Philippine American War (Philippines : 1899-1902)

Theodore Roosevelt informs U.S. Army Chief of Staff Leonard Wood that he remembers John Gregory Bourke and that his daughter is married to Luther R. James of the 16th Infantry. She is unable to be with her husband, because she is ill. James is anxious for foreign service, and a transfer has been scheduled between Lieutenant Samueleon of the 1st Infantry. The transfer was approved by Colonel Gardnerer of the 16th Infantry and by Colonel McGunningle. He writes to ask that the transfer be ultimately approved by Wood.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-02-03

The New York World asks Vice President Roosevelt for a statement on General Frederick Funston’s capture of Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo and asks if he believes it will end the war.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-03-28

Major General Otis, Military Governor of the Philippines, telegraphs Adjutant General Corbin a list of recent casualties from the Philippines. He includes cause of death, date of death, name of the deceased, and the military company they belonged to.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1900-01-30

William N. Tilchin surveys the major works on President Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy from 1956 to 1986, looking at nine books and one article. Tilchin provides detailed reviews of eight of the books, and highlights the discussion of diplomacy in the ninth. In doing so, Tilchin addresses the historiography of Roosevelt and his foreign policy, and he demonstrates how Roosevelt’s reputation as a diplomat grew from the low point it reached with Henry F. Pringle’s biography of 1931. Tilchin touches on the major international crises and issues of Roosevelt’s presidency, including the Philippine American War, the creation of the Panama Canal, and the voyage of the Great White Fleet. The essay is supported by 183 endnotes and includes a listing of publications about Roosevelt’s diplomacy not addressed in the text.

The article also contains three text boxes: one lists the leadership of the Theodore Roosevelt Association; another, “About the Author,” notes Tilchin’s work as a teacher and historian; and a third says that this issue of the journal “is dedicated to the people of the State of North Dakota.” A portrait of Roosevelt and a photograph of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt with elements of her air wing illustrate the article.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

James B. Martin examines the tumultuous relationship between Lieutenant General Nelson A. Miles and President Theodore Roosevelt during the first two years of Roosevelt’s administration. Martin details Miles’s impressive record as a field officer, earning the Medal of Honor during the Civil War, and he shows how he was not as well prepared to fight bureaucratic battles in Washington, D.C., as the Commanding General of the Army. Martin looks at the issues that caused a breach between Miles and Roosevelt, including Miles’s criticism of American actions in the Philippines. Martin covers the role played by Secretaries of War Russell A. Alger and Elihu Root, and he lays most of the blame for the Miles-Roosevelt dispute at the feet of Miles, but he does note that Roosevelt’s large ego and decision not to forcibly retire Miles contributed to the feud.

Photographs of Miles and Root appear in the article. An article box on page eleven notes that this issue of the Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal is dedicated to Oliver R. Grace.

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal

Serge Ricard argues that President Theodore Roosevelt practiced a style of diplomacy that was clothed in self-righteousness and was backed by the threat of force. Ricard argues that Roosevelt’s diplomacy lacked nuance because Roosevelt reduced all conflicts and disputes to a “simplistic vision of right and wrong.” He asserts that Roosevelt lacked Woodrow Wilson’s endless self-examination and William H. Taft’s commitment to dollar diplomacy, but that he viewed America’s role in the revolutions of the Philippines and Panama in black and white terms with the United States playing the role of guardian of progress and civilization. Ricard closes by arguing that Roosevelt’s style of diplomacy has endured to the detriment of the United States and its foreign policy record.

John A. Gable writes a brief introduction to this article in which he notes Ricard’s credentials, and he stresses that the Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal welcomes the opportunity to air debates about Roosevelt’s record. 

A full-page newspaper article about the “church problem” in the Philippines. The problem of anti-church sentiment among Flipinos, particularly against friars, was already existing and inherited by the United States government. Secretary of War William H. Taft, formerly Governor-General of the Philippines, takes a commission to The Holy See to seek solutions to these problems in common interest. Issues of land ownership and the establishment of a school system are negotiated successfully by Taft’s commission in the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-10-22

Secretary of War William H. Taft addresses the Philippine Assembly at their inaugural gathering. Taft gives an overview of the American administration of the Philippines as well as his assessment of the challenges facing the Assembly in the fulfillment of their political duties.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-10-16

President Roosevelt thanks the members of the Union League of Philadelphia for their commitment to upholding the principles of Abraham Lincoln. He praises the traits that brought the American people through the Civil War and subsequent trials that the nation faced. Roosevelt asks the assembled club to reflect on former President William McKinley’s policies, and says that while policies alone cannot make a nation great, “good laws and good administration of the laws can give to strong, honest, brave men a chance to do well.” Roosevelt praises McKinley’s ability to handle the unexpected challenges of the Spanish-American War and subsequent acquisition of the Philippines. He outlines the current situation in the Philippines, with the ending of the Philippine-American War, the establishment of civil administration, and general situation of peace. Roosevelt advises that the government must solve issues related to the industrial growth of the nation.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-11-22

President Roosevelt thanks the members of the Union League of Philadelphia for their commitment to upholding the principles of Abraham Lincoln. He praises the traits that brought the American people through the Civil War and subsequent trials that the nation faced. Roosevelt asks the assembled club to reflect on former President William McKinley’s policies, and says that while policies alone cannot make a nation great, “good laws and good administration of the laws can give to strong, honest, brave men a chance to do well.” Roosevelt praises McKinley’s ability to handle the unexpected challenges of the Spanish-American War and subsequent acquisition of the Philippines. He outlines the current situation in the Philippines, with the ending of the Philippine-American War, the establishment of civil administration, and general situation of peace. Roosevelt advises that the government must solve issues related to the industrial growth of the nation. This is the press copy of Roosevelt’s speech with handwritten edits and applause noted.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-11-22

