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Translation of a statement in Russia’s Official Messenger, reporting on the peace negotiations and settlement between Japan and Russia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-01
Sir Tollemache Sinclair discusses the circumstances surrounding the Russo-Japanese War and whether the Russians won a diplomatic victory in the peace treaty negotiations at Portsmouth. In a supplement to his letter, he addresses what is currently wrong in Russia, quoting Leo Tolstoy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09
President Roosevelt is glad to receive James R. Sheffield’s letters. He decided to publish the letters from Grover Cleveland “to put a stop to the yapping of the dishonest scoundrels” of the press.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-25
Maurice Francis Egan encloses a second unpublished Russian article from the chamberlain to the Czar. Egan mentions the interviewee found him mystical and a good influence, which made him trustworthy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-16
Herman Bernstein writes to Theodore Roosevelt after having read Roosevelt’s article “Peace of Righteousness.” Bernstein recalls having an agreeable meeting with Roosevelt, during which Roosevelt informed Bernstein he cannot, as a former President, write publicly on foreign matters. Bernstein urges him to reconsider.
Bernstein states that he understands foreign nations have no international legal standing to interfere with “Jewish massacres”, and that foreign nations cannot criticize the lack of reforms that had been codified in the Manifesto of October 17, 1905. However, Bernstein claims that Russia violated the Russo-America treaty of 1832 due to their treatment of Jewish Americans and states that by allowing in to continue, “Uncle Sam… should permit his ‘face to be slapped’ ” – quoting Roosevelt’s own words.
Secretary of War Taft updates President Roosevelt regarding the management of the National Parks. Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park S. B. M. Young would prefer rangers to the military, and Taft agrees with him, but Congress is putting the responsibility of park management on the War Department rather than the Department of the Interior. Taft warns that he accidentally engaged in cards on a Sunday, in case the press finds out. While traveling, he saw Secretary of Commerce and Labor Oscar S. Straus, and they discussed both Japanese naturalization and immigration of Russian Jews. Taft briefly lists his upcoming speeches.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-04
United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom Reid gives President Roosevelt an update on international politics in Europe, especially events in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Russia. He assures the President that the London Morning Post has a good opinion of him, and proposes a solution to the problem of one of its correspondents writing unfairly on the Roosevelt administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-04-17
Secretary of State Root sends President Roosevelt a copy of an interview which Ambassador George von Lengerke Meyer did with Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia, on the Russian New Year.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-04
Ambassador Meyer describes a visit between the Diplomatic Corps and the Emperor and Empress of Russia, Nicholas II and Alexandra. He notes that the Emperor admires the “forcible, straightforward, courageous way” President Roosevelt expresses himself in his message.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-15
Emperor Nicholas II has appointed five special delegates to discuss questions and issues as they arise in the course of peace negotiations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-03
To show evidence of his sincere desire to come to an agreement between Russia and Japan, Emperor Nicholas II has appointed five special delegates to discuss questions as needed during the negotiation process.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-03
George von Lengerke Meyer writes to President Roosevelt about troubles in Russia, including the mutiny of the battleship Potemkin and marines in Libau who rebelled. Meyer notes that as soon as Czar Nicholas II of Russia makes a move in the right direction he is countered with obstacles in the press or in bureaucracy. He is “surrounded by men who are not in sympathy with needed reform.” Meyer feels education, freedom of the press, and a representative government will raise standards for citizenship.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-01
Emperor Nicholas II has appointed N. V. Muravʹev as first plenipotentiary instead of Alexander Ivanovitch Nelidov, and Roman Romanovich Rosen as second plenipotentiary. The Imperial Government reserves the right to appoint plenipotentiaries as needed for the examination of special questions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-30
Emperor Nicholas II has appointed N. V. Murav’ev as first plenipotentiary in place of Alexander Ivanovitch Nelidov and Roman Romanovich Rosen as second plenipotentiary. The Imperial Government reserves the right to appoint special delegates for the examination of special questions that occur during the course of negotiations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-30
John Callan O’Laughlin writes to President Roosevelt regarding the recent mutiny on the Russian battleship Kniaz Potemkin. Count Cassini spoke to O’Laughlin confidentially about his concerns over the loyalty of the army and artillery. O’Laughlin also discusses relations between Japan and Russia and the possible upcoming peace talks.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-29
Russian Ambassador to France de Nelidoff may not be able to serve due to ill health. If de Nelidoff is unable to serve, a successor of equal importance will be appointed to serve as first plenipotentiary and they intend to choose Baron Roman Romanovich Rosen. George von Lengerke Meyer has alerted Foreign Minister Lamzdorf to President Roosevelt’s desire about the role of the plenipotentiaries in the peace treaty.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-29
Ambassador Takahira has received telegrams from the Japanese government expressing their gratitude for President Roosevelt’s actions in the pursuit of peace. The Japanese government hopes that the Russian plenipotentiaries will be granted full authorization to “negotiate and conclude the terms of peace.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-28
Count V. N. Lamzdorf informed George von Lengerke Meyer that Alexander Ivanovitch Nelidov may not be able to serve as First Plenipotentiary on account of ill health. Tsar Nicholas II would appoint Nelidov’s successor if he is unable to serve.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-28
Thomas Henry Barry describes his recent introduction to Czar Nicholas II in a letter to President Roosevelt. At this time, Barry was serving as an observer of the Russo-Japanese War. He mentions the Czar’s kindness to Barry’s companions, Colonel Hoff and Captain Cloman. Barry also points out how helpful the American ambassador, George von Lengerke Meyer, has been.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-21
Ambassador Meyer reports on diplomatic meetings in Russia. Emperor Nicholas II would like President Roosevelt to confirm that Japan has named its plenipotentiaries, so that Russia may name men of equal standing. The Minister of Foreign Affairs believes that matters should now be expedited and “an armistice considered and agreed upon.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-20