Your TR Source
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 informs Clark Howell, a Democrat, that he stands by his federal appointments in the South, including the appointment of people of color. Roosevelt explains his selection and vetting process, and names Major J. F. Hanson, Walter H. Johnson, and Harry Stillwell Edwards as individuals with whom he has consulted in Georgia, Howell’s state. Roosevelt trusts that Howell would accept the opinions of these men. Also, while he considers the feelings of the people in a locality, Roosevelt emphasizes that he can only do this so much “without sacrificing principle.” Rather, “character, fitness, and ability” are his “prime tests” when making an appointment. Roosevelt concludes by expressing his concern at the attitude on this matter that many from the South have taken, but this attitude will not make him “swerve one hair’s breadth to one side or the other” from the course he has chosen.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-23
Due to Theodore Roosevelt’s absence, his secretary acknowledges the receipt of Irving K. Merchant’s letter. Should Roosevelt visit Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Roosevelt’s secretary is confident that he would be willing to meet with citizens of color as Merchant suggests. He suggests that Merchant discuss the arrangements with the local manager of the Progressive Party campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-10-10
President Roosevelt thanks Silas McBee for the editorial. Roosevelt has been struggling with racial matters, especially opposition to the appointments of people of color in the South.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-15
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
Senator Dixon does not believe it necessary for Mr. Prior to attend as there are a sufficient number of “good colored workers.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-06-11
Walter H. Johnson writes to President Roosevelt’s secretary, William Loeb, asking for advice regarding whether the Georgia Republican State Committee should call for a state convention. Under current rules of representation, “three-fourths of the delegates will be colored,” which Johnson believes would “greatly intensify the race feeling.” John Marshall Ashley is calling for the committee to change the basis of representation so that a larger portion would be white, and if the change is not made Johnson expects the organization to splinter. Johnson does not think the Republican State Committee will have candidates for Governor or other State House offices, so he is mainly concerned about the impact of the current situation in 1908.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-24
Assistant Commissioner of the General Land Office Fimple informs Commissioner Richards that both the Register, Walter L. Cohen, and the Receiver, Alexander B. Kennedy, from the federal land office of Louisiana have requested leave to be delegates for the Republican National Convention, and it will be necessary to close the office if both men are given leave. Fimple also explains that there are contradictory state organizations in Louisiana holding state conventions and selecting delegates. One, the Lilly-Whites, has refused to allow a “colored representative” in their delegation, while the other selected two white men and two “colored men.” It is Fimple’s understanding that President Roosevelt was displeased with the convention that refused to admit minority representatives to its delegation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-17
Marshal Johnson reports that while there was some disorder at the Georgia Republican State Convention, it was not as bad as was represented. Johnson was more disturbed by the “large number of ignorant and impecunious delegates.” Johnson states most of the delegates were people of color. Johnson found the conditions at the convention unpleasant but worked to ensure that the delegates were instructed for President Roosevelt. Johnson expects Roosevelt’s nomination and election.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-26
William H. Noble believes that opposition is growing against President Roosevelt’s nomination as the Republican presidential candidate. Noble’s paper, the Galveston Times, supports Roosevelt but he needs to “reward his true friends by appointment to office.” He calls Roosevelt’s attention to a previous letter encouraging the appointment of “2 or 3 colored men.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-20
Postmaster General Payne encloses a memorandum regarding the number of “colored postmasters” appointed by President Roosevelt and the instances when persons of color serving as postmasters were succeeded by white appointees.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-12
List of appointees of color within the Department of the Interior during 1902.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-30
Ethan Allen Hitchcock encloses information regarding the appointment and reappointment of “colored men” at the Department of the Interior in 1902.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-31
List of “colored” officeholders appointed by President Roosevelt as well as white men who were appointed to succeed “colored men.” The list is divided by government department.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-31
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
Attorney General Knox reports that no “colored men” have been appointed to strictly presidential offices under the Department of Justice nor have any white men have been appointed to succeed people of color. Two African Americans have been appointed to Department of Justice offices.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-30
On behalf of President Roosevelt, George B. Cortelyou requests a list of State Department appointments and re-appointments of “colored men” made by Roosevelt and asks as well for a list of white men appointed to succeed “colored men.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-29
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
J. C. Hemphill lays out his reasoning as to why William D. Crum should not be appointed Collector of the Port of Charleston. His main reasoning is racially based. Hemphill believes having a “colored man” in the position would be “obnoxious” to most businessmen. He mentions Crum’s race extensively but also mentions that Crum is not engaged in business. Hemphill suggests that a white Republican could be given the position with little problem.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-11-11