President Roosevelt thanks the members of the Union League of Philadelphia for their commitment to upholding the principles of Abraham Lincoln. He praises the traits that brought the American people through the Civil War and subsequent trials that the nation faced. Roosevelt asks the assembled club to reflect on former President William McKinley’s policies, and says that while policies alone cannot make a nation great, “good laws and good administration of the laws can give to strong, honest, brave men a chance to do well.” Roosevelt praises McKinley’s ability to handle the unexpected challenges of the Spanish-American War and subsequent acquisition of the Philippines. He outlines the current situation in the Philippines, with the ending of the Philippine-American War, the establishment of civil administration, and general situation of peace. Roosevelt advises that the government must solve issues related to the industrial growth of the nation. This is the press copy of Roosevelt’s speech.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-11-22

President Roosevelt honors General Luke E. Wright on his return from the Philippines. Roosevelt praises both the state of Tennessee and Wright. Roosevelt gives several examples of how the United States is once again a whole entity, using especially Wright’s conduct as acting governor of the Philippines. He also discusses the United States’ actions and duties in the Philippines, and addresses charges of wrongdoing against the U.S. Army. He notes that while the U.S. has made some steps towards allowing self-government for the Filipinos, it would be more dangerous to move too quickly towards self-rule than to move too slowly.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

President Roosevelt honors Luke E. Wright on his return from the Philippines. Roosevelt praises both the state of Tennessee and Wright. Roosevelt gives several examples of how the United States is once again a whole entity, using especially Wright’s conduct as acting governor of the Philippines. He also discusses the United States’ actions and duties in the Philippines, and addresses charges of wrongdoing against the U.S. Army. He notes that while the U.S. has made some steps towards allowing self-government for the Filipinos, it would be more dangerous to move too quickly towards self-rule than to move too slowly. This is the press copy of Roosevelt’s speech with edits and applause noted.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-11-19

President Roosevelt honors General Luke E. Wright on his return from the Philippines. Roosevelt praises both the state of Tennessee and Wright. Roosevelt gives several examples of how the United States is once again a whole entity, using especially Wright’s conduct as acting governor of the Philippines. He also discusses the United States’ actions and duties in the Philippines, and addresses charges of wrongdoing against the U.S. Army. He notes that while the U.S. has made some steps towards allowing self-government for the Filipinos, it would be more dangerous to move too quickly towards self-rule than to move too slowly. This is the press copy of Roosevelt’s speech.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-11-19

In a military policy speech given before a group of soldiers and veterans of the American Civil War and Spanish-American War, President Roosevelt stresses the need for preparedness. He says the borders of the United States, once separated from Europe and Asia by the vast oceans, have been brought closer to potential threats by modern naval technology. He insists that the United States, now a world power, must become very engaged in international affairs, ready to back up words with action, and he affirms his belief in the Monroe Doctrine. For the army, he believes in small but strong regular National Guard units which can train up and lead a larger volunteer force in the event of war. He believes this would be impossible for the navy, however, as it takes years to build warships and train sailors on the “highly specialized work” of operating them; Roosevelt feels that the warcraft and crews prepared in time of peace would be the factor on which success would rest. He concludes with anecdotes and a message on the need for citizens and soldiers to do their duty every day and not just in moments of glory.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-23

President Roosevelt thanks the local chairman, presumably a Democrat, for introducing him, saying that political party is of little importance when Americans are unified in the spirit of fairness. He notes the presence of school children in the crowd as well as veterans of the Union Army in the American Civil War, saying that the veterans’ victorious spirit lived on in the American soldiers who fought in the Philippines. He notes how evolving weapons and tactics have not changed the necessary qualities of the soldier. Benedict Arnold was a gallant and talented soldier who helped win major battles but was missing the important “root of righteousness” that eventually led to his reputation as a traitor. Similarly, laws may change, but the need for patriotic citizens with honesty, courage, and common sense remains the same.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

President Roosevelt expresses pleasure at viewing the industrial growth and natural resources of Indiana, making special note of the new free mail service in the area of Noblesville, Indiana. He addresses the rise of industrial capitalism and large-scale industrial combinations, saying that they are an inevitable and positive feature of modern prosperity. As interstate entities, they must have national regulation to ensure they serve the public good. Roosevelt also highlights the national unity created by the various military exploits shared by soldiers from all sections of the country. He closes by noting that, while good laws are important, nothing is more crucial for America’s prosperity than the “high average citizenship of the ordinary American citizen.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-09-23

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

In Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt addresses a crowd of veterans of the Spanish-American War, telling them Mayor William C. Maybury’s invitation to speak to them was the first Roosevelt had accepted that fall. After joking that in the Spanish-American War “there was not enough war to go around,” Roosevelt notes with seriousness that veterans of that conflict hope they showed the same spirit and worthiness as the “men of Appomattox.” Using anecdotes from their military service, Roosevelt reminds them that as with soldiers, good citizens come from all walks of life and that the drudgery of hard work comes before heroism in battle. He urges the testing of oneself and one’s neighbors by “the essential instead of the non-essential qualities in each man.” He also highlights the need for modern military training and weapons but emphasizes that the character of the soldier is even more important. Finally, Roosevelt praises the United States’ actions and motives in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines and pledges the best results for the people of the Philippines in particular.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

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