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Theodore Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit about trying to keep the members of the Progressive Party from fighting one another, namely Gifford Pinchot and George W. Perkins. He says he is too old to be leading the party. He also discusses some addresses he is writing and that Mother is not well.
1912-12-03
William Jennings Bryan, with a prosthesis labeled “Anti-Expansion” attached to the knee on his right leg, which is labeled “16 to 1,” walks with the aid of a wooden cane labeled “Populism.” In his left hand, he carries a small receptacle labeled “votes.”
This cartoon is brilliant in its simplicity and iconography. Cartoonist Keppler executes a masterful caricature of a morose Democrat Presidential candidate, William Jennings Bryan. The issue on which he was defeated four years earlier is the lame limb labeled with the slogan of Free Silver, 16 To 1. The prosthesis, 1900’s thematic hope of the Democrats, is a weak crutch labeled “anti-expansion.” Bryan had volunteered and was named a Colonel in the Nebraska National Guard during the Spanish-American War, so even those views were suspect. In a final touch, the cartoonist replaced the beggar’s tin cup with a traditional ballot box of the day.
An unknown New York progressive leader has received Dean Lewis’s letter regarding the work of the Pennsylvania Legislative Committee from Theodore Roosevelt. He hopes that the committee being formed in New York and the Pennsylvania committee can work together in the future.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-14
After defeat in the presidential election, Theodore Roosevelt defends the roles of George W. Perkins and William Flinn in the campaign and the Progressive Party. He reflects on the upcoming challenges to the Progressive Party, particularly progressive principles being co-opted by the other parties and a lack of party organization. The Progressives were not successful in state and local elections which leaves them very little to build upon and could jeopardize the party’s continuation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-13
Theodore Roosevelt would like to meet with Andrew A. D. Rahn to discuss Minnesota matters and what needs to be done to make the Progressive Party permanent.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-08
Frank Harper writes to James Bronson Reynolds discussing strategy for approaching members of the board and the owner of the Farmers Union News, to garner favorable coverage for the Progressive Party. While the paper may not wish to take a public stance of support, it may assume an attitude that helps indirectly.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-09-19
Frank Harper encloses a letter from George D. Chenowith and asks Borden D. Whiting to address the issue as head of the New Jersey Progressive organization. Harper considers Chenowith a stop-gap candidate and thinks the Progressives can make a strong showing in New Jersey.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-09-17
Frank Harper thanks John Milliken Parker for his letter, which he will send on to Theodore Roosevelt. Harper will contact O. K. Davis, Secretary of the Progressive Committee, to arrange for Roosevelt to visit New Orleans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-09-16
Frank Harper encloses a letter and encourages its publication. He believes it will please foreign born voters, particularly those from Southern European countries.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-09-13
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks Madison G. Hawke for his letter and assures Hawke that the party already practices a few of his suggestions. He encloses a leaflet that reminds voters of Roosevelt’s accomplishments as president.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-09-05
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary thanks Charles S. Rogers for the letter and clippings he sent to Roosevelt and notes that he has sent them on to headquarters. Roosevelt cannot interfere in local situations regarding the Progressive Party ticket. However, it is hoped that soon the Progressive Party will be a national third party and have a straight party ticket on the ballot in every state.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-09-04
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary thanks H. D. W. English for sending a letter reporting that Bishop Nathaniel S. Thomas had joined the Progressive Party. If Thomas wants to meet with Roosevelt while he is in the West, they will have to meet on the train. Roosevelt is not stopping in Wyoming, because it is controlled by the old political bosses, and he is reserving his time for places where he can do some good.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-09-05
Frank Harper thanks Medill McCormick for his information on Cannon and Wilson. Harper also mentions that he passed on the farming papers to P. V. Collins, so that Collins may discuss the matter with Theodore Roosevelt when the latter arrives in St. Paul.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-09-05
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary writes that Roosevelt is concerned about charging admission for the public meetings he addresses. He would like Senator Dixon, George W. Perkins, Oscar K. Davis, and Judge Hotchkiss to discuss the matter and decide on a definite arrangement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-20
Theodore Roosevelt tells Emerson Walker Smith that Roosevelt will come to Connecticut and will try to make it on Labor Day. Roosevelt says that he will not make six speeches that day, and that Smith should arrange it so at most Roosevelt will make two speeches, one to the laborers and one to the farmers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-31
Theodore Roosevelt thanks William Hutchinson Cowles for his letter, which described a plan similar to that in a letter Roosevelt received from Senator Miles Poindexter. Roosevelt has given Cowles’s letter to Senator Dixon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-30
Theodore Roosevelt thanks D. Clinton Cole for his letter and recommends that Cole not resign. Roosevelt wants the new party to be kept free of disgruntled office seekers and believes its leadership must include ex-Democrats to be successful in the Southern states.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-30
Theodore Roosevelt would like to know if Senator Joseph M. Dixon could travel to North Dakota to look over the situation. He would also like to meet with Dixon or George W. Perkins today.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-16
Theodore Roosevelt defends Governor Hiram Johnson’s actions in rapidly appointing a committee without consulting the state delegations. It is Roosevelt’s understanding that this is a formal committee whose only function will be calling for a party convention. Once the party is organized, all delegations will be consulted. Roosevelt offers to add Everett Colby’s name to the list and requests suggestions for other additions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-06-26
Theodore Roosevelt writes to Nicholas Longworth outlining his campaign strategy during the Ohio portion of Roosevelt’s campaign tour.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-05-09