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Collection of newspaper clippings of articles, photographs, and maps showing some of the actors, naval vessels, and events making up parts of the Spanish-American war. Includes some handwritten notes and hand-colored photographs.
1898
Pamphlet describing the work done by Mission to Lepers in India and the East, a charity founded in 1874. The Mission to Lepers emphasizes the need for “the provision of food, shelter, medical relief, and Christian teaching” of those suffering from leprosy as “surely a part of the white man’s burden” at their asylums, hospitals, and homes in India, Ceylon, Burma, Siam, Japan, Korea, Sumatra, and the Philippine Islands.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06
Gustav J. Karger reviews and praises President William H. Taft’s various achievements during the two years of his administration. By placing “the cause of the people above all other considers,” Karger finds Taft has reached the “heights of constructive statesmanship.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-30
Secretary of War Taft tells President Roosevelt that they may have been mistaken in removing T. H. Pardo de Tavera from a commission in the Philippines, and sends him several letters which suggest this. He suggests that it is worth discussing the matter with several people, and that they can still reverse course on the matter if necessary.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-04-07
As requested by President Roosevelt, C. W. Watson sends his reasons for supporting a resolution before the National Convention regarding eventual independence for the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-29
Secretary of War Taft reports that President Roosevelt has heard “severe criticism” of the Igorrote and “wild tribe” exhibit about the Philippines at the St. Louis World’s Fair. Roosevelt does not want to give the impression that the government is making “the savageness and barbarism of the wild tribes” prominent, and suggests that they wear more clothing.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-22
Acting Civil Governor of the Philippines Wright asks Joven Ceferino, the Provincial Governor of the Province of Pampanga if the ordinance against church bells being rung has been passed. Wright says that it is unreasonable to require churches to get a permit before their bells are rung or before they have processions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902
Benjamin Ide Wheeler tells Edward W. Ordway, co-founder of the Philippine Independence Committee, that while he does not wish to take a stance opposing the people whose opinions Ordway has mentioned, he must hold to his opinion that the Philippines is not ready for independence at this time.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-01
The Presidential Office Staff summarizes a letter from Justice John Thomas McDonough of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. McDonough was surprised to read the rumors that he was “antagonizing the Commissioners,” especially because he has a good opinion of Governor William H. Taft. He will be pleased for Secretary of War Elihu Root and Archbishop John Ireland read his letter. He also requests transportation to the United States for himself and his family.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-14
Alton B. Parker and a bull dog look up at Joseph Pulitzer who says, “Tell them what you meant. It was gold and hauling down the flag in the Philippines wasn’t it?” Parker says, “Yes, Mr. Pulitzer.” On the blackboard is written, “Resolved I’ll never say another thing till my teacher tells me to. Buster.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-31
A “Filipino” points at President Roosevelt as Alton B. Parker holds “the Constitution of the United States” and points to the “Declaration of Independence.” There is a sign on the wall that reads, “Independence political and territorial—I also favor making the promise to them now to take such action as soon as it can be prudently done. Alton B. Parker.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-27
On the left side of this cartoon, President Roosevelt carries a large “public interests” scroll on his back as he walks up stairs: “courage—Monroe Doctrine upheld,” “opposition to graft—regulation of trusts,” “Cuban freedom—Northern Securities decision,” “honesty in the public service,” “Cuban reciprocity,” “Panama Canal,” “justice for capital and labor,” and “patriotic purposes.” Caption: The Roosevelt as real history will picture him. On the right side of this cartoon, Roosevelt holds a sword in his teeth and rides a horse, leaving men labeled “trust,” “Cuban,” and “Filipino” on the ground. He drags “Panama” by a rope. Caption: The Roosevelt as the demagogues now paint him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04
Uncle Sam pulls out his pockets to show that they are empty while President Roosevelt stands on top of the “U.S. Treasury” building, which has a sign that reads, “Cost of Cleveland administration: $1,757,000,000.” Beside Uncle Sam is a large stack of military supplies with a “Filipino” on top. A note reads, “Uncle Sam, to Roosevelt administration—$2,640,000,000 rec payt.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-30
The top left-hand corner includes a cartoon from the New York Herald on July 9, 1904, in which William Jennings Bryan takes the “money” plank away from a platform where William F. Sheehan and David B. Hill are nailing different planks down. In the larger cartoon, Alton B. Parker tells Bryan to return the “money” plank. Sheehan, Hill, Charles Francis Murphy, Thomas F. Grady, William Bourke Cockran, and a Tammany tiger look on.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-12
Uncle Sam holds “Guam,” “Philippines,” “Hawaii,” and “Porto Rico” in his arms as he reaches for “Panama.” “Mexico,” “Central America,” and “Colombia” are hidden in the foliage.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-20
This cartoon depicts various components of President Roosevelt’s annual message, including international relations with Colombia, Canada, the Philippines, Turkey, and China; support for Civil War veterans and General Leonard Wood; and “more lighthouses for Hawaii.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12
President Roosevelt plants a tree with several fruits on it: “Guam,” “Hawaii,” “Santo Domingo,” “Porto Rico,” “Panama,” and the “Philippines.” The ghost of George Washington appears out of the “White House.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02
In the cartoon on the left, Uncle Sam holds “Panama” in his hands and walks into a room where “England,” “Germany,” “Russia,” and “France” are all dressed as pirates seated around a table with a globe and are holding up their glasses to toast. Caption: Toasting the Recruit. But Uncle Sam is doubtful about the company he is getting into. —Taylor in the Denver News. In the cartoon on the right, Uncle Sam watches the “Philippines,” “Puerto Rico,” and “Hawaii” leave the “Uncle Sam Complete Outfitter” store dressed up in Stars and Stripes clothing. “Panama” is dressed in rags and looks on. Caption: A Possible Customer. Panama—”Those are mighty fine lookin’ clothes he sells.” —Satterfield in the Omaha News.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11
A large crown sits perched atop a building with women holding various shields, including “Panama Canal,” “rate bill,” “prosecution of criminal trusts,” “regeneration of the Philippines.” At the top of the crown is a woman holding “conservation of natural resources” and “development of water ways.”
William H. Taft packs his suitcase with stamps from “Japan,” “Philippines,” “Cuba,” “Panama,” and “China” as the Republican elephant looks on. On the ground are several books, including Winning the West, and a “time table” and “Taft’s stump itinerary.” On the wall is a picture of Taft giving whistle-stop speech from the back of a train. Taft says, “Well, now I guess I will be at home in this traveling stunt!”
William H. Taft unfortunately was known for his lassitude, frequently falling asleep during his presidency, even during daytime meetings. The cause might have been a variety of narcolepsy, occasioned by his bulk of up to three hundred and forty pounds.