Your TR Source
Robert C. Kinkead tells Theodore Roosevelt of the conditions in Kentucky for “self-respecting Republicans” who do not approve of the current leadership within the Republican party. Kinkead is not the only person in Kentucky who hopes Roosevelt will be the solution to their problem and Kinkead hopes Roosevelt will tell them what they can do to help him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-12
James H. Seamans expresses to Theodore Roosevelt that he admires and trusts him, criticizes President William H. Taft for betraying Roosevelt’s values, and urges Roosevelt to run for president again to lead the nation with progressive ideals.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-14
William Kent informs Theodore Roosevelt that President William H. Taft is unfit for office, citing his veto of the Arizona statehood bill, poor treatment of honorable men, and weak leadership. Kent urges Roosevelt not to support Taft’s reelection, warns against endorsing an unworthy candidate, and calls for Republican Party reform to end special privilege legislation and protective tariffs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-13
Until he is able to form his report, William H. Taft asks that President Roosevelt hold off on making a statement about the Philippines. Taft plans to express to the people of the Philippines that they have the opportunity now to prove self-government will be successful, and that any action by Americans at this point would be to prevent violence. Reservations from Congress about funding fortification projects will likely be impacted by the recent events concerning Japan, and Taft will press for the funds while still acting in accordance with Roosevelt’s wishes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-31
Call for stronger leadership from President Roosevelt to oppose Congressional Republicans and the beet-sugar lobby.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902
Governor Roosevelt questions whether he has the right temperament for a life in politics, listing everyone he has made unhappy with his decisions.
1900-04-30
Theodore Roosevelt has received Kermit Roosevelt’s letter about visiting Sao Paolo, Brazil, and everyone was interested in reading about Kermit and Belle Roosevelt setting up their new home. The book about the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition has been sent to all members of the expedition through the Brazilian ambassador. Roosevelt describes the “delightful Xmas” at Sagamore Hill with all of his children, except Kermit, and three grandchildren. He reflects on the war and views Germany as “clearly ahead” and Austria growing stronger. Roosevelt admires German efficiency, which is greater than the efficiency of the Allies, and the Allies are infinitely more efficient than the United States. President Wilson and Secretary Bryan are the “worst creatures” to lead the nation in foreign affairs. Roosevelt believes the United States should have countered the “unscrupulous” behavior of Germany and intervened on behalf of Belgium. He has signed a three year contract with Metropolitan Magazine to publish his social and political views.
1914-12-28
Daniel H. Reese calls for a reorganization of the Republican Party in Louisiana in order to present a full Republican ticket in 1904. Reese believes the party needs better candidates and more professionalism.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-07-20
Daniel H. Reese calls for unity and better leadership of the Louisiana Republican Party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-07-18
Daniel H. Reese calls for a united Republican Party in Louisiana.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-07-19
Theodore Roosevelt has heard that Governor Osborn will be supporting Governor Wilson in the presidential election, which is understandable. However, Roosevelt cannot see progressive Republicans supporting Wilson as this would mean giving power to Democratic bosses. Roosevelt would be willing to pass progressive leadership to another man, but no one suitable has emerged.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-05
Theodore Roosevelt appreciates Senator Clapp’s understanding of his predicament regarding speeches. Roosevelt cannot speak everywhere and inevitably hurts feelings in locations he leaves out. As such, he wants to make a few speeches where his positions are thoroughly defined. Roosevelt is pleased with the enthusiasm in Massachusetts but regrets the lack of experienced leadership.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-03-14
Theodore Roosevelt agrees that if he accepts a presidential nomination from the Progressive Party the reelection of President Wilson will be assured. He feels it to be his patriotic duty to stop Wilson’s reelection and will support the Republican candidate, Charles Evans Hughes, even though he has contempt for most Republican leaders. The Progressives only remain a viable party in California and Louisiana but that is primarily due to the influence of John M. Parker in Louisiana and Governor Johnson in California.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-06-23
Theodore Roosevelt has spoken out strongly regarding the war as no other prominent leader seemed willing to do so. He does not regret any of his statements but will seek to moderate what he says in the future.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-14
Harry White told Theodore Roosevelt that Germany, through the Hamburg-American Line, encouraged Denmark not to sell Saint Thomas to the United States. Roosevelt is not concerned about his own presidential nomination but he is concerned about the “yellow streak” in the American people. Strong leadership could have ended this streak but leadership has been poor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-04-03
Theodore Roosevelt is grateful for Agnes Repplier’s writings on the pacifists and on national duty. Roosevelt believes that Americans’ main national duty is to make sure that those of foreign birth or parentage are “Americans and nothing else.” It would be best if someone of foreign birth or parentage led the effort. President Wilson has failed to lead the nation and its “unpreparedness is moral and spiritual.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-18
Theodore Roosevelt requests that George W. Perkins be cautious and not suggest that the Republican Party nominate Roosevelt for president. Roosevelt suggests that he would only receive Republican support in the event that Republican leaders know they will lose. Under these circumstances they would nominate Roosevelt in order to have him defeated and end his legitimacy, as well as the legitimacy of progressivism. Roosevelt appreciates Perkins’s support but his nomination would be useless and damaging. The public is against him personally and politically. Roosevelt will continue to write and speak on international and general affairs but intends to be less involved in public affairs. He will not run again for public office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-09-03
Theodore Roosevelt doubts that Henry S. Drinker received an accurate account of Roosevelt’s speech at the Plattsburgh camp. Roosevelt advocated for military readiness but did not attack the Wilson administration. He accuses Drinker of making statements in favor of readiness but being unwilling to support action. President Wilson has been following a “policy of supine inaction.” In his speech, Roosevelt was careful to place the responsibility of military readiness on the people, although he believes the responsibility should rest with Wilson.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-09-01
Theodore Roosevelt wishes he were president in order to intervene in Mexico and “interfere in the world war on the side of justice and honesty.” He does not believe in “neutrality between right and wrong.” Roosevelt sympathizes with the allies against Germany and would have taken action after the invasion of Belgium. However, he is currently a political outsider and is ashamed at the inaction of the United States and its leadership.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-07
Theodore Roosevelt cannot approve of William Hutchinson Cowles’s editorial and opposes universal arbitration. Each nation and community has issues which they would refuse to arbitrate. The Wilson administration has signed thirty arbitration treaties and refused to abide by the treaty with Germany when the Lusitania was sunk. The public approved of President Wilson’s decision. Promises should not be made that the nation, its leaders, or the public do not intend to keep. The nations of Europe are fighting for their existence and will justifiably ignore calls for arbitration and pacifism from America. The United States needs to prepare for war and learn to keep promises.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-17