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Captain Cowles will not face a court-martial for the Missouri–Illinois collision even though the court of inquiry criticized Cowles. The decision goes against recent precedent that an officer should face a court-martial even if the court of inquiry recommends no further action. There is growing dissatisfaction among naval officers regarding the decision.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-02
President Roosevelt reiterates his policy of promoting officers on the grounds of their “record and fitness,” rather than any “geographical consideration.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-12
Handwritten draft of Theodore Roosevelt’s lecture at Princeton. Roosevelt compares the ethics of a nation to ethics on an individual level. He calls for a balance between taking care of oneself (or nation) and paying one’s duty to others (at an international level). He points to Germany’s actions during the first World War as an extreme example of caring only for the individual. Roosevelt discusses the current state of the American military and the war with Germany, including reports from the government and newspapers. He presents a list of America’s shortcomings in not being prepared for the war and advises the young university men to learn from the lessons of the past and become leaders in the future.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1917-11-16
In his lecture at Princeton, Theodore Roosevelt compares the ethics of a nation to ethics on an individual level. He calls for a balance between taking care of oneself (or nation) and paying one’s duty to others (at an international level). He points to Germany’s actions during the first World War as an extreme example of caring only for the individual. Roosevelt discusses the current state of the American military and the war with Germany, including reports from the government and newspapers. He presents a list of America’s shortcomings in not being prepared for the war and advises the young university men to learn from the lessons of the past and become leaders in the future.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1917-11-16
Governor Roosevelt shares his thoughts about several potential positions he might pursue, including the Governor Generalship of the Philippines, the Vice Presidency, or a cabinet position. He is satisfied with his work and his legacy, having fought for truth and decency; he is more than happy with his friends.
1900-01-23
Governor Roosevelt does not want the vice presidency; instead he wants to continue to be governor, where he believes he can accomplish more. With regard to the Second Boer War, Roosevelt sympathizes with the British, for he sees that they and the Boers are both fighting for that in which they believe.
1900-02-02
Governor Roosevelt has firmly decided he will not accept the Vice Presidency. He is corresponding with Frederick Courtenay Selous, a big game hunter from South Africa, about the Second Boer War.
1900-02-05
A rumor within naval circles indicates that a message was sent from a “high authority in Washington to a member of the court on the Missouri–Illinois collision.” Secretary of the Navy Moody denied any knowledge and approved the court’s recommendation that no further proceedings be taken. Opinion remains divided on the responsibility for the accident.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-02
Governor Odell, Lieutenant Kelly’s father-in-law, explains that he requested Kelly remain posted at West Point out of fear that his daughter and infant grandchild might be ordered overseas. He will withdraw the application if it creates an “undesirable precedent.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-27