Your TR Source
A list of all men of color appointed to or continued in office by President Roosevelt, complete with the office and date.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01
In an editorial for The Century, Editor Richard Watson Gilder defends President Theodore Roosevelt’s actions on the “colored question” in the South. Gilder reminds readers that Roosevelt’s mother hailed from the South and suggests patience to Roosevelt’s critics, encouraging them to “judge the President by his whole conduct toward the South” and by all of his appointments, regardless of their racial makeup. Gilder asserts that the minority appointments Roosevelt has made are not radical or threatening but are in line with his “especial endeavor to appoint good men to office everywhere.” In concluding, Gilder qualifies his remarks with a reminder that the magazine has not agreed with every Roosevelt appointment and that its chief aim is to champion fair play.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02
President Roosevelt leans over a fence labeled “Southern States” with a stick labeled “Appointments of Post-Masters and Collectors” to poke a sleeping dog labeled “Race Problem.” Item is regarding race relations in the American South and the appointment of persons of color to government posts.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-09
President Roosevelt points Rodman Paul Snelling’s attention to an open letter that was published and defends his appointment policy, particularly appointing people of color.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-12
Theodore Roosevelt suggests that the Progressive Party fight for the inclusion of Pullman porters in the provisions of the Compensation Bill. He believes that the porters are being discriminated against because the majority of them are “colored.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-28
President Roosevelt thinks that the Republican Party is still in good shape, even after disappointing defeats in Maryland and New York City. Roosevelt’s personal fortunes are more in question as he is opposed by the “corrupt crowd of wealthy men in Wall Street” who will support Marcus Alonzo Hanna, Arthur P. Gorman, or Grover Cleveland in order to defeat him. However, Roosevelt is most interested in the “larger standpoint of national well-being.” He dislikes that Gorman won by appealing to “the basest race prejudice” and notes that while in office, he has appointed more men of color in the South than any other president, Republican or Democrat.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-05
Regarding public offices, President Roosevelt defends his appointment to and removal of “colored men” and claims to have made this policy well known to the public through the publication of an open letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-12
Mr. Montgomery has resigned and President Roosevelt asks Edgar S. Wilson to recommend a “colored man” as a replacement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-24
President Roosevelt believes his appointments in Mississippi have been fair; he has appointed many Democrats and “but one or two colored men.” Roosevelt is trying his best to do what is “square and right” regarding the Indianola post office matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-07
President Roosevelt responds to Colonel Lawton’s appointment suggestion and refuses to deny reappointment to the current holder of the position on the grounds that a man’s skin color does not prevent him from being a good public servant.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-01
According to Ellison A. Smyth, a friend of Rodman Paul Snelling, when President Roosevelt was visiting Charleston, South Carolina, he gave assurances that he would not appoint a person of color to an influential position in the area. Snelling knows Smyth is mistaken and has attempted to correct his friend. He would appreciate an unofficial statement from Roosevelt that would help correct this misunderstanding.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-10
Secretary of the Navy William H. Moody informs George B. Cortelyou that President Roosevelt has not appointed or reappointed any “colored men” to the Navy Department. Roosevelt has also not given to white men any positions that were previously held by people of color. In the Navy Department, Roosevelt has only appointed Moody and Assistant Secretary Charles Hial Darling.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-30
At President Roosevelt’s request, Secretary of the Treasury Shaw sends information regarding the appointment of “colored men” at the Treasury Department.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-30
In reply to President Roosevelt, Secretary of State Hay encloses a report on Roosevelt’s appointment and reappointment of “colored men.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-02
William H. Brawley understands President Roosevelt’s position regarding the marshalship and agrees with him. He does not believe that people of color have the capacity to hold public office and opposes the appointment of William Demos Crum as Collector of the Port of Charleston.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-12-09
Postmaster General Payne sends Secretary to the President Cortelyou some minor suggested changes to the draft of a letter to James Adger Smyth, the Mayor of Charleston. The letter deals with the belief that “the great bulk of the colored people are not yet fit in point of character and influence to hold such positions.” He believes that the letter should be made public.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-11-26