Political parties--Public opinion

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Charles J. Bonaparte

President Roosevelt assures Attorney General Bonaparte not to worry about press generated from the “Electric Combine” (presumably General Electric) situation and agrees with Bonaparte’s ideas for managing the effects from the distribution of the Appeal to Reason. Roosevelt is not surprised that Leslie M. Shaw, former secretary of the treasury, is acrimonious, and thinks the conservative party he describes would gain very little support.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-21

Letter from Armand Romain to Theodore Roosevelt

Armand Romain reminds President Roosevelt that last August, a committee of Republicans from Louisiana entered a formal protest against the “policy of inaction and of ostracism” adopted by the “Lilly White” leaders of the Louisiana Republican Party. Romain recounts the injustice and partisanship with which they lead the party, which has led to dismal election results. Some fear that the party is “in a state of complete demoralization and on the eve of annihilation,” and Romain and others hope to get some “word of encouragement and hope” from Roosevelt, as well as assistance if the party collapses. Still, Romain is hopeful, as there is a “strong change of sentiment” in Louisiana and in the South generally, in political matters, and people are beginning to believe the Democratic Party has “outlived its usefulness.” Romain reminds Roosevelt of his offer to consult both factions within the party when the time came, and Romain believes that the time is now. An announcement of Roosevelt’s proposed trip to the area “created an honest and hearty enthusiasm” among Republicans there.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-11-21

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Dwight B. Heard

Dwight B. Heard’s letter about the Republican National Convention was the best that Theodore Roosevelt received. Charles Evans Hughes has weaknesses as a presidential candidate, particularly a lack of experience in international relations, but he was the best Republican candidate available. The Progressive Party has failed in the South as it could not attract enough Democrats. The only Progressive success was in Louisiana and that was mostly due to the popularity of John Milliken Parker. The party has become a small, derelict political organization. Roosevelt regrets that the people are not “advanced” enough to follow the Progressive lead.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-07-03

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George U. Young

Theodore Roosevelt believes that the main trouble with the Progressive Party was that most of the people would not see their true interests and how the future welfare of the people, and the honor of the nation, could best be served by the Progressive Party.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-06-26

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. A. H. Hopkins

Theodore Roosevelt responds to a letter Edward H. Lum wrote to J. A. H. Hopkins, charging Roosevelt with abandoning his commitment never to forsake the Progressive Party. From Roosevelt’s viewpoint, the Progressive Party forsook him. Most Progressives returned to the Republican Party in 1914. However, Roosevelt will never forget the men and women that fought for Progressive principles. He denies deserting the Progressive Party and believes that most people, including Progressives, expect him to support the Republican presidential candidate, Charles Evans Hughes.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-06-26

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Percy S. Stephenson

Theodore Roosevelt appreciates Percy S. Stephenson’s letter. Roosevelt is dismayed that the American people have not supported them and believes that they would have if people “saw their true interest and were keenly alive to their national honor.” Theodore Roosevelt has written a letter to the Progressive National Committee outlining what he believes is “our patriotic duty.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1916-06-23

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to O. H. P. Shelley

Theodore Roosevelt clarifies a statement he made regarding the Progressive Party. He promised to never abandon Progressive principles and supporters. Currently, the party is not competitive but that could change in the future. Roosevelt is not concerned about party labels. He wants to benefit the country and believes progressive policies can help.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-04-10

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Verne E. Joy

The quote from Victor Murdock stating that Theodore Roosevelt is supporting Mr. Weeks is a fake. Currently, the Progressive Party is not competitive anywhere outside of California but the party’s situation could change. Roosevelt suggests that national defense could be an important issue that the Wilson administration is ignoring.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-04-10

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Dwight B. Heard

The only changes Theodore Roosevelt would make to Dwight B. Heard’s letter to Matthew Hale is that Heard is too favorable towards President Woodrow Wilson. Roosevelt does not believe that Wilson represents progressive ideals and considers him reactionary. Wilson, Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan, and Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels have brought the country “lower than it has been for a century.” Some of Wilson’s financial policy may be successful but his policies regarding Mexico and the European war have been “beneath contempt.” The Progressive Party represented principles to which the country should aspire, but the country did not. The party became identified with reform and not prosperity; the people chose prosperity. Roosevelt agrees that they should wait for a year and see what happens to the political situation. He doubts there will be another opportunity to run a nationwide, straight Progressive ticket.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-01-29

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Medill McCormick

Theodore Roosevelt hoped to establish the Progressive Party as the opposition major party during the 1912 election. He felt if it was not done then it could not be done. The party failed to establish itself. People who voted for the Progressive Party were “influenced by a great burst of indignation” but the party’s morality was too lofty and abstract. The party was also primarily opposed to Republican leadership but not Republican principles. Roosevelt describes the Progressive platform as “Abraham Lincoln Republicanism brought up to date.” He closes with a critique of the Wilson administration.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-01-22

