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Japan

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Letter from William Sturgis Bigelow to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from William Sturgis Bigelow to Theodore Roosevelt

William Sturgis Bigelow is preparing to leave for Japan and requests a letter of introduction to Ambassador Alfred E. Buck. He wants good relations with Buck because he is concerned that a young Japanese man, who he tried to get jailed for “swindling,” may seek revenge. Bigelow has met John J. O’Brien, President Roosevelt’s jiu-jitsu instructor, and is impressed with his ideas. He would have liked to see O’Brien tackle the late Lean F. Czolgosz.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-03-30

Letter from John Hay to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from John Hay to Theodore Roosevelt

The ambassadors of France and Russia have submitted identical memorandums to the State Department. They agree with the principles outlined in the English-Japanese Convention drafted January 30, 1902, which maintains the independence of China and Korea while encouraging international commerce. The allied governments reserve the right to consult if the safety of their interests are threatened. Secretary of State Hay encloses a suggested reply.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-03-19

Letter from David Starr Jordan to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from David Starr Jordan to Theodore Roosevelt

David Starr Jordan objects to H.R. 4386, “An Act to prevent the extermination of fur-bearing animals in Alaska, and for other purposes.” Jordan recommends negotiating with Great Britain to appoint a joint commission of naturalists to agree on sealing regulations. They must also consider the legal rights of Canada, Russia, and Japan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-12-24

Letter from W. C. Dix to Felipe Buencamino

Letter from W. C. Dix to Felipe Buencamino

W. C. Dix suggests that the Philippines follow the example of Japan and push for a more western outlook and encourage commerce. He would like there to be a Filipino exhibit at the upcoming Louisiana Purchase Exposition, which would then be followed by a similar exhibition in Manila, Philippines, in 1904. Dix sees great opportunities for the development of industry and science in the Philippines. He hopes to meet with President Roosevelt to discuss the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-15

Shipbuilding for the Navy

Shipbuilding for the Navy

In a letter to the editor, T. A. Brassey argues that the British Navy should not focus on producing Dreadnaught-class battleships. He cites the recent sinking of large ships, especially during the Russo-Japanese war, to show that even heavily-armored ships are vulnerable to submarine mines and torpedoes. Furthermore, the costly large battleships are vulnerable to accidents at sea, and the more expensive guns on a ship the greater the financial loss when it sinks. Finally, Brassey argues that having more, smaller ships will allow for the great training and promotion of young captains.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-28

Letter from Hermann Speck von Sternburg to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from Hermann Speck von Sternburg to Theodore Roosevelt

Hermann Speck von Sternburg thanks Vice President Roosevelt for his interesting letter, and is glad to hear that Roosevelt’s family is doing so well. Sternburg believes that with regards to South America, the Monroe Doctrine was beneficial in helping create peace, and he wishes that some nation or group of nations would establish a similar doctrine over China. He suggests that Roosevelt propose a Roosevelt doctrine when his time comes “in a few years,” in conjunction with Japan in order to check other powers in China. Sternburg briefly comments on the continuation of the South African War, and the use of Indian troops in the British army, both in the South African war, as well as in any potential war in Europe. He remarks upon Gurkhas as being especially strong fighters, and discusses some of the situations in Nepal, Tibet, and Afghanistan, as well as an upcoming visit to the Maharajah of Jaipur. Sternburg also writes about the public reception of speeches by Roosevelt and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, and discusses his recent return to Berlin from Washington when his term as diplomat to the United States finished, with a suggestion that any sort of strong pressure aiming towards his return to the United States would likely be met with good results.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-01

Letter from Alfred Thayer Mahan to Theodore Roosevelt

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

Letter from Alfred Thayer Mahan to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from Alfred Thayer Mahan to Theodore Roosevelt

Captain Mahan emphasizes to Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt that he writes only to suggest thoughts or give information–not to influence action. He calls Roosevelt’s attention to two related factors: a previous article he wrote suggesting that the threat to Hawaii is from Asia, rather than Europe, and a situation in South America which saw the United States worried about not having a battleship in the Pacific Ocean. He suggests that a similar situation could now occur if the Japanese have two battleships while the United States has only one. Mahan feels that it is important that the United States begin to prepare its fleets in order to avert potential conflict, saying “preparedness deters the foe,” and helps maintain peace without actually having to fight.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1897-05-06