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Racism--Public opinion

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Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt pens his son Kermit Roosevelt with updates about the family’s activities over the previous weekend, including rides on the presidential yacht and hikes with Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. He is especially gushing about his wife, and Kermit’s mother, Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt’s aptitude for physical activity and general intelligence. Roosevelt goes on to describe his trouble responding to the San Francisco Board of Eduction’s attempt to remove Japanese students from schools. He believes that the general distain for the Japanese among Americans on the Pacific Coast, stemming from labor disputes and racism, is to blame. Congress’ refusal to fund new fortifications in Hawaii and the Philippines has added to Roosevelt’s woes in the region.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-02-04

Memorandum on readiness for war in Japan

Memorandum on readiness for war in Japan

This memorandum is broken into three parts. The first part evaluates Japan’s capacity to wage war, declaring that the Japanese army is in an “unfavorable condition for war.” While Japan is expected to have limited opportunities to procure credit throughout Europe, European political interests might align with Japan’s need for capital and allow them the funds for improvements. The following section describes immigration constraints on the Japanese in the United States, compared with their experiences in Korea and Manchuria, and how insulted the people of Japan are by American racism. The third section focuses on the attitude of military men towards the United States, reporting that military personnel are insulted by the Gentleman’s Agreement of 1907. The memo lists possible tactics and invasion points that Japan may employ in a future war against the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908

Letter from Charles E. Townsend to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from Charles E. Townsend to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Townsend of Michigan relays his correspondence with Representative John Sharp Williams of Mississippi to President Roosevelt regarding a pending railroad bill. Williams asserts that railroad companies are spreading propaganda in the South, suggesting that a strengthened Interstate Commerce Commission will nullify Jim Crow segregation in coach accommodations. Townsend offers counterpoints to these concerns, and suggests saying nothing about race in order to protect the bill. Addressing Roosevelt directly, he describes his draft of the railroad bill and discloses having sent a copy to Attorney General William H. Moody. Townsend also encloses a letter from Williams, which wishes Roosevelt to see.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-11-03

Letter from George Harrison Barbour to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from George Harrison Barbour to Theodore Roosevelt

George Harrison Barbour supports President Roosevelt and his decision to host Booker T. Washington at the White House. In the past several days, newspapers have printed much criticism of the president, “from southern persons especially.” He claims that the general public supports Roosevelt. Barbour concludes by declaring that if a man is moral and a good citizen, the color of his skin should not matter. As long as Roosevelt continues to hold such a position, he will retain Barbour’s full support.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-21