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Hiram Johnson

The policies of the Wilson administration have placed the United States in a humiliating position and risk the country drifting into war while unprepared. The armed forces should have been brought into good shape and the country should have lived up to its obligations. The public has grown sick of reformers and simply seeks a return to prosperity. The best course of action for the Progressive Party is to “sit tight and await events.” Roosevelt continues to believe that progressive principles will eventually triumph.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-02-22

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Gifford Pinchot

Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Gifford Pinchot’s attitude on the war and discusses press coverage of the conflict. President Wilson and Secretary of State Bryan have placed the country in a poor position and the United States is held in contempt by the “big fighting nations.” Viscount Bryce’s article supporting the attitude of Wilson and Bryan has increased the country’s difficulties. Foreign affairs are dominating American politics and Roosevelt does not believe that the Progressive Party can run another campaign. Their only recent success has been in California but overall there are too few Progressives to maintain an effective national organization.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-03-29

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Mr. Combes

Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Mr. Combes that economic prosperity for all must be achieved and then how to divide it up can be discussed. Roosevelt also agrees with the need to get rid of the Wilson administration, but he also thinks that nothing can happen if Roosevelt is a candidate.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-12-31

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William Allen White

Theodore Roosevelt does not believe he should go to Chicago, Illinois, as he would be expected to “make an elaborate public statement.” Progressives would be disappointed if he did not make a statement, and the public does not want to hear from a “beaten man” or the Progressive Party at this time. Roosevelt believes there is a “good fighting party” left from Indiana to the west but the overall situation of the Progressive Party is poor. This could change, and Roosevelt suggests that they should publicly proclaim their devotion to the party principles of 1912.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-30

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edwin Augustus Van Valkenburg

Theodore Roosevelt does not believe the Progressive Party should speak out much immediately after their poor showing in the election. The public is tired of politics and wants to see what the victors will do. In a year, the public might be more receptive and the party can reaffirm their principles and dedication to the Progressive platform. Roosevelt no longer considers Amos Pinchot or George L. Record a Progressive. He wants them treated with courtesy, but they are attempting to damage the party.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-23

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Meyer Lissner

The Progressive Party has shown itself to be no better than a third party, and east of Indiana the situation is hopeless. The success in California is primarily due to the influence of Governor Johnson and shows that Californians are interested in progressivism but not the Progressive Party. The primary issue is the economy, and voters that were disappointed in the Democratic administration turned to the Republican Party and not the Progressives. The Progressive Party is also limited due to ingrained party affiliation and a “general revulsion against reform.” Roosevelt is unsure about the future of the party but he remains loyal to the Progressive Party platform of 1912. However, he does not believe he can serve any longer as a party leader.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-16

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Arthur Dehon Hill

Theodore Roosevelt understands that Arthur Dehon Hill sometimes regrets joining the Progressive movement and Roosevelt thinks that “nothing whatever more can be done with the Progressive party.” He regrets the result but has felt little hope for the party since the 1912 election returns. Roosevelt is consoled that they fought “for right, for democracy, for all that makes a democracy worth while.” He believes their 1912 political platform was the most “important constructive” platform since the American Civil War. The platform will eventually be picked up by others.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-09

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William Allen White

Theodore Roosevelt feels that the public has tired of him and he has little hope for a permanent Progressive Party. Americans are wedded to the two party system and will only support a third party for temporary or local reasons. The Progressive Party failed to establish itself as the second party and the political situation will “sink back into the conditions that had been normal.” The party also attracted too many cranks and became associated in the public’s mind with the “lunatic fringe.” The country is tired of reform, reform leaders, and reform legislation. Roosevelt still believes they are fighting for righteousness and was pleased to campaign for his friends. However, he doubts his further political usefulness and believes his participation will likely hurt the causes he supports. The feeling against Roosevelt in New York amounts to a “mania” and the poor election results may help William Barnes win the libel suit.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-07

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Charles J. Bonaparte

Theodore Roosevelt compliments Charles J. Bonaparte for the articles he has written on the Monroe Doctrine and the European war. However, Roosevelt believes that the United States should “act under the Hague Treaties in connection with Belgium.” The treaties were signed and must be acted upon. The Progressive Party was too advanced for the average man and attracted too many cranks. America’s two party system has become too entrenched to overcome. In 1912 the economy was the major issue; a workingman “was not interested in social and industrial justice.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-07

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William P. Young

Theodore Roosevelt congratulates William P. Young and his Progressive Party association on their work and highlights the need for the association to educate the public on the party’s aims moving forward.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-12-21