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Two Irish women talk in a kitchen over a cup of tea. In the background, an old man is sitting in a rocking chair, reading the newspaper. Caption: Mrs. Kelly — Does your husband get good pay, Mrs. Rooney? / Mrs. Rooney — Well, he would, Mrs. Kelly, ef ut wasn’t fer shtriking so often fer better pay.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1902-12-17
Two Irish housewives are visiting. One is sitting in a chair, holding an infant, and with a young boy standing next to her, smoking a cigar. They are discussing the boy’s desire to work for Richard Croker, a Tammany Hall boss. Caption: Mrs. Grogan. — Little Patsy siz phwhin he grows up he wants ter git a job workin’ fer Dick Croker. Mrs. Hogan. — Doin’ phwhat? Mrs. Grogan. — Either mayor or jockey; – he don’t care phwhich!
Behind the wonderful drawing by Rose O’Neill, who created the iconic Kewpie Doll a decade after this cartoon’s publication, and stagey Irish dialect is a political fact of which most readers would have been aware: “Boss” Croker of New York City’s corrupt Democratic machine Tammany Hall was also a breeder of thoroughbred race horses. Many Tammany politicians, from ward-heelers to mayors were, like Croker himself, rough Irish immigrants.
Theodore Roosevelt explains to T. P. Gill that he cannot write anything for publication. However, in strict privacy, he shares his comments made to party leaders while in England regarding Irish Home Rule, which he believes is advisable.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-17
Theodore Roosevelt tells poet Norreys Jephson O’Conor that it was a pleasure to meet him, and Roosevelt thanks him for the gift of two of his books, Celtic Memories and Beside the Blackwater.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-07
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Edward H. Daly for the invitation to the annual banquet for the American Irish Historical Association but has to regretfully decline.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-05
President Roosevelt sends his regards and regrets to the Committee of Irish Industrial Exposition in New York City, as he is not able to attend the Exposition.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-12
President Roosevelt agrees with Finley Peter Dunne about protesting against the “Anglo-Saxon alliance” theory because he believes Americans are “a new race, composed of many Old-World stocks.” While the president is not against friendliness to the English government, he is not going to ignore other European governments. Roosevelt declares himself a “strong home-ruler” and gives examples of a number of individuals who have hated their country of origin, noting it is impossible for him to champion every hatred. The president expresses his gratitude for the support he has received from young men, “Catholic by faith and of Irish descent,” and discusses a number of Irish and Catholic individuals he has put in government positions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-03
Theodore Roosevelt acknowledges receiving the letters Charles H. Ewing forwarded to him about the plan for an Irish National Exhibition in Dublin. Roosevelt thinks the exhibit might be of real value. It may “raise Ireland’s prosperity by helping toward the establishment of Irish industries.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-27
President Roosevelt tells William M. Sweeny that his Irish ancestors came to Pennsylvania early in the seventeenth century, and he describes what he knows of his genealogy. Roosevelt describes his ancestors as humble people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-16
President Roosevelt appreciates Mr. Ford’s letter to James Sullivan Clarkson, particularly the section about the revolt at the Democrats appealing to Irish Americans on the basis of race.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-16
President Roosevelt thanks R.W. Mitchell for the letter and has Irish ancestry on his grandmother’s side of the family.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-23
President Roosevelt wishes that he could be present at the field day of the American-Irish Historical Society and extols the various accomplishments of Irish-Americans since the Revolutionary War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-29
Charles O. Lander is certain that Admiral Heihachirō Tōgō’s recent visit and gift pleased Theodore Roosevelt. He feels that Roosevelt must be president again and needs to secure the Irish vote. Supporting Home Rule in Ireland is the way to Irish Americans’ hearts. While initially skeptical, Lander believes Home Rule will benefit the United States and England.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-14
Thomas H. Keenan of the Roosevelt Club of Massachusetts writes to President Roosevelt about enlisting Irish Americans into the Republican Party. The club asks for Roosevelt’s endorsement in their purpose of building up the Republican Party in Massachusetts.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-06-28
Judge O’Brien hopes President Roosevelt will be present for the Irish Industrial Exposition opening ceremony.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-29
The Committee of the Irish Industrial Exposition invites President Roosevelt to attend the opening ceremonies. They feel he would be interested since the content of the exposition is dear to the hearts of millions of American citizens of Irish descent.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-28
James Jeffrey Roche bids farewell to the readership of The Pilot upon his resignation as editor. During his time, Roche endeavored to follow the ideals of his predecessor John Boyle O’Reilly. While political issues continually arise, America has a capable leader in President Roosevelt and an actionable citizenry in the Irish Americans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-28
Theodore Roosevelt responds to Frederick H. Schwan’s suggestion that he should modify his statements about Belgium in order to ensure votes from Irishmen and Germans. Roosevelt asserts the importance of voting as an American above all else. Roosevelt is not seeking nomination but is “vitally interested” in the welfare of the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-04-15
At the opening session of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen convention, President Roosevelt praises railroad workers as possessing the necessary qualities of soldiers, including obedience, initiative, and the rugged, manly virtues that Roosevelt feels are threatened by modern luxuries. He argues that organized labor is wonderful, but only if it encourages individual improvement while working for the group, and he feels that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen have historically exemplified this virtue. Roosevelt warns that the prosperity of modern progress also gives rise to new challenges. He insists that, just as certain soldierly qualities remain constant despite changes in arms or military tactics, laws and constitutions may change but the need for good citizens of honesty, courage, and common sense will always be necessary. Having just visited the Chickamauga and Chattanooga battlefields, Roosevelt also praises the unified American spirit shared by men and women across the country, including immigrants.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-08
Print shows Samuel S. Cox, Abram S. Hewitt, and William E. Robinson (waving a paper that states “The demands of 20,000,000 Irish-Americans”) pulling on the tail of the British Lion. The front paws of the lion rest on the body of a man with a handgun in one hand and a paper labeled “Assassin O’Donnell” in the other. A gibbet stands in the background. Patrick O’Donnell was executed by hanging in London on December 17, 1883, for the murder of James Carey. Caption: The little men and their little grip on the British Lion.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1883-12-19