Iowa

Letter from Marie Turner Harvey to Theodore Roosevelt

Marie Turner Harvey sends Theodore Roosevelt some literature she hopes he will examine. Despite being rich in resources and developed wealth, her state of Missouri ranks low in education because most children reside in poor, rural areas. Roosevelt’s 1908 letter to Professor L. H. Bailey inspired the “country life” classes that she teaches. She hopes Roosevelt can attend the First Missouri Rural Life Conference, as his presence would significantly impact the work. Harvey regards the Country Life Commission as one of Roosevelt’s greatest services to the country.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-08-01

Letter from Albert Baird Cummins to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Cummins introduces Gardner Cowles and Jay N. Darling of Des Moines, Iowa. Cummins suggests Theodore Roosevelt invite Cowles and Darling to meet to discuss the Iowa political situation. Cummins is exasperated at the chaotic political situation in Washington, D.C.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04-24

Letter from Elmer A. Morse to Theodore Roosevelt

Representative Morse asks Theodore Roosevelt to write him an endorsement for a contract with a lecture bureau.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-02-21

Letter from A. H. Avery to Theodore Roosevelt

A. H. Avery invites President Roosevelt to make two Chautauqua assembly speeches in Iowa for one thousand dollars, giving bank deposit and train schedule details.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-14

Letter from John Callan O’Laughlin to Theodore Roosevelt

John Callan O’Laughlin provides President Roosevelt an overview of his impressions of the political mood of the country. O’Laughlin has concluded that Secretary of War William H. Taft will receive the Republican nomination for president, and recounts the various states that he believes will go for Taft, as well as the political figures who he believes should be watched or contacted in the various states. There is still substantial popular support for Roosevelt in the country, and O’Laughlin believes that if Roosevelt were to run he would win. Roosevelt’s action in ordering an investigation of the wage scale of railroad employees is very popular. Taft draws much of his strength comes from his connection to Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-24

Letter from Seth Bullock to William Loeb

Seth Bullock updates William Loeb on the political situation in the the Midwest. Iowa and Nebraska will support Secretary of War William H. Taft for President. Senator E. J. Burkett of Nebraska would be willing to support Charles Evans Hughes or Senator Robert M. La Follette in exchange for the Vice Presidential nomination, but will not be successful. The situation is more complicated in the Dakotas, where different factions are taking advantage of political divides in Republican parties in those states. In particular, La Follette is working thoroughly for votes in North Dakota.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01-17

Letter from Seth Bullock to Theodore Roosevelt

Seth Bullock thanks President Roosevelt for his hospitality when he and his wife Martha Bullock visited the White House. Bullock has notified William Loeb about the political situation in Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakotas and is about to travel to eastern Montana, where he will then report back. He says people in the West generally support Secretary of War William H. Taft running for president because of Roosevelt. Bullock concludes by advising Roosevelt not to let abuse from the Wall Street disturb him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01-17

Letter from Albert Baird Cummins to Theodore Roosevelt

Governor Cummins of Iowa writes to President Roosevelt about the upcoming presidential election. If he himself is not selected, most of his crowd will vote for Secretary of War William H. Taft, though they will likely harbor hidden hostility. If Leslie Shaw is nominated, as Cummins suspects he will be, things could end up worse. Cummins would like to meet with Roosevelt in person to discuss the situation if possible.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-12-20

Letter from Albert Baird Cummins to Theodore Roosevelt

Governor Cummins has heard that there will be a concerted effort to secure President Roosevelt’s endorsement in the re-election campaign of Senator William B. Allison, against whom Cummins is running. Cummins attaches an article from The Des Moines Capital falsely quoting Roosevelt saying as much and asks that Roosevelt send a letter affirming his neutrality in the campaign.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-23

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of War Taft explains why he partially disagrees with President Roosevelt regarding the tariff. Taft also requests the privilege to differ from Roosevelt regarding the Interstate Commerce Commission and “the issue of bonds and stocks of interstate railways.” Taft hopes to return from his trip to Berlin via the Siberian Railway and wants Roosevelt’s advice before making arrangements.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-08-06

