Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt is busy with the libel suit and would like to meet Mr. Bernheimer with Frances Kellor rather than with Bernheimer alone. He would like this meeting and one with William Lyon Mackenzie King to happen in May.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-04-10
Theodore Roosevelt promises that John W. McGrath will keep Frances Kellor’s letters confidential. McGrath has Roosevelt’s trust and holds a similar position to his former secretary, William Loeb. However, Kellor can send her letters care of Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt if that makes her feel more comfortable. Roosevelt is looking forward to seeing Kellor and Mr. Bernheimer. He has suggested that Justine Bayard Ward and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt write to him regarding the work of the Bundle Day Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-04-02
President Roosevelt believes that the enclosures from German ambassador Hermann Speck von Sternburg prove that the United States would be unwise to not to make preparations for a potential war in the Pacific with Japan. The documents, which he is sending to Secretary of State Root, show that Japan believes it could gain naval supremacy in the event of war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-17
President Roosevelt recounts for Viscount Lee how pleasant it was to sit for his portrait by Fülöp László. László allowed him to have guests to speak to while he sat, and Anna Cabot Mills Davis Lodge was a common guest. Roosevelt thanks Lee for his work with William Lyon Mackenzie King, and notes that although the issue of Japanese immigration is not acute yet, it could be soon. He also discusses the success of the Great White Fleet’s tour and target practice.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-08
President Roosevelt is glad that Ambassador Reid has made clear to the English people that William Lyon Mackenzie King was sent from Canada on their own initiative, and without prompting from the United States. Roosevelt has been in contact with Sir Wilfred Laurier because he wants the English-speaking world to have good relations with Japan, and presenting a united front that aims toward excluding Japanese laborers, while hopefully refraining from insulting Japan, is not possible without communicating.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-30
President Roosevelt asks Arthur Hamilton Lee to thank Arthur James Balfour for the book that he sent. Roosevelt has recently received a letter from Sir Wilfred Laurier, which he thinks expressed the attitude that Canada, Australia, and the United States should take towards Japan. Just as Japan does not wish to be inundated by English-speakers, Roosevelt believes English speaking countries are within their rights to protect themselves from an influx of immigrants from Asia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-07
Responding to a letter from Arthur Hamilton Lee, President Roosevelt notes that A. Maurice Low was blacklisted from access to the White House or other governmental agencies after he printed slanderous material. Roosevelt is surprised that Fabian Ware keeps Low on the staff of London’s Morning Post. Roosevelt agrees to have Fülöp László paint his portrait. Roosevelt also informs Lee about international relations between the United States and Canada, particularly with reference to immigration from Japan. He recounts discussions he has had with William Lyon Mackenzie King on this subject, and what the position of the United States is on the matter–namely, that working class Japanese immigrants should be kept out of English-speaking countries, and that working class immigrants from English-speaking countries should be kept out of Japan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-02
President Roosevelt tells John R. Carter that William Lyon Mackenzie King will be visiting London soon on behalf of the Canadian government to discuss Japanese immigration to the U.S. and Canada, and instructs him to show whatever official courtesies he can.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-02
President Roosevelt tells Sir Wilfred Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada, about some discussions that he has had with William Lyon Mackenzie King, along with Secretary of State Elihu Root, Ambassador James Bryce, and Assistant Secretary of State Robert Bacon about the situation in Canada. Roosevelt says that feelings in western Canada are similar to those in California, Oregon, and Washington, and agrees that sending King to London to speak with the government of the British Empire seems wise. Roosevelt thinks it was admirable that they have had these discussions, and says that there is a likelihood of the United States and Canada working together for their own interests, while also behaving honorably towards Japan. Roosevelt enjoyed hearing from Laurier and meeting King, and is pleased about the steps bringing Canada and the United States closer together.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-01
Whitelaw Reid sends President Roosevelt an article from The Observer that provides an alternate view of King Edward VII of England’s actions regarding the Cabinet, but notes that the paper is more like American “yellow” press. Reid offers his views on gossip that has re-emerged about the new Prime Minister H. H. Asquith, and updates Roosevelt on the actions of William Lyon Mackenzie King.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-14
