Rayner, Isidor, 1850-1912

Following a number of legislative items, including voting on an amendment to a bill and a motion to investigate participation in international expositions, Senator Robert M. La Follette delivers a speech beginning with proposed tariff reciprocity with Canada, but quickly turning to his view that President William H. Taft has abandoned his campaign promises to continue the progressive policies of his predecessor Theodore Roosevelt. La Follette excoriates Taft on his stances on taxes and conservation, among other issues.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-15

President Roosevelt sits on a throne with a large crown and his big stick as a scepter. Beneath his feet is a rug, “U.S. Constitution.”

comments and context

Comments and Context

The short-lived cartooning career of Alonzo W. Scarborough in the recently (1904) established New York newspaper, the Evening Globe, produced some memorable campaigns. The paper merged with the Commercial Advertiser (whose origins are traced to the first American newspaper, founded by Noah Webster) and was eventually bought by newspaper mogul Frank Andrew Munsey, a consistent supporter of Theodore Roosevelt, and merged with many other titles into the Herald-Tribune in the 1920s.

President Roosevelt is at the front of the pack in a bicycle race that includes Secretary of State Elihu Root, Woodrow Wilson, former U. S. Minister to Austria-Hungary Bellamy Storer, Senator Isidor Rayner, Perry Belmont, and Secretary of War William H. Taft.

Comments and Context

The awkward but popular artist W. A. Rogers was a longtime book illustrator and political cartoonist for Harper’s Weekly, Life, and the New York Herald. This cartoon, from the end of 1906, depicts a wide assortment of figures in the news, apparently associated only by their prominence in momentary headlines — and therefore vying with President Roosevelt for headlines.

In the symbolic bicycle race (as these sporting events were becoming popular with fans) Roosevelt seems angry with Elihu Root, but in real life they were the best of friends (the famous Root was one of the endorsers of young Roosevelt’s entry into politics in 1881) and Root served as Secretary of State under President Roosevelt. Root was widely discussed at the end of 1906 for his advocacy, as yet theoretical, of radical reforms. So, however, was Roosevelt, who was glad to share the criticism that erupted.

President Roosevelt walks through a forest and is about to step on a “rate bill” animal trap. “The Senate” watches from behind the trees. Caption: Senator Rayner—”But I do say, and I say it again with the greatest respect and reverence for the President, and that the President is so constituted that he cannot look at a trap without fooling with the spring!”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-05-15

During a speech given at the Methodist Episcopal Church of Africa’s diamond jubilee, President Roosevelt praises white imperialism. Roosevelt in particular eulogizes British imperialism in India, claiming the British administration to be a greater feat than any of the Roman Empire. Roosevelt states that English control prevents tyrannical leaders from oppressing the common masses. The second portion of this article describes the outrage incited by the summoning of the editors and correspondents of the New York World to testify in a case against Joseph Pulitzer for libeling the United States Government. Representative William F. Willett, of New York, went on an angry tirade against President Roosevelt. Once Willett was declared out of order and prevented from continuing, Senator Isidor Rayner, of Massachusetts, explained that the outrage was due to concerns over violation of the freedom of speech and press.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-19

Theodore Roosevelt tells Erastus Brainerd that he never published a pamphlet on the Monroe Doctrine.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-09

President Roosevelt tells Francis E. Warren, chairman of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs, that he does not believe there is need for a court of inquiry regarding the stationing of Colonel William F. Stewart at Fort Grant. It is within Roosevelt’s authority to do so, and he points out that any punishment in such a posting is incidental to the goal of keeping the best and most efficient officers in command. Stewart has not proven himself fit to command troops.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-14

President Roosevelt encloses a copy of his letter to Senator Isidor Rayner, as Senator Taliaferro is mentioned in it. Roosevelt asserts his authority to deny Colonel William F. Stewart a court of inquiry regarding his being sent to Fort Grant.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-12

President Roosevelt sends Lyman Abbott letters he wrote to various Senators about the Brownsville incident and a matter concerning Colonel William F. Stewart. Roosevelt asserts his executive authority as President to make determinations about the dismissal and stationing of soldiers, citing past precedents. He also provides his rationale for dismissing the Brownsville soldiers and for refusing to grant Stewart a court of inquiry.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-10

President Roosevelt asserts his right as executive to appoint and dismiss officers in the armed forces. He tells Senator Stewart that Congress thus lacks the power to carry out Senator Joseph Benson Foraker’s proposal regarding his dismissal of African American troops at Brownsville.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-07

President Roosevelt encloses the letter that he sent to Senator Thomas S. Martin, and asks Harriet T. O’Brien Stevens to show it to Senator Isidor Rayner. If Mr. Lackey is employed by the federal government, Roosevelt will ensure that he retains his position.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-01-08

President Roosevelt asks Senator Martin if anything can be done to help Mr. Lackey, who was permanently injured while working on the Panama Canal. Senator Isidor Rayner has introduced a bill for it, and Roosevelt hopes Martin will support it.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-01-08

Senator Rayner recently referred to a treatise by Theodore Roosevelt on the Monroe Doctrine but was vague about any publication details. Erastus Brainerd asks Roosevelt whether he has written any such treatise.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-02

Creator(s)

Brainerd, Erastus, 1855-1922