Philippine American War (Philippines : 1899-1902)

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-11-22

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

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

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 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

Print shows John Bull attempting to reassure Uncle Sam that the storm clouds labeled “Philippine Complications” blowing in from the right will soon pass; he gestures toward a monument labeled “Civilization” carved with figures labeled “Guiana, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, India, Canada, Egypt, S. Africa, [and] W. Indies,” topped with “Britannia” seated with the British Lion.

Caption: John Bull–Don’t get discouraged, Sam! I’ve had just that sort of trouble for three hundred years, while I’ve been building this monument. It has cost many human lives and much money, but the whole world, as well as England, has benefited by it.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Print shows a large gloved fist with an American flag on it crashing down on Emilio Aguinaldo riding on a rocking horse labeled “Dictatorship” next to a large sword labeled “Aguinaldo” on the “Philippines.”

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1899-03-08

Print shows the dream of an “Anti-Expansionist” where Admiral George Dewey, General Elwell S. Otis, a sailor, and a soldier come ashore in the Philippines to offer their weapons and the American flag in surrender to Emilio Aguinaldo and a poorly armed, ragged, but haughty, group of Filipinos.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1899-04-19

General Elwell S. Otis, wearing a military uniform and holding papers labeled “Plans of Campaign,” is confronted by a swarm of press reporters as mosquitoes labeled “Yellow Journalist.” One of the reporters is holding a paper that states, “If you don’t let us run this business, we’ll run you out.” Several of the mosquitoes at bottom have gotten caught on a fly-paper labeled “Press Censorship.” Caption: General Otis–If it wasn’t for that “tanglefoot” fly-paper those insects would pester the life out of me!

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1899-08-16

Print shows William McKinley as a circus ringmaster trying to coax a defiant Emilio Aguinaldo to jump through a hoop labeled “Peace”; standing in the background are three figures labeled “Cuba, Porto Rico, [and] Hawaii”.
Caption: Ringmaster McKinley–You’ve got to jump through, and the sooner you do it the better!

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1899-09-20

Draft of a speech with handwritten corrections. Governor Roosevelt rebukes several statements from William Jennings Bryan regarding economic policy, bimetallism, patriotism, and imperialism.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1900-09-06

In this speech draft with handwritten corrections, Governor Roosevelt campaigns against William Jennings Bryan and his policies. Bryan’s prophecies regarding the need for free silver have not come true and the country has prospered. Roosevelt advocates national action to combat the complex problems of trusts. He points out the plight of African Americans and that Bryan seems more concerned with the rights of the “bandits” in the Philippines. Roosevelt does not want the United States to shirk its duty in the Philippines and believes that liberty will come to the islands under the American flag.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1900-10-09

Governor Roosevelt shares his thoughts about several potential positions he might pursue, including the Governor Generalship of the Philippines, the Vice Presidency, or a cabinet position. He is satisfied with his work and his legacy, having fought for truth and decency; he is more than happy with his friends.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1900-01-23

Governor Roosevelt does not want the vice presidency; instead he wants to continue to be governor, where he believes he can accomplish more. With regard to the Second Boer War, Roosevelt sympathizes with the British, for he sees that they and the Boers are both fighting for that in which they believe.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1900-02-02

Governor Roosevelt asks for advice about the nurses’ bill. Roosevelt states that he is taking care of the children while Edith Roosevelt is away, and describes them as being “really very cunning.” He also discusses the daily business of governing New York.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1900-03-14

Vice President Roosevelt arranges to send tickets to Anna Roosevelt Cowles in Buffalo. He will want to see Francis Edward Younghusband while he is there.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1901-05-15

Governor Roosevelt writes about his recent visit to the White House and his hopes for President McKinley’s policy decisions. Roosevelt is finding it difficult to enjoy his vacation because of the amount of work facing him as governor, but he is very happy to hold the office.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1899-07-12