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President Roosevelt is glad to hear from Bishop Harris. Roosevelt cannot contemplate war between the United States and Japan, especially since both countries strive to develop the Pacific. He will do what he can to ensure the United States treats Japan and its people fairly. However, large numbers of foreign wage workers create economic pressures.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-06
David Starr Jordan thinks that if Americanism is the true motto of the country, then Japanese immigrants who meet all the qualifications should be naturalized as citizens. President Roosevelt and his administration have been successful in preventing the creation of a “Jim Crow” class while also protecting America’s dignity in interacting with Japan. Even in interfering in local matters, it has only been limited to when there are possible constitutional violations at stake, like when the local school board in San Francisco made their ruling about the Japanese school-aged children. There are definite economic advantages to maintaining trade with Asia, but an influx of immigration to the United States does raise some valid concerns along economic and social lines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-03
Ambassador Meyer writes to Secretary of State Hay regarding the appointment of Japanese and Russian plenipotentiaries, the diplomatic meeting place, and the plans for an armistice.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-20
Ambassador George von Lengerke Meyer updates President Roosevelt on the difficulties he has encountered trying to obtain Russia’s commitment to peace negotiations with Japan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-18
President Roosevelt has shared with Russian ambassador Cassini the name of one of the potential Japanese plenipotentiaries. Roosevelt asks for clarification whether the Russian government would like him to seek further information from the Japanese about their representatives. Roosevelt is willing to do so, but he prefers that both Japan and Russia proceed with nominating their plenipotentiaries.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-20
President Roosevelt received Secretary of State Hay’s note, and would like Hay to do as he suggested by writing to Japanese Prime Minister Itō Hirobumi and inviting him to an informal dinner. Roosevelt does not want Itō to feel pressured to attend, but would like to see him. He also asks Hay to “keep the people hurried up about that alleged medical outrage on the Japanese girl students.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-19
President Roosevelt writes to Ambassador Wright to introduce Charles Cuthbert Hall. Hall would like to meet with several Japanese statesmen, and Roosevelt asks Wright to help set up these meetings.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-06-12
President Roosevelt sends his thanks for Alfred Stead’s volume with the introduction by Count Ito.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-18
George Heber Jones relays for David Thompson a conversation he had with Prince Itō Hirobumi, the Japanese Resident General of Korea, wherein the Prince praised President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-01
Secretary of War Taft instructs Frank McIntyre to direct the message in his telegram regarding his visit in Japan to Secretary of State Elihu Root if he is in town, otherwise to President Roosevelt. Taft has met with many Japanese politicians and officials, and discussed many topics of interest to both nations, primarily concerning Japanese immigration to the United States. Taft does not think it is wise to pursue a treaty including reciprocal exclusion at this time, and wishes to inform Roosevelt so that he can persuade members of congress from California to accept the current status quo.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-18
Anti-Japanese sentiment in San Francisco has spiked and the local authorities have yet to investigate or pursue justice. Tension between Japan and the United States is unusual, as an experienced diplomat on the subject stated: “America is the last country with which I expected complications with Japan. Traditional friendship of the two nations uniformly maintained by the government at Washington, makes me almost hesitate to believe that an anti-Japanese sentiment exists in Uncle Sam’s territory”. Fortunately, President Roosevelt is a capable and thoughtful leader, who will no doubt resolve the matter efficiently.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-06
Ambassador to Japan Wright informs President Roosevelt about his visit with Emperor Meiji. Wright reports that he followed Roosevelt’s suggestions when presenting his letter of credence, that the emperor asked about Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt’s health, and that the emperor counts an autographed photo Roosevelt gave him as one of his prized possessions. Wright believes Japan will act in good faith regarding the “open door” policy in Manchuria, but it is taking time because the Japanese military governors in the territory do not want to be replaced by civil administrators and the Russians are moving slowly in removing their troops from the region. Wright says that Japan was strained by the war, and wants to maintain goodwill with the world powers, especially the United States. Wright also wishes power to Roosevelt as he busts trusts at home, noting that American citizens are increasingly tired of political machines in both parties.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-06-07
Ambassador Griscom describes to Secretary of State Root the riots in Tokyo, which broke out upon news of the peace treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War. Although several foreigners and American churches have been attacked, the violence does not seem to be specifically directed at foreigners or Christians. However, Griscom encloses a letter stating that two churches are in imminent danger of being attacked and burned, in which he requests protection from Japanese forces.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-15
Ambassador Meyer tells Acting Secretary of State Adee that Sergei Vitte called on him recently. Meyer was impressed with Vitte’s character and direct way of speaking. Vitte told Meyer that he regrets Ito Hirobumi is not coming as plenipotentiary, as Vitte feels they could have come to an immediate understanding. Vitte will do the utmost within his instructions in order to bring about an agreement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-16
Lloyd Carpenter Griscom encloses a letter from Marquis Hirobumi Itō in acknowledgment of the photograph that President Roosevelt sent him. Itō has a high appreciation of Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-05-15
Assistant Secretary of State Peirce will not be able to complete his report about his investigation of the consulates before the end of October. However, he does have information that Emperor Meiji wished for him to convey to President Roosevelt. He also has news from Hirobumi Ito and Jutaro Komura about the policy of Japan and the events which led to the declaration of hostilities between Japan and Russia. Peirce would like William Loeb to convey this information to President Roosevelt and ask when Peirce can visit him at Oyster Bay, New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-21
Nicholas Williams McIvor forwards a memo sent to Baron Kaneko regarding permission to erect a trust in Japan. McIvor goes on to discuss world politics at length.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-12
Secretary of State Hay offers to arrange an informal dinner for President Roosevelt and Hirobumi Ito.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-19
Secretary of State Hay has informed Baron Takahira that President Roosevelt will be pleased to see him during Hirobumi Ito’s visit.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-19
The Japanese have been informed that President Roosevelt will meet with Hirobumi Ito and K. Tzudzuki on Monday, October 21.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-18