Your TR Source
Silas McBee includes a letter from a young Southern lawyer for President Roosevelt. He hopes Roosevelt will appreciate the insight it gives into changes taking place in the American South.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-13
President Roosevelt is disappointed by Luke Lea’s letter sent to him by Silas McBee. While the president is pleased about what Lea says regarding Roosevelt’s attitude concerning “social equality,” the president has concerns about several other portions in Lea’s letter. Roosevelt disagrees with almost everything Lea says about politics in Tennessee. First, the president has tried to appoint good leaders, even if they have not been Republicans, something Lea thinks Roosevelt is not doing. Second, Lea believes men should be allowed to hold office no matter what their color, another policy Roosevelt has already been pursuing. Finally, Roosevelt says the campaign buttons in question had the opposite effect Lea mentioned. The president tells Abbott he can show Lea Roosevelt’s letter if he wishes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-15
President Roosevelt apologizes if the letter caused Silas McBee “a moment’s regret.” He thanks McBee for the nice editorial, encloses a letter from Luke Lea, and looks forward to seeing McBee on January 6.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-20
Following a number of legislative items, including voting on an amendment to a bill and a motion to investigate participation in international expositions, Senator Robert M. La Follette delivers a speech beginning with proposed tariff reciprocity with Canada, but quickly turning to his view that President William H. Taft has abandoned his campaign promises to continue the progressive policies of his predecessor Theodore Roosevelt. La Follette excoriates Taft on his stances on taxes and conservation, among other issues.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-15