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Senator Lodge encloses a telegram from Francis B. Forbes, who has experience in China and the Philippines. Lodge suggests they take Forbes’ opinion on the potential conflict with the Moros seriously. Lodge thinks that war with the Moros “should be avoided at all hazards,” especially in light of the recent insurrection in Luzon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-19
With hostilities on the horizon between the United States and the Moros of the southern Philippines, General McMahon suggests that President Roosevelt send for McMahon’s nephew, Captain John E McMahon, for information on the Moros. Captain McMahon served on the island of Mindanao, the island home of the majority of the Moros. McMahon believes a war with the Muslims would not be a good situation. General McMahon says that Roosevelt should order his nephew to General Randolph for a few days. He also points out that he saw Roosevelt at Columbia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-19
Riis enclosed a document from Mrs. Lowell that pertains to the Philippines. Riis calls Lowell his conscience in terms of the Philippines. He only got a begrudged agreement from her, that all would come out alright with Roosevelt at the helm, but now she has come out strongly [in support of Roosevelt’s actions]. Riis feels that hers is the general Eastern opinion, and others will follow her lead if they do not already hold as she does.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-19
Newspaper article on the reaction to atrocities in the Philippines being carried out by American soldiers. The article questions whether a military inquiry will suffice and suggests that Secretary of War Elihu Root may need to resign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-16
Political cartoon of General Valeria` Weyler, the notorious governor of Spanish Cuba, observing ruins in Samar as a result of the Philippine American War. Weyler states that he was removed from his position in Cuba for less.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-28
While Herman Kohlsaat understands the problems that President Roosevelt has had with General Miles, he does not believe it would be wise to force Miles’ retirement. Kohlsaat believes that this would give Democrats some fodder for the upcoming election and there is fear that the Democrats will take over congress. Kohlsaat does not care for a person’s politics in a local contest, but does not feel that the Democrats can govern the nation. Therefore, he does not want Roosevelt to give any fuel for Bryanism. He also questions Henry Watterson’s calls for absolute militarism.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-14
General Chaffee thanks President Roosevelt for bestowing a “principal appointment” to the United States Military Academy on his son, Adna Romanza Chaffee, Jr. He also sends a brief update on the Philippine Insurrection.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-25
Winslow Warren describes the current policy in the Philippines as “un-American” and believes that the fighting would end if it was made clear that the United States desires the independence of the Philippines. Warren also cautions against trying to “Americanize” the Filipinos.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-25
Secretary of War Root believes that the military and civil affairs of the Philippines have been “able and successful.” American sovereignty is being accepted and many former Filipino rebels have accepted positions in the civil government. Root sees no benefit to bringing Cuban or Puerto Rican delegations to the Philippines or bringing a delegation of Filipinos to the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-05
General Miles requests authorization to visit the Philippines accompanied by Cuban and Puerto Rican representatives to promote friendly relations between the United States and the Filipinos.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-17
Major Waller defends his actions and success in the Philippines. The accusations against him brought by “swivel chair” officials have convinced him that it is time to return home. Waller is not interested in serving as Commandant of the Marine Corps but is willing to end his life “in some far field.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-04
Lyman Abbott would like to meet with Governor-General Taft for guidance on the Philippines situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-24
Horace K. Devereux writes on behalf of Lt. Colonel Leonard, currently serving in the Philippines, and suggests that Vice President Roosevelt “do something for him.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901
Lyman Abbott encourages President Roosevelt to allow Emilio Aguinaldo, a leader of the Filipino independence movement, to write a letter to the American government concerning his cause in the Philippines. Abbott warns against giving the impression that Roosevelt was unwilling to hear Aguinaldo’s case.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-21
Superintendent Atkinson asks the recipient to respond with detailed population data, especially relating to the school-age population, on behalf of the Department of Public Instruction.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-10
Archbishop Ireland asks President Roosevelt to look over the articles that he has enclosed regarding Vatican affairs, especially the Pope’s wish to cooperate with the American government in the pacification of the Philippines. He also asks Roosevelt to talk with Secretary of State Hay on their “project.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-08
Transcription of Senator William B. Allison’s speech at the Iowa Republican convention. Allison covers a variety of topics, including the upcoming state election, William McKinley’s assassination, economic conditions, and several foreign affairs issues.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-15
General Hale states that Sergeant Richard G. Holmes, previously of the 1st Colorado Infantry, rendered “efficient service” during his time in the Philippines. Due to his qualities and distinguished service, Hale recommends Holmes for any position Holmes believes he can fulfill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-30
Jacob Gould Schurman reviews the issues in the Philippines and recommends buying land from the friars and selling it to Filipinos.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-25
Charles Fletcher Lummis has not written because he has spent most of the last three months in the New Mexico wilderness. He hopes for the success of the Roosevelt administration and the country under President Roosevelt’s leadership. Lummis believes the two major issues that need to be addressed are the mistreatment of the Boers, who have the widespread support of the American public, and the ongoing Philippine American War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-08