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Theodore Roosevelt felt uncomfortable by that action. He hopes James Rudolph Garfield will explain to the leaders of the Senator Robert La Follette supporters and men like Gilson Gardner and Ray Stannard Baker that none of his friends had anything to do with starting the sudden expression in his favor. It was also not a move against La Follette.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-24
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Governor Johnson for the letter. He agrees with Johnson that the people are entitled to an open primary to express their views for the presidential nomination. Roosevelt discusses his thoughts about President William H. Taft in absolute confidence. Despite his misgivings, Roosevelt will support Taft if nominated since he sees no ground for permanent hope in the Democratic Party. He comments on the other presidential candidates and considers himself a weak candidate. Roosevelt examines how the New York judges’ decisions strengthen the Socialist Party. He reviews why he disagrees with Johnson’s estimate of the public’s opinion of himself and why he does not want to be nominated.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-27
Theodore Roosevelt returns the sheets and looks forward to William Allen White’s novel. Roosevelt wants all of his friends to prevent any movement seeking his nomination as a presidential candidate. He argues that whatever the truth is, it will be rumored that he has instigated the movement. Roosevelt views Senator La Follette as performing poorly on a national level but continuing to grow in power and usefulness.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-24
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary declares the Chronicle‘s report regarding Roosevelt not supporting President William H. Taft due to not being sufficiently progressive as untrue. Roosevelt has not publicly commented on Taft beyond his articles in The Outlook. He provides a possible source of the rumor and sends William Bailey Howland several clippings for more information.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-25
Theodore Roosevelt informs James Rudolph Garfield that he obliges to his letter and the copy of the letter of Robert M. La Follette. Roosevelt will see Wright that same day.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-20
Theodore Roosevelt trusts George E. Miller’s judgment and appreciates the clippings he sent. However, Roosevelt feels it would be a “calamity” if he were nominated. He believes that supporters of President William H. Taft and Robert M. La Follette would think Roosevelt had been “intriguing” for the nomination. Roosevelt hopes Miller can come to New York to discuss more.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-10
Theodore Roosevelt is pleased that the Democrats and Republican insurgents, led by Senator La Follette, have split up. He is willing to help Senator Lodge with the arbitration treaty. Roosevelt will write a strong article on the matter and has contacted Captain Mahan about writing an article against the unamended treaty. He appreciated the telegram regarding his new grandchild, Ted Roosevelt’s daughter Grace Green Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-22
Theodore Roosevelt appreciates the copy of Senator La Follette’s speech and is interested in the Ryan case around Controller Bay, Alaska. He reiterates his belief that the land should never have been given up for private use.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-19
Theodore Roosevelt wishes he could have seen Ted’s speech in church so it was nice to hear about it in the letter. It would have been nice to have seen Eleanor, Mrs. Alexander, and Fair. Roosevelt asks that Ted thank Mrs. Alexander for her letters. He notes that his predictions for the next election are the same as Ted’s, believing that Taft will get the nomination because La Follette is falling behind. Roosevelt also expresses relief that his speech-making days are done and closes with the promise of a pamphlet on bird and mammal coloration, as Roosevelt is waiting on its delivery from the American Museum.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-20
Theodore Roosevelt warns Henry Cabot Lodge not to trust Charles Howard Thompson. While Roosevelt agrees that Thompson is a vigorous and interesting man, Roosevelt thinks Thompson has led a rebellious career in the Progressive Party. Roosevelt is pleased with what Lodge said about John W. Weeks, but he wishes Weeks was not opposed to women’s suffrage.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-07-10
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Francis E. McGovern for his letter. He is frustrated with the current legislature’s opposition to the United States entering into the war. He is not surprised by the actions of Emanuel L. Philipp’s Wisconsin legislature or of his Progressive party opponents Robert M. La Follette and William Barnes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-05-29
Theodore Roosevelt argues against the Shipping Bill and is concerned that the bill will put the United States on the “pathway toward war.” Purchasing interned ships of warring nations will “imperil the safety of the country.” Roosevelt describes the Wilson administration as “incompetent and incapable.” He does not trust the abilities of President Wilson or Secretary of State Bryan in the realm of foreign affairs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-02-06
Theodore Roosevelt disagrees with the document, but it is impossible for him to discuss the errors of the La Follette extremists. Roosevelt believes that Governor Philipp of Wisconsin believes in abandoning the effort to preserve the forests and natural resources. Philipp also believes in giving private individuals their water rights.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-01-22
Theodore Roosevelt is “exceedingly indignant” at what Governor McGovern has told him about the Wisconsin elections. Senator Robert M. La Follette’s people have supported Paul O. A. Husting and John J. Blaine, rather than McGovern. Roosevelt is upset that Husting has been elected to the senate over McGovern.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-11
Theodore Roosevelt feels that the public has tired of him and he has little hope for a permanent Progressive Party. Americans are wedded to the two party system and will only support a third party for temporary or local reasons. The Progressive Party failed to establish itself as the second party and the political situation will “sink back into the conditions that had been normal.” The party also attracted too many cranks and became associated in the public’s mind with the “lunatic fringe.” The country is tired of reform, reform leaders, and reform legislation. Roosevelt still believes they are fighting for righteousness and was pleased to campaign for his friends. However, he doubts his further political usefulness and believes his participation will likely hurt the causes he supports. The feeling against Roosevelt in New York amounts to a “mania” and the poor election results may help William Barnes win the libel suit.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-11-07
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Henry F. Cochems regarding public opinion of himself, Cochems, and the Progressive party. He invites Cochems over to talk about the future of the party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-11-07
Theodore Roosevelt would like Gifford Pinchot to write a few lines about the Roosevelt Dam. Roosevelt disagrees with Kent supporting Mann for Speaker. Business in Congress has shown Roosevelt that their supporters want to have a separate ticket.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1913-03-28
Theodore Roosevelt compliments John St. Loe Strachey on a recent editorial, but wishes to offer his own evaluation of John Flammang Schrank, the man who attempted to assassinate him. Schrank, Roosevelt says, was not a madman, but “was a man of the same disordered brain which most criminals, and a great many non criminals, have.” Roosevelt does not necessarily have any negative feeling towards Schrank, but instead focuses on the people who, “by their ceaseless and intemperate abuse, excited him to action, and against the mushy people who would excuse him and all other criminals once the crime has been committed.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-16
Theodore Roosevelt relitigates the circumstances surrounding the language and inclusion of the trust plank in the Progressive Party platform. Roosevelt states that he is planning to propose Francis J. Heney as Meyer Lissner’s proxy on the executive committee of the Progressive Party and expresses frustration about the tension between the moderate and radical wings of the party leading to dysfunction.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-13
Theodore Roosevelt agrees that Senator La Follette was the “most contemptible and least conscientious” of their opponents. He would like to hold a meeting in Chicago as suggested by Governor Johnson and will ask Senator Dixon to handle the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-26