Your TR Source
Dan R. Gilbert reflects on the recent political outcomes and informs Roosevelt of his “first funeral,” although William Jennings Bryan has been buried three times and still lives. He argues that a principal will live, whereas a theory may die. Gilbert hopes to see the day when the will of the people will rule in practice, not theory.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-10
As recorded in the enclosed clipping, the stenographer’s statement reflects the sentiments of those who do not always vote Republican. David W. King, therefore, congratulates Theodore Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-04
Wilhelm Benignus asks Theodore Roosevelt for his opinion of his poem and requests a handwritten letter. Having traveled the country and feeling he knows the American people, Benignus sincerely believes the people can trust Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-05
Nine-year-old William D. Hancock has been reading about Theodore Roosevelt’s African trip in school. He and his parents are Roosevelt supporters. Hancock is allowed to get a gun at thirteen and wants to go to Africa with Roosevelt and attend the United States Military Academy to become a soldier.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-01
Clarence M. Day encloses a clipping and shares how Theodore Roosevelt is “the main subject under discussion” on the trains and in hotels.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-02
Frank Basil Tracy wants the facts regarding Theodore Roosevelt’s alleged interest in the “Taft boom” and encloses a dispatch, editorial, and clipping on the matter. He regrets Roosevelt cannot listen to Senator Henry Cabot Lodge’s speech that night, especially as he cannot see how Lodge will be defeated. Tracy regards Henry M. Whitney as “about as rotten a man as there is in the State of Massachusetts.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-03
Anthony F. McCue has long admired Theodore Roosevelt and considers him the “friend of the people.” He is a Republican in West Virginia and believes the state still supports Roosevelt, regardless of Senator Nathan Bay Scott’s comments. McCue encloses an article he wrote on the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-27
L. P. Leas makes it a point to ask people their opinion of Theodore Roosevelt. He gladly reports to Roosevelt that no one disapproves of his efforts, and they admire his push and honesty. Leas comments that many “feel sorry” for President William H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-28
Carl C. Young reminds Frank Harper of their conversation about the Karakul sheep that Theodore Roosevelt helped him import two years ago. He requests Harper ask Roosevelt if he wants a taxidermy lamb or a live one if he prefers. Young shares that Roosevelt’s defeat in the New York elections did not hurt him in the Southwestern States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-08
J. J. Curran informs Theodore Roosevelt of the lasting and favorable impression his visit to the area of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, had. It especially showed his willingness to associate with everyone regardless of religion or social or economic status. Curran is honored Roosevelt stayed at his house and praises Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-08-08
Senator Lodge found President Roosevelt’s most recent letter to be one of the strongest pieces of political writing he has read yet. Lodge is sure Massachusetts will go for William H. Taft and cannot see why other areas would not be similar. He does, however, fear that New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes could potentially be defeated. Lodge encloses his forthcoming reply, to be published in the Boston Herald, to Richard Olney’s claims about electing William Jennings Bryan. Lodge thinks Roosevelt will appreciate the Dickens quote.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-29
Frederick L. Chapman, owner and editor of the Home Herald, and his readers commend William H. Taft’s position on the subject of personal temperance. However, the liquor interests claim he is friendly to their cause. Chapman warns that Taft will lose votes if this idea persists. The presidential and vice-presidential candidates’ religious status has become a significant factor in the campaign. As such, Chapman advises Taft to write a letter for publication, as the other candidates have done, stating his beliefs, and suggests a sample statement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
As part of an enclosure, the item heading notes that William H. Taft received the following letter from Secretary of State Elihu Root, who feels Taft’s letter to John Wesley Hill is of sound reason. However, he believes it unwise for Taft to publish any letters regarding his church relations, which are an issue only if Taft makes it so. While Root finds the topic of renominating Governor Charles Evans Hughes difficult, his opinion is that he should be renominated.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
William Austin Wadsworth apologizes for not replying to President Roosevelt sooner, but he could not as he was helping care for his son, who had been sick. Wadsworth is going to New York tomorrow and would like to visit Roosevelt when convenient. He read in the paper that Roosevelt supports renominating Governor Charles Evans Hughes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-01
President Roosevelt confidentially shares with William H. Taft his feelings on the Republican National Committee’s lack of accomplishment. He believes Taft’s idea for making speeches is wise and counsels Taft to actively put himself in the campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-05
Jacob A. Riis wants to see President Roosevelt before he leaves. However, a busy schedule makes this challenging to arrange. He and his wife Mary Phillips Riis are attending the upcoming Tuberculosis Congress in Washington, D.C., and if convenient, they could meet then. During his travels as a lecturer, Riis finds there is little interest in the election. He believes people do not know the real William H. Taft. They need Roosevelt to tell them what Taft has done for Roosevelt and the nation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-20
Senator Lodge writes to President Roosevelt regarding the letter Roosevelt sent to Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte, which he hopes will not be published even if the statements are true and the intentions are to help Secretary of War William H. Taft. Although Roosevelt can express certain views because of his position, he can not expect the same outcome if Taft were to say them. In doing so, he may raise concern about Taft’s conservatism or radicalism among certain supporters. If Roosevelt’s aim is to secure his policies, Lodge feels the letter would only weaken this goal by seeming reactionary, and if the aim is to relieve personal feelings, giving his antagonists the publicity would have the opposite of the intended effect. He feels strongly that his reasons are correct if imperfectly stated.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-27
Governor Cummins of Iowa writes to President Roosevelt about the upcoming presidential election. If he himself is not selected, most of his crowd will vote for Secretary of War William H. Taft, though they will likely harbor hidden hostility. If Leslie Shaw is nominated, as Cummins suspects he will be, things could end up worse. Cummins would like to meet with Roosevelt in person to discuss the situation if possible.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-20
Congressman Parsons updates William Loeb on the status of New York’s electoral districts. Parsons is friendly with the man who has been elected leader, and he will meet with George Cromwell to discuss the situation in the congressional district. Peter G. Ten Eyck’s county commission has decided to oppose Governor Charles Evans Hughes’s resolution.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-20
Richard Pretlow Ernst speaks strongly against the appointment of Charles H. Duty as collector in the Sixth District of Kentucky, as do many others, including Maurice Lee Galvin, whom Ernst believes is a better candidate. He asks Representative Longworth to advise President Roosevelt regarding the situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-09