Reaney, William Henry, 1863-1915

President Roosevelt tells Secretary of the Navy Bonaparte that Naval Chaplain Father William Henry Reaney has done good work in Brooklyn, and that he would like him to be kept on there if possible. He asks Bonaparte to find out if Reaney would like to go to Portsmouth or to remain where he is. If Reaney stays in New York for the present, Bonaparte can look into the matter at a later date and make the final decision.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-29

Postmaster General Cortelyou thinks there are strong reasons why Chaplain William Henry Reaney should remain at Brooklyn and hopes President Roosevelt will not approve of the change.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-28

Captain S. W. B. Diehl has requested that Chaplain William Henry Reaney be transferred to the prison ship “Southery.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-27

Charles J. Bonaparte asks President Roosevelt his thoughts on whether Navy Chaplain William Henry Reaney should be assigned to Portsmouth or Brooklyn.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-28

In Detroit, Michigan, President Roosevelt addresses a crowd of veterans of the Spanish-American War, telling them Mayor William C. Maybury’s invitation to speak to them was the first Roosevelt had accepted that fall. After joking that in the Spanish-American War “there was not enough war to go around,” Roosevelt notes with seriousness that veterans of that conflict hope they showed the same spirit and worthiness as the “men of Appomattox.” Using anecdotes from their military service, Roosevelt reminds them that as with soldiers, good citizens come from all walks of life and that the drudgery of hard work comes before heroism in battle. He urges the testing of oneself and one’s neighbors by “the essential instead of the non-essential qualities in each man.” He also highlights the need for modern military training and weapons but emphasizes that the character of the soldier is even more important. Finally, Roosevelt praises the United States’ actions and motives in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines and pledges the best results for the people of the Philippines in particular.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division