Your TR Source
Senator Dryden forwards to Secretary of State Hay a telegram from Representative Gardner recommending Atlantic City host the Russian-Japanese peace conference. (Though the typed letter says it is from John T. Dryden, the United States Senator’s name is actually John F. Dryden.)
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-19
Theodore Roosevelt considers G. Lowes Dickinson as a dreamer who “treats facts as irrelevant to the work of life.” International peace must be backed by an international force on the basis that “might shall be put behind right.” An international force is not possible until the “civilized states” guarantee to use force against recalcitrant states. The United States could have taken an important step by acting on behalf of Belgium’s neutrality but President Wilson did not take this step and pacifists cheered him for this “treachery to the cause of peace.” Dickinson is damaging his cause by basing it on false grounds. Roosevelt argues that all nations are not equal and making believe they are will only create “far-reaching harm.” Mankind has benefited from European colonization, and treating the natives as equal to white colonists will lead to the death of all colonists and many natives. Dickinson strives for much that is right but will remain utterly powerless.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-02
Theodore Roosevelt does not believe there can be a satisfactory peace until the wrongs against Belgium have been redressed. He thinks that most Germans acted out of an “honorable fear,” but a small portion, including many German leaders, have pursued an aggressive foreign policy regardless of the rights of other nations and international morality. Belgium has been ruined and Roosevelt wants them to receive reparations and a guarantee that the wrongs will not be repeated. He agrees that Russians are backwards but argues that liberal ideas are gaining ground and that a liberal Russia will prevent “Asiatic rule over Europe.” Roosevelt is not a pacifist and seeks peace by “putting international force behind an international desire to secure at least a reasonable approximation toward justice and fair play.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-10-03
V. N. Lamzdorf lets George von Lengerke Meyer know that he has received and delivered the telegram. The Tsar is moved by President Roosevelt’s sentiment of friendship and would be open to meeting with the Japanese if their government agrees.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-05-30
President Roosevelt attempted and failed to bring better understanding between Germany and England, and feels that the parties are too divided to hope for peace.
Massachusetts Historical Society
1905-05-22
Using his access to Theodore Roosevelt’s correspondence, Joseph Bucklin Bishop examines the events, decisions, and actions that brought about the Treaty of Portsmouth and ended the Russo-Japanese War on September 5, 1905. Bishop primarily focuses on Roosevelt’s work to bring about peace; work that earned Roosevelt the Nobel Peace Prize.
1919-09