Progressivism (United States politics)

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Arthur Hamilton Lee

Theodore Roosevelt inquires about Ruth Moore Lee’s health, and tells about Kermit Roosevelt’s railroad work in South America. Roosevelt also explains his move from the Republican Party to the Progressive Party during the 1912 Presidential campaign and details issues in the party platform. Although Roosevelt expects that Wilson will win, he is happy because of his strong belief in the Progressive movement, his hope that it is the beginning of a new movement that will lead American democracy away from materialism, and his admiration for his colleagues such as Hiram Johnson.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-08-14

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Charles Dwight Willard

Theodore Roosevelt is concerned to hear of Charles Dwight Willard’s hemorrhages, but admires his commitment to doing his duty in the face of death. Roosevelt expresses joy that Hiram Johnson is his running mate, and pride that Willard liked his speech. Roosevelt confides that he is not confident of winning, but finds it worthwhile to call attention to the cause of Progressivism.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-08-15

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Jane Addams

Theodore Roosevelt asks Jane Addams to provide him with an explanation of an enclosed telegram that may pertain to Millicent Garrett Fawcett. He requests that Addams write a few articles on the progressive movement, especially as it relates to social justice for women and children.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-08-16

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Albert Shaw

Theodore Roosevelt is pleased by Albert Shaw’s writing in the Review of Reviews. Roosevelt discusses his views of the Progressive Party as a new party comparable to the Republican Party after it broke away from the Whig Party. Roosevelt discusses the Progressive Party running as a third party and also agrees with Shaw about the Vice-Presidency.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-08-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Emerson Walker Smith

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.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-31

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Julian LaRose Harris

Theodore Roosevelt describes in detail the challenging issue of race in the Progressive Party, as well as the Republican and Democratic Parties. He says, “We have made the Progressive issue a moral, not a racial issue.” Roosevelt concludes that the Progressive Party, as well as Southern black men, will be best served by appealing to Southern white men who support civil rights.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-08-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Hiram G. Andrews

Theodore Roosevelt assures Hiram G. Andrews that he has a plan for what to do in Pennsylvania, and will make this decision public after the National Progressive Convention. Roosevelt wants to wait until after his nomination.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-08-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Lindon W. Bates

Theodore Roosevelt does not support Progressive candidates going before Republican and Democratic primaries, unless in exceptional circumstances. Roosevelt thinks that damaging misunderstandings would arise as a result of the suggestion made by Lindon W. Bates, and that Progressives nominated as a result of those primaries would only be worth something as Progressive party members, rather than Progressive members of the Democratic and Republican parties.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-08-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William Henry Maxwell

Theodore Roosevelt pledges to William Henry Maxwell that he will take up the cause of equality for African Americans. Roosevelt reminds Maxwell of the history of the Republican Party in the South and discusses how African American delegates as well as Southern white delegates were responsible for nominating President Taft.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-30

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to W. R. Nelson

Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Colonel Nelson on two points: that the state should pay for election costs so that the poor can vote, and that lawyers cost too much, meaning that justice goes to the wealthy. Roosevelt thinks that this latter point is too radical to fight for at this time.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-30

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Secretary of Theodore Roosevelt to Edward C. Carrington

On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary sends Colonel Carrington the contact information of Thomas Symington, a potential player in the Maryland Progressive movement, and suggests they meet.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-23

Creator(s)

Secretary of Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William A. Derrah

Theodore Roosevelt thanks William A. Derrah for his letter regarding the start of a Progressive movement in Maine. Roosevelt will send Derrah’s letter to Charles S. Thompson of Montpelier, Vermont, who was a key proponent in starting the Progressive movements in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-19

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Hiram Johnson

Theodore Roosevelt agrees that the Progressive campaign needs to be a “straightforward fight for the people” without “temporizing with the politicians.” Roosevelt hopes to make a speech on the first day of the National Progressive Convention.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-20

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Stevenson A. Williams

Theodore Roosevelt writes to Progressive Party supporter, Stevenson A. Williams, asking to meet with him to discuss the issues.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-16

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edwin T. Earl

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Edwin T. Earl in receipt of his letter. Roosevelt contends that Arkansas progressive Democrat Judge Caldwell’s signature on the stated pledge is significant.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-16

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Secretary of Theodore Roosevelt to Joseph M. Dixon

Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary encloses a letter Roosevelt received from Charles Insco Williams. The secretary asks that Senator Dixon meet with Williams to discuss forming Progressive parties in the Southern states.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-12

Creator(s)

Secretary of Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Thomas Gill

Theodore Roosevelt appreciates the action of the Progressive Colored Invincible League and asks Thomas Gill to get in touch with Comptroller Prendergast.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-08

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Alvan E. Clarendon

Theodore Roosevelt was pleased with Alvan E. Clarendon’s letter. It appears that the Republican Party in Nebraska has been captured and made into a progressive party. Roosevelt would like to keep it that way.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frank Thompson

Theodore Roosevelt appreciates Frank Thompson’s efforts to organize the Mercer County Progressive League. Thompson’s telegram has been forwarded to Senator Dixon.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Chase S. Osborn

Theodore Roosevelt has heard that Governor Osborn will be supporting Governor Wilson in the presidential election, which is understandable. However, Roosevelt cannot see progressive Republicans supporting Wilson as this would mean giving power to Democratic bosses. Roosevelt would be willing to pass progressive leadership to another man, but no one suitable has emerged.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-07-05

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919