John R. Carter updates President Roosevelt on various situations in England, namely, the progress of Mackenzie King in meeting with members of the government and promoting Roosevelt’s policies in regard to Japan. He is doing well, and has met with Edward Grey and leading members of the cabinet. Grey has previously been “sanguine” about Japan, but Carter hopes that King has enlightened him about the issue of Japanese immigration. A new Prime Minister will be installed around Easter, and it will probably be H. H. Asquith.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-03
Arthur Hamilton Lee is pleased that President Roosevelt was willing to sit for a portrait by Fülöp László, and looks forward to seeing it. He updates Roosevelt on the progress of William Lyon Mackenzie King, who is in England advocating for Roosevelt’s policy on Japanese immigration to English-speaking countries. Lee agrees that such immigration should be limited, and King is making inroads in getting the government to cooperate on this matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-31
Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on the diplomatic efforts of Canadian politician William Lyon Mackenzie King, who has been meeting with various members of the British government. King has been implying that Roosevelt is apprehensive about Japanese hostility, but Reid is denying this and says instead that Roosevelt is merely annoyed. He also updates Roosevelt on his travel plans and his hope that he will get to visit the King to convey a message from the winner of the King’s Cup.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-20
Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on a variety of political situations in England. It is likely that Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman will die or resign soon, which will lead to a number of changes. H. H. Asquith will likely become Prime Minister, and others like Sir Henry Fowler will likely resign. It is likely that Winston Churchill will be promoted to a Cabinet position. Lewis Harcourt will also likely be promoted, as he is universally popular and may even become Prime Minister. British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey spoke with Canadian politician William Lyon Mackenzie King, who claims to be a friend of Roosevelt’s. He spoke about Asian immigration on behalf of the Americans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-18
Ambassador Whitelaw Reid believes that the Kaiser-Tweedmouth incident seems to be closed and out of the mind of the public, and sends President Roosevelt a number of news clippings cataloging the incident. Reid remarks on a number of other subjects, including an upcoming visit by William Lyon Mackenzie King, his discussions with Edward Grey, and the declining health of Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-12
Arthur Hamilton Lee promises to do what he can to assist William Lyon Mackenzie King. Lee has recently talked with Edward Grey, who is anxious to help with the Japanese government as he can, but who also wishes to hear from the King before making plans. Arthur James Balfour spoke with Lee recently on the topic of race relations between Anglo-Saxon and Asian races, and he agrees with Roosevelt’s position on this matter as to the necessity of keeping them apart. While Balfour is not in power currently, Lee suggests it may not be long before this is the case again. Lee is concerned about A. Maurice Low’s potential effect on public opinion in Great Britain, and is glad that he has been black-listed in Washington, D.C. He mentions that Balfour would be gratified to have Roosevelt contact him to discuss a recent lecture. In a postscript, Lee mentions that the artist Fülöp László will arrive in Washington, D.C., soon, and Lee is sure that Roosevelt will be pleased with the results.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-21
Prime Minister Laurier of Canada thanks President Roosevelt for the letter, and for the friendly sentiments therein. He agrees that there should always be friendship between the United States and Canada. Laurier also comments on the subject of immigration from Asia, and particularly about agreements that the United States and Canada have made with Japan to limit immigration
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-20
Canadian Deputy Commissioner of Labor William Lyon Mackenzie King will be in Washington for the Gridiron Dinner on January 25. His attendance at that dinner means that his being in Washington will not provoke comment or notice. John J. McCook can bring Mackenzie to luncheon, and to speak with Roosevelt, on January 25 if the date works for him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-12
David G. Haglund notes that American presidents are often not popular in Canada, and he asserts that Theodore Roosevelt is especially disliked because of the perception of him as a unilateralist and because of the outcome of the Alaska boundary dispute in 1903. Haglund argues that Roosevelt’s bad reputation in Canada is undeserved because for the first time in American history the United States actually grew smaller as a result of its concessions in the boundary dispute. Haglund says Canada feels aggrieved because of Great Britain’s desire to draw closer to the United States at Canada’s expense. Haglund writes that Canada’s embrace of Franklin D. Roosevelt while scorning his distant cousin is the result of a “fundamental misperception.”
A map of the Alaska-Canada boundary dispute and two photographs supplement the text.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
2008