Your TR Source
On behalf of the Presbyterian Brotherhood of a local Detroit church, Robert C. Pollock asks Theodore Roosevelt to visit and address a large, “representative Detroit audience.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-21
The gunboat Yantic salutes President Theodore Roosevelt during his Detroit River cruise on the steamship Tashmoo.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1902-10-18
Newspaper article from the Chicago Tribune discussing the publics’ opinion of President William Howard Taft following his visit to Michigan in September 1911. The article discusses at length various peoples’ opinions of Taft. The article specifically touches on reactions to his recent support for a reciprocity agreement with Canada, which has weakened support for him especially in rural areas and among farmers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-21
The article states that Truman H. Newsberry will likely be a delegate from Michigan in this next republican national convention because voters want him to swing the state for Theodore Roosevelt. The Michigan public believe that William H. Taft is a weak leader.
In a letter from Henry B. Joy to Wilbur Fisk Wakeman published in the Detroit Free Press, Joy discusses his current views of political conditions, warning against the dangers of tariff tinkering and the interests of the American people. Joy further comments on the upcoming presidential election, where he sees a Democratic administration taking over but hopes for Republican nomination.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-23
Charles M. Miller copies part of a newsletter sent by Janette Miller from her missionary post in Angola, Africa. Janette Miller describes the climate, weather, and details the long trip from Lisbon to the village where she lives and works. The men, women, and children she helps to educate and teach Christian ways are also described. Janette Miller ends saying she trusts her African friends and reminds the reader that there are cousins of the tribe she lives with in the United States who are suffering because of what her race did to them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-18
The Detroit News reports that Margaret Sanger spoke on birth control education, arguing for the benefit it would hold for the working class. Sanger discussed the idea of race suicide and how former President Roosevelt claimed that his presidency would end the problem in the United States by encouraging large families. She stated, “Nobody called Roosevelt immoral for advocating larger families. I wonder if you will call me immoral for advocating small families.”
The Margaret Sanger Papers Project
1916-05-03
Margaret Sanger writes about her nationwide speaking engagement tour about birth control and family planning. Sanger discusses events and responses in various cities. She indicates that in St. Louis more people came to hear her speak than had come when Theodore Roosevelt and William H. Taft spoke in the city. Sanger accounts various arrests related to obscenity laws and the distribution of birth control pamphlets.
The Margaret Sanger Papers Project
1916-08-09
President Roosevelt thanks Henry L. Stimson for feedback on his speeches. Roosevelt acknowledges Stimson’s information on the arms embargo to Mexico, and says that while he received the information too late to include it in his speeches in Detroit, Chicago, and Kansas City, he will include it in an article he plans to write soon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-05-27
In a foreign policy speech given in Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt first praises the veterans in the crowd, giving special praise to the Michigan naval militia who served with distinction during the Spanish-American War, a conflict that pointed out the “fundamental unity of our country.” On behalf of all who served there, Roosevelt expresses the hope that they shared the spirit of those who fought in the Civil War and notes that “a good deed done by any American is put down to the credit of all Americans.” Turning to post-war challenges, Roosevelt says Puerto Rico prospers and that the Filipinos are happier and freer than ever before; he praises the United States for the amount of “self-government and personal freedom” that it has already given to the Filipino people. He discusses Congressional plans to undertake a census, create a legislative assembly, and install telegraph cables in the Philippines. He also explains how matters in Cuba are different than in the Philippines. With Cuban independence, Roosevelt sees a need for economic reciprocity between the island nation and the United States. He concludes by delivering what he calls “the gospel of hope”: the belief that with optimism and hard work the United States will become the greatest nation in world history.
In a foreign policy speech in Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt first praises the veterans in the crowd, giving special recognition to the Michigan naval militia who served with distinction during the Spanish-American War. On behalf of all who served in that war, Roosevelt expresses the hope that they lived up to the standards of those who fought in the Civil War, and he notes that “a good deed done by any American is put down to the credit of all Americans.” Turning to post-war challenges, Roosevelt says that the Filipinos are happier and freer than ever before and praises the United States for the amount of “self-government and personal freedom” that it has already given to the Filipino people. He discusses Congressional plans to undertake a census, create a legislative assembly, and install telegraph cables in the Philippines. He also explains how matters in Cuba are different than in the Philippines. With Cuban independence, Roosevelt sees a need for economic reciprocity between the island nation and the United States. He concludes by delivering what he calls “the gospel of hope”: the belief that with optimism and hard work the United States will become the greatest nation in world history.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-22
In Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt addresses a crowd of veterans of the Spanish-American War, telling them Mayor William C. Maybury’s invitation to speak to them was the first Roosevelt had accepted that fall. After joking that in the Spanish-American War “there was not enough war to go around,” Roosevelt notes with seriousness that veterans of that conflict hope they showed the same spirit and worthiness as the “men of Appomattox.” Using anecdotes from their military service, Roosevelt reminds them that as with soldiers, good citizens come from all walks of life and that the drudgery of hard work comes before heroism in battle. He urges the testing of oneself and one’s neighbors by “the essential instead of the non-essential qualities in each man.” He also highlights the need for modern military training and weapons but emphasizes that the character of the soldier is even more important. Finally, Roosevelt praises the United States’ actions and motives in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines and pledges the best results for the people of the Philippines in particular.
President Roosevelt and his party on the deck of the steamer Tashmoo. In the background the dark smoke from the steamer can be seen.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1902-11-17
President Roosevelt standing on the deck of the steamer Tashmoo with a group of men.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1902-11-13
Theodore Roosevelt appreciates the news about Guffey. Roosevelt also appreciates the editorials, one from the Detroit News, one about vice-presidential candidates, and one about Woodrow Wilson. Roosevelt wishes he could see George E. Miller.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-15
Frank Harper refutes the story that Theodore Roosevelt wishes to annex Canada to the United States, which was based on a quotation about “political reasons” from a private letter to President Taft. Harper draws on speeches given by Roosevelt in Detroit, MI and New York, NY to show that Roosevelt’s reasons for supporting the reciprocity treaty between the United States and Canada was to promote good will and peace between the nations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-05-07
Theodore Roosevelt hopes to see Truman Handy Newberry in Chicago tomorrow so that they may discuss Roosevelt’s Detroit speech.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-03
Frank Harper, Secretary of Theodore Roosevelt, thanks Joseph Greusel for the article sent to Theodore Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-21
Theodore Roosevelt tells industrialist Roy D. Chapin that Chapin’s idea (probably regarding financing for the Hudson Motor Company) is interesting, and although Roosevelt cannot promise, he believes he can accept Chapin’s invitation after he returns from the West Indies in March.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-01-24
Theodore Roosevelt hates to see Henry Ford fall into the “trap of pacifism.” Ford has rendered a great service industrially and socially with his automobile factory. Roosevelt implores Ford that his backing would do a great service to the American people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-02-09