Military readiness--Costs

Until he is able to form his report, William H. Taft asks that President Roosevelt hold off on making a statement about the Philippines. Taft plans to express to the people of the Philippines that they have the opportunity now to prove self-government will be successful, and that any action by Americans at this point would be to prevent violence. Reservations from Congress about funding fortification projects will likely be impacted by the recent events concerning Japan, and Taft will press for the funds while still acting in accordance with Roosevelt’s wishes.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-08-31

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Rear Admiral Winslow has heard that Secretary of State Root will likely agree to head the commission on the reorganization of the Navy Department. Winslow sends related letters detailing how responsibility should be divided. He advocates that cost estimate reduction be handled by the Navy Department instead of the congressional committees, and elaborates on who should be responsible when preparing for war. Everyone seems to agree that Roosevelt’s policy requiring conferences to consider new battleship plans is good for the country, and that it will help get the ships with fourteen guns approved by Congress.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-13

Creator(s)

Winslow, Cameron McRae, 1854-1932

The author offers commentary on portions of President Roosevelt’s recent message to Congress, especially those pertaining to war. The author criticizes Roosevelt’s prioritization of military strength and his desire to spend more on the military, especially when he could have led a push for armament limitation in the Hague Conference. A handwritten note to Roosevelt from Secretary of State Root reads, “Your name which it is mud. I am an angel.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01

Creator(s)

Unknown

Davis S. Chamberlain recounts his recent trip to Japan and argues that the likelihood of war between Japan and the United States is high. Chamberlain urges steps be taken immediately to particularly bolster the Navy to prepare for eventual war, suggesting enacting a graduated income and inheritance tax to pay for it. He believes that such a measure would have broad popular support and could successfully be ratified as a new amendment if need be.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-11-18

Creator(s)

Chamberlain, Davis S., 1848-1933