International relations

Telegram from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of War Taft reports to President Roosevelt on the situation in Cuba. There is an ongoing governmental crisis in Cuba, and the situation may demand intervention by the United States. Taft suggests a draft of a proclamation in case this establishment becomes necessary to enforce the laws and protect the lives and properties of the people on the island. He also includes the text of a message from Cuban President Tomas Estrada Palma commenting on the failure to elect a replacement president, and laying out what actions he is taking as a consequence of this.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-28

Letter from Joseph Hodges Choate to Theodore Roosevelt

Ambassador Choate pledges to support the Roosevelt administration. Sympathy for Roosevelt and the United States is strong in Great Britain. Roosevelt’s actions since succeeding to the presidency have convinced the British government and people that relations between the United States and Britain will remain stable. During an audience with King Edward VII, the king asked many questions about Roosevelt and showed a familiarity with Roosevelt’s “outer life.” Edward VII requested that Choate send his kindest regards to Roosevelt and requested photographs of Roosevelt and William McKinley.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-28

Letter from Frederick William Holls to Theodore Roosevelt

Frederick William Holls recommends Charles V. Herdliska for appointment as United States consul at Prague.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-23

London Times on McKinley’s death

This newspaper article summarizes the sympathy and grief displayed by the British public at the death of President William McKinley.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10

Letter from Walter L. Church to Theodore Roosevelt

Walter Church has followed President Roosevelt’s career and congratulates him on succeeding to the presidency. Alaska is proud of Roosevelt and Church expects him to prevent Great Britain from claiming a disputed section of Alaskan territory.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-24

Letter from Hermann Speck von Sternburg to Theodore Roosevelt

Hermann Speck von Sternburg encloses clippings from the leading Indian papers that have commented on President Roosevelt’s policies. The potential canal and the benefits of American industrial products are popular topics in India.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-24

Letter from C. F. Moberly Bell to Theodore Roosevelt

C. F. Moberly Bell thanks President Roosevelt for his courtesy and the hospitality he received while in the United States. He hopes that the Roosevelt administration will help strengthen the sympathies and interests between the United States and Great Britain.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-18

The control of the Nicaragua canal

Edward Van Dyke Robinson, economist, argues against the neutralization or fortification of the proposed Nicaraguan canal. Robinson proposes that the only way to secure the canal is to establish control of the canal region, exercise control for the benefit of all nations, and maintain nearby military and naval bases. Robinson concludes by reviewing potential locations for bases to defend the canal.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-20

Letter from Chekib Bey to John Hay

General Khan, the Persian minister, is currently absent and, through Chekib Bey, has requested that the customary congratulations on Muzaffar al-Din Shah’s birthday be sent directly to Tehran.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-21

Letter from Goldwin Smith to Paul Dana

Goldwin Smith believes that Paul Kruger will call for American intervention in the South African War. President Roosevelt will refuse to intervene, but the manner of refusal offers an opportunity to help mitigate the “spirit of violence and vengeance” of the war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-21

Receipt from Andrew Hussey Allen

Andrew Hussey Allen, chief of the Bureau of Rolls and Library, certifies that a medal given to President Roosevelt by Emperor William II was received by Secretary of State John Hay and is being housed in the State Department library.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-15

How America really feels towards England

Samuel E. Moffett examines the relationship between the United States and Great Britain. He concludes that the current, ongoing relationship depends upon the present policies of each nation and not on ancient history or sentimentalism. American policy is to be the dominant power in the Western hemisphere, and if this principle can be accepted by the British there should not be any problems with maintaining a harmonious relationship.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-14

Letter from Sir W. Laird Clowes to Theodore Roosevelt

W. Laird Clowes expresses his sympathy at the death of William McKinley and is confident in President Roosevelt’s leadership. He hopes that the Roosevelt administration will improve relations between the English speaking countries. The world’s “liberty, civilization, and good government” depend on cooperation between Great Britain and the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-15

Letter to Theodore Roosevelt

“A Young Husband” expresses sympathy at the death of William McKinley and congratulates President Roosevelt on his succession to the presidency. He knows that Roosevelt will support the prosperity of the Anglo-Saxon race and the common bonds between the United States and Great Britain.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-15

Letter from John Ireland to Theodore Roosevelt

Archbishop Ireland presents Pope Leo XIII’s interest in the prosperity of the United States and the welfare of President Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-21

Letter from William E. Mantius to Theodore Roosevelt

William E. Mantius spoke to his friend, Thomas W. Cridler, regarding Cardinal Merry del Val. Cridler can transfer the information to Secretary of State John Hay who can then speak with President McKinley. Mantius does not want the “ostrich game” to be played in Washington, D.C., while the Vatican is preparing for action.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-04

Letter from James Harrison Wilson to Theodore Roosevelt

James Harrison Wilson believes that the United States should have taken total control over Cuba, similar to what occurred in Puerto Rico. Since this did not occur, Wilson lays out points that should be incorporated into a treaty in order to maintain American influence on the island while allowing Cubans a high degree of freedom and economic prosperity. After a few years of close cooperation, Wilson believes that both countries will seek the annexation of Cuba to the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1899-09-08

Memorandum from W. W. Kimball to Theodore Roosevelt

W. W. Kimball recommends a plan for constructing a canal in Panama that will require the least amount of resources to protect and defend it from other countries. Kimball believes a canal in Nicaragua could be better because America would be able to have better control over it. He thinks it will be easier, diplomatically speaking, to build a canal there as well. The Clayton-Bulwer treaty has already made it easier to build a canal there than in Panama. He will always be available to give President Roosevelt opinions on the matter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1900-02-19

Letter from Henry Cabot Lodge to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Lodge tells Governor Roosevelt that Roosevelt overrates Lodge’s actions. If the positions were reversed, Lodge is certain that Roosevelt would do even more for him. He is also sure that when Roosevelt is president one day he will return the favor by helping Lodge. Lodge comments on aspects of New York politics, and addresses a recent change in the War Department to which Roosevelt contributed, with the previous Secretary of War R. A. Alger being replaced by Elihu Root. The situation in Cuba makes Lodge unhappy, and he wishes that President McKinley would replace General Brooke. Additionally, while McKinley may be correct about General Otis, the general impression is that he is a failure. Lodge wishes that General Wood was in charge in Cuba. He also predicts that Frederick Funston will be a good ally in the future.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1899-08-10

Letter from Alfred Thayer Mahan to Theodore Roosevelt

Captain Mahan sends Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt some of his various thoughts about naval and international matters. Emphasizing that he does not want Roosevelt to think he aims to do more than suggest ideas for consideration, Mahan draws Roosevelt’s attention to a news article suggesting Japan’s proposed program of building ships, and muses about United States relations with the Asian nation. Mahan feels that there is more chance of naval trouble in the Pacific than the Atlantic, and believes that former president Grover Cleveland should have fully annexed Hawaii when he had the chance.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1897-05-01