Presidential candidates--Public opinion

The author sits down with Theodore Roosevelt and asks Roosevelt about becoming president again. Roosevelt declares he has answered the question several times already, but the public does not believe him. The author states Roosevelt has not found the right words to convince the public, but as the conversation continues, the creator is convinced of Roosevelt’s sincerity and encourages Roosevelt to keep trying, to which Roosevelt tells the author to try to convince the public.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11

John O. Yeiser explains to Frank Harper the reason for his telegram asking permission to publicize some of his correspondence with Theodore Roosevelt. Yeiser is anxious to make Roosevelt a candidate and would appreciate being able to share something to help the movement succeed. Roosevelt’s name will be on the Nebraska primary ballot which will provide a poll of the voters preference.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-17

Benjamin F. Beazell tells Theodore Roosevelt that he has traveled through many midwestern states and all republicans he meets are dissatisfied with William H. Taft and will not vote for Taft even if nominated. Beazell states the dissatisfied businessmen and farmers are true blood republicans, not insurgent republicans. Beazell believes the office will seek out Roosevelt despite Roosevelt not seeking office and offers to help in any way he can.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-12

Irving H. Trowbridge offers Theodore Roosevelt his opinion on current political conditions. Despite supporting Roosevelt’s refusal to enter the race, Trowbridge is not sure Taft or La Follette will be able to win the presidency. Based on his considerable experience, Trowbridge believes only one man can lead the Republican’s to victory.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-14

W. J. Oliver assures Theodore Roosevelt that his friends believe in him and are quietly supporting him because they know Roosevelt will cooperate at the proper time. The Tennessee National Committeeman will be Monroe C. Monday. Oliver hears from the south and west that support for Roosevelt will be forthcoming and the funds for a proper campaign will be available.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12

Walter L. Houser assures Theodore Roosevelt that every possible effort is used to nominate the Progressive Republican candidate, Philip Fox La Follette, at the Republican National Convention. Houser believes every part of the country has Progressive sentiment and all that is needed for success is organization and activity in every state.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-18

Benjamin F. Harris updates Theodore Roosevelt on the progress being made of the Federal Field Demonstration movement, which began during the Roosevelt administration. The movement is spreading to other states through the work of various bankers associations and asks Roosevelt for any suggests on Federal Field Demonstration legislation or agricultural education in the states.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-13

Francis Marion Wright tells Theodore Roosevelt he is the only man who can win the Presidency and his party needs him. Wright is familiar with public sentiment and is not swayed by his friendship with Roosevelt. Roosevelt appointed Wright for two federal judgeships and Wright will never forget Roosevelt’s generous words.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-11-25

This pamphlet is a long list of reasons why someone should vote for Theodore Roosevelt to be president and continue the prosperity the Republican Party has brought to the United States over the last seven years. The author lists Roosevelt’s fearlessness, loyalty, and patriotism among other personal qualities. Deeds such as securing the Panama Canal, improving the Army and Navy, and his work for the workingman are also included.

Comments and Context

In his letter to Theodore Roosevelt, John O. Haynie says he printed thousands of this leaflet and distributed them in several states during Roosevelt’s campaign for president. Haynie sends it to Roosevelt in 1911 but it was probably created in 1904.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

President Roosevelt asks if William H. Taft can generate pointed publicity around the situation with Ohio Senator Joseph Benson Foraker to position himself as a foil to Foraker’s corrupt corporate alliance.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-19

President Roosevelt advises William H. Taft to publicly distance himself from Ohio Senator Joseph Benson Foraker, and to make it known publicly that Foraker has taken his negative position towards Roosevelt and Taft because of his own involvement with corporations, and not due to his feelings toward African Americans. For the good of the Republican party, Roosevelt feels that Taft must be strong in his resistance to Foraker, so as to show his opposition to politicians being bought by corporate interest.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-19

President Roosevelt is glad William H. Taft has been going after William Jennings Bryan in the right way. Even though Governor Charles Evans Hughes remains spiteful, Roosevelt is pleased with his renomination. Roosevelt feels they will do well in most states, but cautions against taking chances. Letters are still coming in against Taft’s golfing.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

President Roosevelt is glad to hear that Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Labor Murray is well and is pleased to learn what Murray has to say about William H. Taft.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-18

A. W. Graves expresses sorrow upon hearing of Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt’s accident and hopes she is well recovered by now. Graves also shares concern for corruption in local government and hopes Theodore Roosevelt will accept the Republican Nomination for President as Graves believes Roosevelt is the only man who can bring harmony as president.

Comments and Context

Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt had been thrown from her horse on September 30, 1911, causing her to hit her head and remain unconscious for several days.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

This newspaper article contrasts President Roosevelt and Alton B. Parker. Most of the descriptors of Roosevelt are positive, while some of Parker’s descriptors are negative. A handwritten note beside Roosevelt’s characteristics are included: “Not badly done.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-07-30

Admiral George Dewey, pictured as a rooster, crows “I want to be president.” Uncle Sam, in his bed clothes, leans out a window to throw a boot at him.

comments and context

Comments and Context

Admiral George Dewey, hero of Manila Bay in the Spanish-American War, proved as inept and unappealing a Presidential aspirant as he was a dashing and handsome military icon. After accepting the gift of a house, marrying a widow to whom he transferred the deed, letting a brother-in-law briefly manage his political ambitions,within months Dewey was “damaged merchandise” in Democratic and national politics. 

Theodore Roosevelt has received letters from Governors Stubbs, Hadley, Glasscock, Bass, and Osborn encouraging him to make public his views on accepting the Republican presidential nomination. He has decided to make a public statement to the effect that he does not want the nomination but would consider honor bound to accept if his candidacy was a sincere public desire.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-01-18

Theodore Roosevelt does not want the Republican presidential nomination and will not accept the nomination unless the people’s support presents it to him as a public duty. He wants Governor Stubbs to carefully consider if there is a genuine popular demand for Roosevelt’s nomination in Kansas.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-01-22

Theodore Roosevelt does not want the Republican presidential nomination and will not accept the nomination unless the people’s support presents it to him as a public duty. Roosevelt wants Governor Hadley to carefully consider if there is a genuine popular demand for Roosevelt’s nomination in Missouri.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-01-23

Theodore Roosevelt does not want the Republican presidential nomination and would consider it a “personal misfortune” if he had to accept it. Roosevelt is not convinced that there is a public demand for his candidacy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-12-13