Letter from James Sullivan Clarkson to William Loeb

Surveyor of Customs for the Port of New York Clarkson reports to William Loeb that voters in the South and West want President Roosevelt to be re-elected, though they admire William H. Taft, and George B. Cortelyou is also favored. Clarkson asks for clarity as to who he should expect to provide direction for him in the coming campaign. Representative Herbert Parsons wishes to change several appointments, some of which have been under the control of the Surveyor. Clarkson also discusses the presidential campaign in Iowa.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-05-13

Letter from Albert Baird Cummins to Theodore Roosevelt

Governor Cummins inquires about recommending some of his friends to postal appointments in Iowa, despite the fact that the district is represented by a Democrat.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-04-30

Letter from Albert Baird Cummins to Theodore Roosevelt

Governor Cummins updates President Roosevelt on the political situation in Iowa and the West, particularly regarding the current controversy in the Republican party. Although Roosevelt has stated that he does not want the nomination for president in 1908, Cummins urges him to accept, believing that he will win the nomination and re-election. This would allow Republicans to continue to pursue their agenda rather than drift into infighting and controversy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-04-23

Letter from James Sullivan Clarkson to William Loeb

James Sullivan Clarkson explains the political situation in Iowa to William Loeb. Clarkson is concerned that a group of powerful men and various corporations is conspiring to control delegations in Iowa and the surrounding states to the detriment of President Roosevelt and Vice President Taft. In particular General Dodge, a close friend of Governor Cumins, is thought to be behind the operation. Clarkson believes that most people will support Roosevelt’s cause, including capitalists who have criticized him in the past. A handwritten note posits that perhaps Dodge is actually on Roosevelt’s side and is influencing matters in his favor.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-04-24

Letter from Leslie M. Shaw to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of the Treasury Shaw responds to a request from President Roosevelt to review a letter from Representative Ebenezer J. Hill. Shaw is skeptical of Representative Hill’s conclusions about denatured alcohol’s potential as fuel. Shaw discusses the proposed McCleary bill, which would adjust American tariffs on German goods, and the potential impact of tariff adjustments on the upcoming midterm election. He believes that Roosevelt could maintain the confidence of the American people by advocating a tariff that ensures American-made goods receive the same treatment as similar goods from any other country.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-09

Letter from Leslie M. Shaw to J. S. Sherman

Leslie M. Shaw informs J. S. Sherman that there is no longer doubt about their victory in the congressional campaign after Speaker Cannon’s speech, President Roosevelt’s letter, and Col. Bryan’s acceptance. Shaw recommends sending Republican speakers through neglected Democratic districts in the South where the margin of victory was small to begin cultivating support that might lead to Republican victories in 1916.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-05

Letter from Leslie M. Shaw to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of the Treasury Shaw returns the letter from Loren B. Burham, and reassures President Roosevelt that he will support the ticket and that he has written to newspapers in the state. If members of Congress from other states speak to Roosevelt in regard to Shaw’s “alleged failure,” Roosevelt can feel free “to disabuse their minds.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-29

Letter from Loren B. Burnham to Theodore Roosevelt

Loren B. Burnham asks President Roosevelt to support the whole Republican ticket in the upcoming election. Burnham is concerned that the fight in Iowa between the “Standpatters” and Progressives will, if carried up to the election, end up swaying the state for the Democrats.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-18

Letter from Henry Cabot Lodge to Theodore Roosevelt

Henry Cabot Lodge is sorry that President Roosevelt does not agree with him about immigration but believes Roosevelt is likely right on the matter. Lodge has read Roosevelt’s letter to Nelson Appleton Miles and shares his views on the matter. Lodge has looked over the papers of the “Agricultural Implement people” and comments on lumber, cattle, manufacturing, and tariffs in the industry. Lodge has enclosed a letter regarding a civil service matter that he thinks should be looked into. Lodge praises Robert Bacon.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-18

Letter from John F. Lacey to Theodore Roosevelt

Political affairs are very unpleasant in Iowa, but they all “stand pat” on President Roosevelt. Congressman Lacey has just returned from a hurried trip to the Roswell New Mexican Irrigation Field and the Wichita Game Refuge. The one problem with introducing a buffalo herd in the Wichita Game Refuge is the danger of Texas ticks. Lacey believes that Madison Grant and William T. Hornaday should consult with President Roosevelt before the animals are sent in.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-26