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Theodore Roosevelt predicted the progressives’ current position. They want him to start a series of “pronunciamentos,” or military rebellions. Several of his letters have been publicized, and he directs Gardner Gilson to read his statements made in Vermont. He feels it foolish to repeat his statement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-23
Brigadier General Smith delivers a speech upon taking office as the Governor-General of the Philippines. He praises the work of his predecessors Henry C. Ide, Luke E. Wright, and William H. Taft. He blames the Philippine-American War (1899-1902) on the Filipinos misunderstanding the motives of the United States’ policy to govern the Philippines while preparing the Filipinos for self-government rather than granting them independence immediately. Smith credits the United States for its restraint towards enemy combatants and in building in the Philippines municipal, judicial, educational, and taxation infrastructure while promoting a slate of liberal civil rights. He believes that to restore prosperity following the destructive war they will need to encourage new markets, American investment, the construction of railroads, and better training for the Philippines Constabulary. He particularly believes in broad education in the English language and in the trades. He recommends postponing the question of independence and addressing instead practical matters. He notes the importance of separating state functions from those of the Catholic church.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-20
Secretary of War Taft writes about the progress of rebel disarmament as the American occupation of Cuba begins. He reports on the condition of the weapons and horses received and difficulties in transfer because of misunderstandings due to language. He faults himself for not providing closer supervision.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-07
Updating from Cuba, Secretary of War Taft reports that the yellow fever situation is not cause for alarm. Disarmament and surrenders are taking place all over the island, with expected difficulties in the process. Many of the insurgents have just gone home and the prospect of peace is strong.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-05
In a confidential telegram to President Roosevelt, Secretary of War Taft expresses his concern that General Frederick Funston is not the right commander for the job in Cuba. The Cuban rebels do not respond to Funston. They need a more diplomatic leader like General James Franklin Bell.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-03
Secretary of War Taft informs President Roosevelt that an agreement over what to do about the Cuban insurrection has been sent to the Revolutionary committee and has been signed. Tomás Estrada Palma is pleased with the United States’ proclamation as he believed no other solution was possible. However, total disarmament of the rebels without trouble occurring is unlikely.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-29
Jacob Sleeper, chargé d’affaires in Cuba, informs Secretary of State Elihu Root that the peace efforts of the Cuban veterans led by General Mario García Menocal have failed and that President Tomás Estrada Palma declared martial law and has begun arresting suspected members of the Revolutionary Committee. He also describes the effect of martial law on the city of Havana.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-11
The Cuban Secretary of State has asked Consul General Steinhart, in the name of Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma, to ask President Roosevelt for two vessels to be sent immediately to Havana and Cienfuegos in Cuba to quell a rebellion. Estrada Palma will talk with the Cuban Congress later and will ask for intervention, but it must be kept secret that he has asked for vessels.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-08
Jacob Sleeper, the chargé d’affaires in Cuba, informs Secretary of State Root that the Cuban government’s Amnesty Order had little effect and the rebellion is still active. Sleeper believes that rebel leader Faustino Guerra is waiting for the Cuban government to make the first move, but the government is lacking in men and arms. It is rumored that Colonel Emilio Ávalos y Acosta will attack Guerra’s command near the Bay of Cortez to open up a waterway in case Western Railroad service is interrupted, as Guerra has been threatening to dynamite its bridges. There are rumors of a lack of harmony between the Cuban President and Vice President in regards to patronage and the conduct of the war. Rebel leader Ernesto Asbert is threatening to burn foreign properties unless the government accedes to their demands.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-30
Jacob Sleeper, the chargé d’affaires in Cuba, informs Secretary of State Root of the latest developments involving an uprising against the government in Cuba. Campos Marquetti, an Afro-Cuban senator, led insurrectionists to Cabanas where they took horses, saddles, and other property of the Mercedita Sugar Company. Sleeper has advised the manager in the manner described in his telegram yesterday.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-29
Secretary Montalvo sends instructions from President Roosevelt to General Rodriguez to be distributed among the chiefs operating in the provinces of Pinar del Rio, Havana, Matanzas, and Santa Clara, Cuba. The chiefs are to allow all prisoners or others repenting of their error to return to their homes peacefully. Prisoners captured while in command of bands shall be detained in their respective camps until the government resolves to restore them to liberty or place them at the disposition of the special instructional judge. Rebel chiefs who have surrendered should also be allowed to return to their homes with assurance of no further molestation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-27
The chargé d’affaires in Cuba, Jacob Sleeper, informs Secretary of State Root that the uprising has spread to San Juan y Martinez and San Luis. The insurgents have threatened to blow up bridges and destroy the property of a railway if the company continues to transport government troops.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-24
The chargé d’affaires in Cuba, Jacob Sleeper, tells Secretary of State Root that little has changed since their last communication. The insurrectionists are “somewhat stronger,” and Sleeper admits to having only meager information about the current situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-21
The chargé d’affaires in Cuba, Jacob Sleeper, sends two telegrams to Secretary of State Root describing an insurrection in Cuba. In the first, he describes the insurrection in Pinar del Rio and Havana Province of consisting of several hundred armed men and notes that several leaders have been arrested. In the second, Sleeper reports that the general situation is unchanged and that the insurrectionists have grown somewhat stronger. Sleeper says there is not much information about the situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-21
Jacob Sleeper telegrams Secretary of State Elihu Root that there was an armed insurrection against the government in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, in which several hundred armed men attacked. The government claims no trouble elsewhere and has arrested several known leaders.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-20
Some papers and some members of Congress are taking exception to Leonard Wood’s fight against the Moros and to President Roosevelt’s dispatches. Grenville Mellen Dodge believes that Wood was right in how he dealt with the Moros and also believes that severe punishment is the best way to deal with the Moros.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-03-17
Rear Admiral Sigsbee, commander of the Caribbean division of the North Atlantic fleet, reports to Secretary of the Navy Morton that he is authorizing the USS Dixie to proceed to Colon. The revolutionists in Santo Domingo appear to be preparing for an outbreak. Action in the U.S. Senate will affect the crisis.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-25
Governor General of the Philippines Wright discusses the Moros in the Moro province, a stronghold of Muslim rebellion, under the governance of Leonard Wood. Wood describes the skirmish with “a band of outlaws under Ali” as not a “cause for anxiety,” and Wright believes Wood is correct in his assessment. Wright also discusses the new government, money awarded for infrastructure, and an act abolishing slavery.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-18
The article discusses Theodore Roosevelt’s statements on morality and international justice, criticizing his foreign policy actions related to the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-09
Uncle Sam, John Bull, and figures representing Germany, Italy, France, and Russia listen as a town crier labeled “Sagasta” reads a proclamation. “Blanco” plays a drum. The proclamation states that Spain’s war with Cuba will end “next Thursday afternoon at half past four,” or in “two weeks,” or “we shall positively end it sometime or other.”
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1897-11-24