Your TR Source
Representative Kinkaid sends Theodore Roosevelt a copy of his speech to the House regarding statehood for New Mexico and Arizona. He comments on the judicial recall as proposed in the Arizona constitution. Kinkaid would appreciate Roosevelt’s comments on his ideas.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-11
Albert Henry Walker fears that the independence of the federal judiciary can lead to irresponsible behavior as federal judges can only be removed through impeachment. He suggests that federal judges should be able to be recalled similar to the plan for state judges in Arizona. He supports his suggestion with the case of Judge Henry W. Blodgett who altered his judicial conduct after facing potential impeachment. He also points to Judge R. W. Archbald whose current deviations from impartial justice cannot be corrected.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-09
Ernest H. Liebel called on Theodore Roosevelt earlier to ask if any “eleventh hour publicity program” regarding Arizona statehood would be advisable, given the new information about the urgent need for the judiciary recall, as discussed in President William H. Taft’s letter to Mayor of Tucson George B. Heney. Liebel is intimately familiar with the situation and can verify the facts. He wants Theodore Roosevelt to write an editorial on Arizona’s adoption of the recall out of necessity.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-03
As requested by E. W. Scripps, Frank H. Blighton sends Senator Poindexter a copy of the newspaper “Voice of the People,” containing a portion of a letter offering a complaint made to President William H. Taft regarding the inability of Arizonans to remove corrupt judges. Blighton asks Poindexter to consider the issue, and not to vote to amend Arizona’s proposed constitution to remove the right of recall. The current judge of the first judicial district of Arizona, Judge John H. Campbell, is thoroughly corrupt, and has acted poorly at the bench.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-22
Jerome Davis, a longtime reader of The Outlook, generally values Theodore Roosevelt’s editorials. He would like Roosevelt’s opinion on the merits of recalls for administrative officers. He is unsure whether he should back the recall measure or not because it might do more harm than good in the case of short term offices.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-11
J. F. Houchins writes to Theodore Roosevelt to inquire about what Roosevelt objected to in relation to joining the National Progressive Republican Movement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-05
Governor Colquitt is glad Theodore Roosevelt was interested in his discussion on the principles of initiative, referendum, and recall being “contradistinguished from representative and republican form of government.” He believes such a theory would negate the need for constitutions, legislature, or Congress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-24
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary asks Charles A. Ingram for the transcripts of Roosevelt’s speeches while in Madison, Wisconsin. Roosevelt wants to get his comments about the recall correct. He reports that Roosevelt enjoyed the reception and meeting Ingram and Governor Francis E. McGovern.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-18
William Simon U’Ren reports to Theodore Roosevelt that Oregon widely approves his speech, save for the issue of recall.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-14
Oscar Tromlitz believes initiative, referendum, recall, and direct primaries are essential to eliminating corruption. He discusses thoughts on liquor and marriage laws. As his “power is very limited,” he shares his suggestions with people, such as Theodore Roosevelt, who have influence.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-11
Thaddeus A. Kidd commends Theodore Roosevelt’s series of articles on nationalism published in The Outlook. Recognizing he knows little about political topics, he asks Roosevelt to discuss “initiative,” “referendum,” and “recall” in upcoming articles.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-09
Joseph Culbertson Clayton sends Theodore Roosevelt a copy of “rude lines to The New York Southern Society.” He believes the current issues of direct voting for senators, initiative, referendum, and recall are equal to that of secession during the Civil War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-07
Mrs. A. L. Brandenburg sends Theodore Roosevelt a clipping and insists Judge Ludwig be recalled for allowing her to be committed to a psychiatric hospital. She shares her experience while there and that of another wrongfully committed woman.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-03
John H. Perry gives Francis J. Heney topics for Theodore Roosevelt’s speech in Seattle, Washington, including the recall of judges, the right to criticize courts, and the abolishment of old constructive contempt law.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-29
Governor Osborn of Michigan opines that, as the legislature “is the creation and creature of the people,” it should follow the will of the majority. In this specific instance, Osborn says the Illinois Legislature should implement the initiative, referendum, and recall as soon as possible. By giving the people the opportunity to vote often, they will not need to resort to rioting to make their voices heard.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-23
Senator Newlands is traveling and will not be able to welcome Theodore Roosevelt to Nevada. Having heard that Roosevelt’s speech will focus on Nevada as a progressive state, Newlands sends a pamphlet on its progressive legislation. Some of these include the referendum, initiative, employer’s liability, and direct primary. Unfortunately, other important measures failed during the recent legislative session because of a divided party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-09
Representative Kent wants to take Theodore Roosevelt, Governor Hiram Johnson, Theodore “Ted” Roosevelt, and Francis J. Heney on an outing up the mountains during his visit to California. He warns Roosevelt about the “grafting bunch.” Kent discusses “the great things” Johnson has done for California as governor. While Heney has been brave since his loss (his wife, Rebecca W. Heney, died January 26, 1911), Kent believes time with Roosevelt will bolster him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-20
Senator Bourne argues in favor of direct legislation and against placing limits on the use of the initiative and recall. He encourages Theodore Roosevelt to take up the fight for popular government in New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-07
Henry L. Stimson clarifies his views on recall elections for governors. He believes that they should be optional after two years, and difficult to initiate. Before Theodore Roosevelt writes his article on the judiciary, Stimson would like to speak with him. He thinks it would be a bad time to raise issues that the Supreme Court appears to be avoiding.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-04
Congressman Nash asks Theodore Roosevelt where he can find Roosevelt’s statement opposing the recall of public officers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-30