Your TR Source
Scrapbook of materials related to Theodore Roosevelt’s life between 1876 and 1881, including his time at Harvard University and the 1881 New York state election, specifically focused on the New York State Assembly.
1876-1881
List of unknown origin titled “American Members of the League for International Conciliation,” enclosed with a letter created by Nobel Prize winner Nicholas Murray Butler. Andrew Carnegie and Andrew D. White are listed as “Honorary Presidents,” 12 people are listed under “Council of Direction,” and 46 people are listed as “Members.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-05
George B. Cortelyou, on behalf of President Roosevelt, encloses a letter of introduction to Morris K. Jesup for Baron Shibusawa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-18
Two cameo scenes are separated by a telegraph pole labeled “Western Union.” On the left is a civic meeting claiming that “We must uphold our Public Morals and Civic Decency” where seated on a stage are businessmen labeled “Flagler, Schiff, Jessup [sic], Depew, Rockefeller, Hyde, Morgan [and] Sage.” On the right are the same men sitting in a room where they are straining to hear the report of the “Annual Statement” regarding “Sundry other profits from our Subterranean wires increase this total applicable to dividends by $5,000,000” over the din of coins spilling from a cornucopia connected to a telegraph pole and overflowing a barrel labeled “Western Union Pool Room Receipts.” Visible through a window are many buildings labeled “Pool Room.”
This cartoon requires explanation beyond the depiction of prominent and greedy business tycoons of the day. In May of 1904, shortly before Ehrhart’s cartoon was drawn, the Western Union Telegraph system, which was an essential element of commerce and communication, curtailed the transmission of race track information, including facilitating gambling transactions.
Western Union received substantial income from this business, but it yielded to pressure from moralists and pressure groups. The telegraph trust had another reason to pull back from its association with gambling houses and betting parlors. In many cities where gambling was legal there nevertheless arose an unholy alliance between betting parlors (particularly of the parimutuel variety), saloons, and telegraph agencies. Western Union increasingly was uncomfortable with its de facto partners.
President Roosevelt writes to Henry Clay Frick to introduce Robert E. Peary, the arctic explorer. Roosevelt apologizes for taking advantage of Frick’s good nature, but Roosevelt feels that Peary’s work is important and, as one of his benefactors recently died, his next expedition does not have the funding that it needs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-22
President Roosevelt is glad to hear the news from Charles M. Jesup, and is pleased at Jesup’s interest in the Inter-Collegiate Civic League. Roosevelt expresses his sympathy at the death of Jesup’s uncle, Morris K. Jesup.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-08
Charles H. Murray, chairman of the New York County Committee, would like General Dodge to serve on the advisory committee as they need strengthening among the “old soldiers.” President Roosevelt agrees and believes Dodge to be an ideal candidate.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-23
German Ambassador Sternburg explains that he wrote to Morris K. Jesup regarding President Roosevelt’s opinion of Jesup’s desire to enter public service and encloses Jesup’s response.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-11
Francis V. Greene of Niagara Lockport and Ontario Power Company lets President Roosevelt know that he approves the passing of a bill regulating power companies and power production. The bill that Greene refers to concerns the use of Niagara Falls for water power and also concerns the preservation and conservation of the waterfalls. Greene mentions that he met with Canadian officials to discuss this matter and found out that Niagara Falls was not the main focus of the Canadians. Instead, they were more concerned with other bodies of water.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-06-05
William H. Taft encloses a letter from Morris K. Jesup in regards to Cornelius Newton Bliss becoming the chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-11
Robert E. Peary writes from Greenland and congratulates Theodore Roosevelt for surviving the Spanish-American War and being elected governor of New York. He “confidently looks forward” to seeing Roosevelt as President of the United States next.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1899-08-23