Your TR Source
President Roosevelt extends his warmest wishes to his comrades who saw service in the Spanish-American War, Philippine insurrection and Boxer uprising in China. Unfortunately, he is unable to attend the event but has relayed the information to Colonel Curtis Guild.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-31
President Roosevelt relays to General Wood the contents of a letter, from Hugh Douglas Wise, a sailor in the United States Navy, regarding conditions in the Philippines. Wise writes that people who have been in the Philippines for any length of time believe the only way to civilize districts containing bad elements is to “clean them out,” but politicians will not permit this. According to the sailor, there is only one officer who the bad Filipinos are afraid of, and that is Wood. Having said this, the sailor describes Wood’s actions as leading to the tensions in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-12
President Roosevelt writes to Elihu Root about whether Germany or England should “act as the policeman of the Caribbean.” Roosevelt also shares that General Leonard Wood is frustrated about not being put in command of the Philippines. Roosevelt suggests that Root stress the need to prevent change in the work being done in Panama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-07
President Roosevelt urges Archibald Ross Colquhoun to visit with Secretary of War William H. Taft, to discuss education in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-27
President Roosevelt responds to the complaints of an unnamed correspondent of Senator Proctor. He defends the military promotions that have happened during the Roosevelt administration and his policy of not strictly staying with officer seniority.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-20
Brigadier General Smith delivers a speech upon taking office as the Governor-General of the Philippines. He praises the work of his predecessors Henry C. Ide, Luke E. Wright, and William H. Taft. He blames the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) on the Filipinos misunderstanding the motives of the United States’ policy to govern the Philippines while preparing the Filipinos for self-government rather than granting them independence immediately. Smith credits the United States for its restraint towards enemy combatants and in building in the Philippines municipal, judicial, educational, and taxation infrastructure while promoting a slate of liberal civil rights. He believes that to restore prosperity following the destructive war they will need to encourage new markets, American investment, the construction of railroads, and better training for the Philippines Constabulary. He particularly believes in broad education in the English language and in the trades. He recommends postponing the question of independence and addressing instead practical matters. He notes the importance of separating state functions from those of the Catholic church.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-20
General Leonard Wood is heading to the Philippines to “command among the Moros” and in a few months will take over command of the Army in the Philippines. Wood has great respect for Governor General Taft and Vice Governor Luke E. Wright.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-25
President Roosevelt provides documentary evidence that Apolinario Mabini is not detained in Guam and is free to leave the island. However, Mabini cannot enter the Philippines until taking the oath of allegiance, and Roosevelt reiterates his belief in the government’s right to prevent entry into the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-23
At the Emperor’s request, President Roosevelt will be sending several officers to the German military maneuvers. Roosevelt addresses at length the reports of brutality and torture by the Army in the Philippines. Roosevelt does not support torture or “needless brutality” and understands that the Army has acted improperly on numerous occasions. However, he believes that on the whole the soldiers have been “exceedingly merciful.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-07-19
After reviewing the case against Lieutenant Arnold, President Roosevelt does not believe that there is grounds for a court-martial but Arnold merits severe censure. There has been accusations that Arnold’s men committed torture in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-07-10
President Roosevelt would like to know why Sergeant Edwards has not been tried by court martial for cruelty in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-20
President Roosevelt has seen an interview of Major Waller and wants Waller to be ordered to keep quiet. Roosevelt also asks how Waller’s court martial is proceeding.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-13
President Roosevelt thanks Charles E. St. John for sending the memorial of the American Unitarian Association regarding the Philippines. Roosevelt is pleased that a bill has recently passed the Senate that will help bring peace and prosperity to the Philippines. Furthermore, the insurrection has almost been entirely overcome.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-06
President Roosevelt is anxious to do something for McDonald, a former officer in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-06-03
President Roosevelt has received a request from Captain F. P. Fremont to prosecute Benjamin Boyd, formerly of the United States Army, for perjury in a military court at Manila. Roosevelt asks for Secretary Root’s opinion of the propriety of the case.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-27
President Roosevelt thanks Harry W. Nash for sending news of the death of Day, their former Rough Rider comrade, in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-28
President Roosevelt was happy to help “secure the recognition of your husband’s gallantry.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-16
President Roosevelt believes that the army in the Philippines has done “most admirable work” but promises to search out and punish incidents of misconduct.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-03
President Roosevelt will be active in stopping cruelties in the Philippines, including the “water-cure.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-03
Major Cornelius Gardener wants to use native troops and complains about the actions of American soldiers in the Philippines, but President Roosevelt claims that most of the cruelties have been committed by native troops employed by the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-07