Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt thanks A. J. Provost for his letter and comments that all Progressive Republicans should stand together during the upcoming election against the “bosses” and their special interests.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-06-10
Theodore Roosevelt challenges President William H. Taft’s Philadelphia speech, in which he identified himself as a Progressive. Roosevelt also discusses his opinions on the fair and direct representation of the People, and financial conditions in America.
1912-04-03
Theodore Roosevelt explains why political parties were created and why the Republican and Democratic parties have failed the American people by becoming too involved with business and corrupt practices. The new Progressive Party has no such ties and is to be seen as the “instrument of the people.” The Progressive cause, Roosevelt asserts, is the righteous cause and he sees the great honor in representing the party and will not fail to live up to that cause.
Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound
1912-08
Theodore Roosevelt first discusses the authority of the courts to delay or stop social and political justice and advancement and how that needs to be changed by the will of the people. He then discusses the need for regulation of industry for the safety and welfare of its workers. The Progressive Party supports a minimum wage, 8-hour work day and child and women labor laws to help the industrial laborer’s standard of living.
Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound
1912-08
Theodore Roosevelt gave this speech in August, 1912, regarding what the country needs to do both for its farmers and for its businessmen. Roosevelt is clear the government should help the farmer in all his enterprises to succeed as he is the backbone of our nation. Business should be regulated to allow for both small and big business to prosper. Above all, prosperity for all Americans is the goal.
Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound
1912-08
Theodore Roosevelt explains his relationship with Cornelius Newton Bliss while he was in a position of power for the Republican Party and that while he respects Bliss, he was never stopped from prosecuting a company or person by Bliss’s advice. John D. Archbold and Senator Boise Penrose know this and that is why they have attacked Roosevelt in their testimony to Congress. Archbold and Penrose know that Roosevelt is the people’s champion as the Progressive Party candidate and will hinder their dishonest work if he were elected.
Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound
1912-09-22
Theodore Roosevelt discusses the concept of popular rule and government and Herbert David Croly’s book, The Promise of American Life.
1911
Proceedings of the first National Progressive Convention held in Chicago, Illinois, on August 5-7, 1912. Through a number of speeches, party leaders justify the party’s founding and define its political goals. Theodore Roosevelt is nominated as the Progressive candidate for president and Hiram Johnson is nominated as his running mate. Both deliver speeches accepting their nomination and expounding on progressive ideals. TR’s speeches are found on pages 60-145 and 298-301.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-07
George W. Kirchwey presents his views on how to expand the Progressive Party through education and political action.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-14
William Allen White believes that the Wisconsin situation is a good opportunity for progressives to show that they will stand for good government regardless of political friendships or enmity. White intends to support John James Blaine and would like Theodore Roosevelt to make a speech in support.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912
Theodore Roosevelt supports state primaries for the nomination of the Republican presidential candidate. Roosevelt believes that the candidate should reflect the will of the people while his opponents view the nomination process as a game played for the benefit of the contestants.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-03-08
Gifford Pinchot is pleased that Theodore Roosevelt approves of his article on conservation and cost of living. He is planning to make it into a campaign pamphlet. Pinchot has been working with Lynn Haines to prepare the book and pamphlet on the Democratic Congress which he believes will help defeat a number of Democrats.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-24