Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt will not comment on domestic politics or the future of the Progressive Party. Anything he says will be misunderstood and misinterpreted. Roosevelt has been primarily concerned with national defense and readiness. He directs Charles W. Fear to a variety of Progressive leaders he can consult.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-12-14
Theodore Roosevelt does not want to be considered in next spring’s primaries. He hopes that the Republican Party will realize that the Progressive Party platform of 1912 was “mere Abraham Lincolnism” and a decent man will be nominated. Roosevelt believes President Wilson should be protesting against the German sinking of passenger ships. British actions should be ignored until action is taken against the “infinitely worse deeds of the Germans.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-31
Theodore Roosevelt expresses his admiration of Chester H. Rowell and says he suggested Rowell as a candidate for chairman of the Progressive Party’s national committee. However, the general feeling favored a candidate from the geographic center of the country. Roosevelt agrees that the reaction against the Progressive Party was temporary, a “stomach vote.” He says there are many opinions on the future of the party and that he has received contradictory advice ranging from continuing the fight to rejoining the Republican Party. He does not want to abandon “forward movement” through the Progressive Party, but admits it is currently impossible in many areas of the country.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-17
Theodore Roosevelt comments on the future of the Progressive Party; a party of “sane radicalism, sane progress.” He agrees that Victor Murdock or Raymond Robins should lead the party as they represent the practical politics and western strength of the Progressives. The conservative reaction hurt the party in 1914 as businessmen were not willing to follow George W. Perkins and were “savage” against Amos Pinchot types. Roosevelt believes they should have emphasized the party’s economic program and opposition to President Wilson. He concludes by defending Perkins’s work, funding, and leadership of the party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-11
Theodore Roosevelt read with interest the British study of profit sharing and William Allen White’s letter. He supports the selection of Mr. Williams as the Director of the Progressive Service.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-31
Theodore Roosevelt responds to letters from Gifford and Amos Pinchot advocating for the removal of George W. Perkins as a leader of the Progressive Party. He understood these letters as requesting for Perkins’s removal from the party and by extension businessmen similar to Perkins. Roosevelt disagrees with Pinchot’s view and believes that the big businessmen can have a role in the party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-21
Theodore Roosevelt has written to Governor Stubbs and Representative Murdock regarding the election. He hopes that Senator Bristow will run for reelection as a Progressive. Roosevelt believes that it would be a calamity to try and remove George W. Perkins from the party and encloses a letter he wrote Gifford Pinchot on the subject.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-19
President Roosevelt informs Senator Frye that Cornelius Newton Bliss has refused the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee. George B. Cortelyou is the next best choice for the position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-17
President Roosevelt writes to Sylvane M. Ferris expressing his congratulations on the news, from Ed Foley, that he will be an alternate to the Republican convention. President Roosevelt invites Sylvane Ferris to the White House following the convention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-28
President Roosevelt was distressed at how quickly George B. Cortelyou’s appointment as Chair of the Republican National Committee was announced, since it did not afford time for him to consult with Senator Platt and others. Roosevelt believes, however, that Cortelyou is the best man for the job.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-23
President Roosevelt expresses his gratitude to Governor Crane on Secretary Cortelyou’s role as chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-23
President Roosevelt is pleased that Jacob Gould Schurman will be taking a prominent part in the state convention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-11
President Roosevelt spoke with Governor Odell about the selection of the chairman of the Republican National Committee and asks if Cornelius Newton Bliss has any suggestions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-25
President Roosevelt would like to set up a time to have a meal with Cornelius Newton Bliss, along with Senators Aldrich and Spooner, to discuss the selection of the chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-16
President Roosevelt feels confident in the delegates who have been “instructed,” but worries about delegates who have been “directed,” especially when he hears that the delegates “have uttered dark hints about being ‘seen.'”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-16
President Roosevelt is happy to hear that Ben Daniels is an alternate for the Republican National Convention. He wishes Daniels could be a delegate.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-18
President Roosevelt asserts that Elihu Root cannot take the chairmanship. He asks if Charles Emory Smith can write a rough draft of the platform so he can work from it after Congress adjourns. Roosevelt knows a rough draft by Smith is not likely to be altered in the final draft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-05
President Roosevelt believes that Elihu Root is the best candidate for chairman of the Republican National Committee, but Root is too busy to accept the position. John Kean is against Mr. Murphy, so Murphy will not be chosen if he will jeopardize Kean’s chances. Roosevelt confides in William Emlen Roosevelt that they do not know who to choose as chairman.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-09
President Roosevelt does not want the Louisiana delegation to the Republican National Convention, or any delegation from a state with a large African American population, to be all white. Roosevelt does not support “negro domination,” but African Americans of character and intelligence should be shown favor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-24
President Roosevelt is pleased with Foster Vincent Brown’s comments and Southern support for the Panama Canal. Roosevelt does not want to set a general rule regarding office holders attending the Republican National Convention, but overall he feels that non-office holders should be favored.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-25