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General Basil Duke of Kentucky believes that no Republican save Theodore Roosevelt can be elected. Generally, people have “faith in his sincerity and his readiness to take action.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1916-05-05
Theodore Roosevelt and the Progressive Party were successful in Michigan. In Charles E. Russell’s county, President Taft only won one precinct. The local children were very interested in the election and several cried when Russell informed them of Governor Wilson’s victory.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-08
H. J. Moule congratulates George W. Perkins on his letter to William Brown McKinley. Moule agrees that President Taft cannot be reelected and Theodore Roosevelt is the only hope of the Republican Party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-05-06
Judge Lindsey believes that the great victory of the Citizens’ ticket in Denver, Colorado displays the people’s sentiment towards Theodore Roosevelt. He is confident in Roosevelt’s victory at the Republican National Convention. Lindsey will be traveling to New York and requests a meeting.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-05-26
Judge Lindsey will be unable to speak in North Dakota due to other commitments. He argues that North Dakota progressives must support Theodore Roosevelt even though Robert M. La Follette is very popular in the state. La Follette cannot win nationally but Roosevelt can succeed and a strong showing in North Dakota will be very helpful for the Roosevelt campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-03-13
President Taft supporters in Kansas are attempting to restrict the selection of delegates to caucuses and conventions in order to take advantage of Taft’s patronage and corporate support. Governor Stubbs believes that the majority of Republicans support Theodore Roosevelt and they are fighting for a solid Roosevelt delegation from Kansas.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-03-15
Governor Stubbs requests that Theodore Roosevelt deliver some public speeches to encourage his supporters against the special privileges that are supporting President Taft. The people of Kansas are hoping that Roosevelt can make several stops in their state.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-03-07
Thomas F. Marshall provides an update on political conditions in North Dakota. The state is anti-Taft and strongly progressive. Senator La Follette is the popular progressive candidate but only because he is the only option and few truly believe that he can win the Republican nomination. Marshall believes that Theodore Roosevelt is the solution to the problem and expects that many Republicans would support Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-01-27
Judge Lindsey has drafted an amendment to the Colorado Constitution that would give the people the final say as to the constitutionality of laws when a Colorado Supreme Court justice dissents from a majority opinion that declares a law unconstitutional. The sentiment for Theodore Roosevelt’s nomination in the West is “overwhelming” and Lindsey might resign from the Wilson Club in order to fully support what he expects to be Roosevelt’s certain nomination.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-01-30
Governor Hadley will be in Chicago, Illinois next week to meet with Governor Stubbs, Governor Osborn, and others interested in Theodore Roosevelt’s presidential candidacy. In Missouri, the fight is on for delegates from the Third Congressional District, which Hadley believes is favorable to Roosevelt. However, some Roosevelt supporters are holding back for fear that Roosevelt will not agree to accept the nomination. He expects the primary in the Fifth District to favor Roosevelt. The North Dakota primary is on March 5 and Hadley encourages Roosevelt to reveal his intentions toward the nomination.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-02-02
After consulting with political leaders in St. Louis, Missouri, Governor Hadley believes that Theodore Roosevelt should make a public statement regarding his views on accepting the Republican presidential nomination within ten days. Thousands of Americans have encouraged Roosevelt’s candidacy and Hadley thinks that they deserve an answer. Stories are circulating that Roosevelt will not accept the nomination and many “timid souls” hesitate to offer support until Roosevelt’s candidacy is confirmed. There will be a meeting in Chicago, Illinois, on February 10 of Roosevelt supporters and Hadley suggests that they make a statement declaring that a majority of Republican voters favor Roosevelt’s candidacy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-02-04
Judge Lindsey wants to make sure that the real sentiment of the people is heard, which is impossible if Theodore Roosevelt’s views on the presidential nomination are not made public. As such, he has been saying that Roosevelt would accept the nomination if it was the clear wish of the party and the people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-02-08
Governor Hadley offers his impressions after attending a meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The meeting was a success and it was concluded that a large majority of Republicans favored Theodore Roosevelt’s nomination as the Republican presidential candidate. However, President Taft’s control of party machinery and influence with federal officeholders gives him a great advantage in conventions and caucuses. This advantage could secure enough delegates to defeat Roosevelt. It was concluded that a Roosevelt campaign organization needs to be formed and that Roosevelt must publicly announce his willingness to accept the presidential nomination. Hadley advises against attending the Ohio Constitutional Convention as this will be construed as an attempt to influence the selection of delegates.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-02-11
Representative Hanna recently traveled to North Dakota and found a great deal of enthusiasm for Theodore Roosevelt’s presidential nomination. The La Follette campaign is attempting to stop the Roosevelt movement and claims that it is only an effort to help President Taft. The first petition for a presidential preference primary was filed by Darby O’Malley of Valley City, North Dakota who is supporting Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-02-12
Judge Lindsey thanks Theodore Roosevelt for the letter regarding limiting the power of the courts. He is working on a state amendment to limit the absolute right of Colorado courts to declare a law unconstitutional, which has been received enthusiastically. The sentiment for Roosevelt’s nomination continues to be strong. Lindsey expects Edward Prentiss Costigan and Philip Battell Stewart to be the progressive Senate candidates in Colorado.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-02-13
Judge Lindsey congratulates Theodore Roosevelt on his speech. Roosevelt’s popularity remains strong in the West but opposition remains, including from the Colorado Republican State Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-02-24
The demand for Theodore Roosevelt’s presidential candidacy is overwhelming in Kansas and time is running out before delegates are selected for the Republican National Convention. Governor Stubbs urges Roosevelt to make a public statement regarding his willingness to accept the Republican presidential nomination if it is offered.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-01-22
Governor Stubbs believes that the general situation is encouraging and describes the demand for Theodore Roosevelt’s presidential candidacy as “unmistakable.” He advises Roosevelt to organize regional campaign headquarters and to suggest a potential sympathetic chairman of the Republic National Convention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-01-06
Representative Humphrey plans to attend the Boone and Crockett Club’s banquet on December 20. He asks if Theodore Roosevelt plans to attend and, if so, if they could meet the following day to discuss the political situation. Humphrey recently visited California and tried to learn the public’s opinion on the presidential election.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-11
Charles E. Wortham reintroduces himself to Theodore Roosevelt, having previously worked for Roosevelt when he was governor. He believes it is Roosevelt’s duty to the country and his friends, especially those in the South, to allow his name to go before the National Convention. While President William H. Taft is a good man, he cannot carry the Republican Party to victory.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-11