Ransom

Everything possible must be done for Ellen Maria Stone, an American missionary who was kidnapped on the Turkey-Bulgaria border. However, President Roosevelt wishes to stress that the government has no power to pay ransoms as every missionary or traveler to “wild lands” should be aware. It is his personal opinion that women have “no earthly business” going as missionaries to such places.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Alfred K. Moe has long been pressed for an appointment by Rowland Blennerhassett Mahany. Moe is a Harvard graduate and speaks several languages. President Roosevelt would like to see Moe’s name put on the list after Nast’s name is added. Roosevelt would also like to make a public statement regarding Ellen Maria Stone to the effect that the government will not sanction ransom payments.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-03-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

President Roosevelt disagrees entirely with Dr. Washburn. He feels there has been no government mismanagement related to the kidnapping of Ellen Maria Stone. It would be impossible for the government to pay ransom for missionaries and other kidnap victims. Roosevelt’s personal opinion is that women should not act as foreign missionaries and that men who do should go “in the spirit of a soldier,” aware of the possible consequences.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-11-22

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

The Prudential Committee of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions cannot pay Miss Stone’s ransom. Her protection and release are dependent on the government. A committee has been appointed to meet tomorrow with President Roosevelt and the State Department.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-10-04

Creator(s)

Smith, Judson, 1837-1906