Optimism

Daniel H. Morris sends Charles W. McMurran several copies of the publication containing McMurran’s article, Ours a prosperous nation. Morris thanks McMurran for his optimism at a time when it is most needed. Morris is working to disseminate optimism across the country with his publication and was very glad to add McMurran’s article, despite it’s late arrival.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-12

Creator(s)

Morris, Daniel H. (Daniel Henry), -1918

William Randolph Hearst accepts opium from Arthur Brisbane and, while in a drug induced state, dreams of the state house in Albany, New York, and the White House in Washington, D.C.

comments and context

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1906-10-17

Roswell P. Flower kneels over the drowned body of a young girl labeled “Presidential Hopes.” In the background, a figure labeled “Maynard” appears to be half-buried and stuck in the mud in the aftermath of a flood. Caption: Gov. Flower–Me che-ild! Me che-ild!

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1893-11-22

Creator(s)

Opper, Frederick Burr, 1857-1937

Thomas B. Reed stands on a low platform labeled “Maine,” looking through a bent and crooked telescope, labeled “Presidential Aspirations,” at the White House in the distance. A diminutive “Joe Manley” slips a gavel labeled “Speaker of Next House of Representatives” from Reed’s left hand.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1894-09-12

Creator(s)

Dalrymple, Louis, 1866-1905

Roswell P. Flower and Levi P. Morton are watering flowers labeled “Presidential Hopes” by pouring money on them. Morton’s flower is much taller than Flower’s flower. Caption: The same method, but different results.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1894-09-19

Creator(s)

Opper, Frederick Burr, 1857-1937

A scruffy man labeled “Russia” carries a rope and attempts to set a ladder against a pillar labeled “Supremacy” topped with a statue of “Britannia.” At the base of the pillar is a pile of fallen statues labeled “Alexander, Napoleon, Charles V, Charles the Great, [and] Caesar.”

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1898-07-20

Creator(s)

Keppler, Udo J., 1872-1956

In a foreign policy speech in Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt first praises the veterans in the crowd, giving special recognition to the Michigan naval militia who served with distinction during the Spanish-American War. On behalf of all who served in that war, Roosevelt expresses the hope that they lived up to the standards of those who fought in the Civil War, and he notes that “a good deed done by any American is put down to the credit of all Americans.” Turning to post-war challenges, Roosevelt says that the Filipinos are happier and freer than ever before and praises the United States for the amount of “self-government and personal freedom” that it has already given to the Filipino people. He discusses Congressional plans to undertake a census, create a legislative assembly, and install telegraph cables in the Philippines. He also explains how matters in Cuba are different than in the Philippines. With Cuban independence, Roosevelt sees a need for economic reciprocity between the island nation and the United States. He concludes by delivering what he calls “the gospel of hope”: the belief that with optimism and hard work the United States will become the greatest nation in world history.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-22

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

In a foreign policy speech given in Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt first praises the veterans in the crowd, giving special praise to the Michigan naval militia who served with distinction during the Spanish-American War, a conflict that pointed out the “fundamental unity of our country.” On behalf of all who served there, Roosevelt expresses the hope that they shared the spirit of those who fought in the Civil War and notes that “a good deed done by any American is put down to the credit of all Americans.” Turning to post-war challenges, Roosevelt says Puerto Rico prospers and that the Filipinos are happier and freer than ever before; he praises the United States for the amount of “self-government and personal freedom” that it has already given to the Filipino people. He discusses Congressional plans to undertake a census, create a legislative assembly, and install telegraph cables in the Philippines. He also explains how matters in Cuba are different than in the Philippines. With Cuban independence, Roosevelt sees a need for economic reciprocity between the island nation and the United States. He concludes by delivering what he calls “the gospel of hope”: the belief that with optimism and hard work the United States will become the greatest nation in world history.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-22

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

President Roosevelt expresses his pleasure at visiting the industrial center in Kokoma, Indiana, and highlights Indiana’s great natural resources. However, he emphasizes that “material prosperity isn’t everything”—that the real resource is the character of the American people. He advocates the creed of optimism and hope, believing that the United States can develop the continent through hard work and ingenuity despite the difficulties and dangers it faces. Above all, he praises the traits of courage, honesty, and common sense. He also expresses his gratitude towards veterans and current members of the United States Army.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

A young boy labeled “1914” sits in a chair, smoking, and offers Uncle Sam, sitting opposite him, a drink. He gestures toward two bottles labeled “Hope” and “Fear.” Caption: The New Year — Have something on me, old man! What’ll it be?

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1913-12-31

Creator(s)

Ehrhart, S. D. (Samuel D.), approximately 1862-1937

William Jennings Bryan, in full-length portrait, appears as the eternally hopeful Mr. Micawber from the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield. Caption: “Waiting for something to turn up.”

comments and context

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1907-09-25

On the left, “as they pictured it in advance,” a group of men finds an orderly campsite, canoes and serenades by moonlight, has a well appointed guide, and finds plenty of wild game to eat. On the right, “as it panned out in reality,” the men find a disorganized campsite in the rain, take a disastrous canoe trip, have a buffoonish guide, and eat canned food.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1911-10-04

Creator(s)

Glackens, L. M. (Louis M.), 1866-1933