writing a book on the American trusteeship of Cuba. He offers to write the book as a “labor of love” if it meets with Roosevelt’s approval or to step aside if Roosevelt likes the idea but wants another to write it. Bangs believes that the public is unaware of the accomplishments made by the administration in Cuba.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-02

Letter from Goldwin Smith to Paul Dana

Goldwin Smith does not believe that the United States should intervene in the South African War but suggests an “expression of feeling” about the war. Smith would like to see the Boer republics be given internal self-government under British suzerainty and Johannesburg removed from the Transvaal.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-25

Letter from Paul Dana to Theodore Roosevelt

Paul Dana encloses two letters from Goldwin Smith regarding American policy towards the South African War.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-26

Letter from John Hay to Theodore Roosevelt

Uruguay has requested to become an American protectorate in order to guarantee its independence. This is not possible but shows that South American hatred for the United States is overstated. Secretary of State Hay gave Ambassador Choate permission to show the canal treaty draft to Senator Lodge. Hay congratulates President Roosevelt on the high degree of public support he has received.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-26

Letter from David Jayne Hill to George B. Cortelyou

Assistant Secretary of State Hill encloses a translated note requesting that congratulations be sent to the Persian Shah on his birthday. Hill also encloses a draft of the telegram that will be sent to the Shah.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-26

Letter from J. Arthur Barratt to Theodore Roosevelt

J. Arthur Barratt sends his good wishes for the Roosevelt administration. Barratt is now living in England and finds that British public opinion is favorable towards President Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-27