Your TR Source
President Roosevelt transmits a letter from Secretary of State Elihu Root outlining an international commission between the United States and a variety of countries. The commission aims to investigate and eradicate the “opium evil.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-11
President Roosevelt thanks Charles Henry Brent, bishop of the Philippines, for his letter and will discuss the matter with Secretary of State Elihu Root and forward the letter for comment to Secretary of War William H. Taft. He feels an evaluation of opium traffic may prove good.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-28
President Roosevelt would like a full report on the proposition to grant a monopoly on opium sales in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-06
William H. Taft expects to secure Episcopal bishop of the Philippines Charles H. Brent on the opium committee. Taft requests an opinion as to whether the current civilian government can uphold a death sentence administered by former military government in a case involving Abdon Dumpay. Taft requests the arrest and return of Lewis C. Hamilton concerning falsification of a commercial document. Hamilton is visiting his brother in Texas.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-25
William H. Taft defends the opium-farm system recommended by the Philippine Commission in response to an increase in opium smuggling due to high tariffs and increased opium use in the Philippines. Under the proposal, Filipinos would not be permitted to smoke opium, and Chinese in the Philippines would. Taft argues that the proposal will decrease opium usage and increase revenues. Taft suggests sending the study commission to Japan, Burma, Formosa, and Java to investigate various opium policies.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-13