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A “National Anthem and March Dedicated to Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, as Embodying his Principles and Those of Every Loyal American.” The lyrics speak to putting aside the rancor of the Civil War and sectionalism, defending the American flag across the world, and advancing the cause of religion.
Dr. Danny O. Crew Theodore Roosevelt Sheet Music Collection
1916
An article titled “The President’s Original Southern Platform” asserts that southerners should pay attention to a letter that Herman Henry Kohlsaat wrote in response to Reverend W. W. Landrum. Landrum asserted that “the negro question” is a purely religious problem in the South, and Kohlsaat relays conversations he had with President Roosevelt where Roosevelt said that he intended to appoint Democrats in the South when he could not find appropriate Republicans in positions. The writer of the article notes that the South asks Roosevelt to keep African Americans out of public office in the South. The newspaper page includes the letters from both Kohlsaat and Landrum.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-07
Following the election of William H. Taft, President Roosevelt responds to the issue of whether a candidate’s religious affiliation should influence a political election. This copy of his letter to James C. Martin shows his edits, condensing the text to address the central question.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-06
Following William H. Taft’s election as president, President Roosevelt responds to James C. Martin’s letter stating that many voters would not support Taft because of his Unitarian religion and perceived sympathy with Catholics. Roosevelt takes the opportunity to broadly state that he believes that the faith of political candidates is a personal matter that voters should not take into account. He believes that voting for candidates based on their religion violates the principles of religious freedom that America is founded upon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-06
Puerto Rico Governor Beekman Winthrop has instructed Puerto Rico Secretary of State Post to open his mail while he is absent. This is how Post came to open President Roosevelt’s letter regarding the appointment of George Cabot Ward to a post on the island. Post knows Ward and says he is “the kind of Catholic [Roosevelt] ought to send down here.” Ward’s appointment would interfere with Post’s plans for Tom Jett, but if Jett cannot have the position, Ward should. Post believes that Winthrop is the one who should be consulted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-16
Lyman Abbott was interested in President Roosevelt’s letter about the attempt to “stir up religious animosity” against president-elect William H. Taft. Abbott had also decided not to dignify the issue by referring it until after the election, when he wanted to write an editorial on it. He had planned on taking a vacation, so he handed the matter over to an associate. He encloses a passage from Woodrow Wilson’s lectures about the Constitution. He discusses when he and his daughter will arrive in Washington, D.C.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-11
William H. Taft responds to Home Herald editor Frederick L. Chapman’s inquiry on the importance of Christian character to a successful career. Taft regards it as the most essential part of a successful career, especially as “the spirit of Christianity is pure democracy.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-26
William H. Taft agrees with President Roosevelt about the newspaper interview. He thanks Roosevelt for his encouraging words. He is most troubled by the attacks on his religious beliefs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-26
The Bulletin, 3 o’clock edition, reports on current events in Washington, D.C. A circled article, titled “Catholics Repudiate Roosevelt and Root,” reports that, according to a cablegram from Reverend Martin Kennelly to Anthony Matré, Catholics in China have pushed back against being classified as “a vicious people” by President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Elihu Root in the matter of the exoneration of Judge Lebbus R. Wilfley. Other articles on the page report that Stuyvesant Fish recently had lunch with President Roosevelt, and that Representatives Charles Napoleon Brumm and J. Hampton Moore visited the White House to put the name of William M. Garrett forward as a candidate for Public Printer. There is also a discussion of a bill dealing with the aftermath of the Brownsville Incident, looking to reinstate some of the soldiers who had been dishonorably discharged.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-12
Theodore Roosevelt believes that Colonel Joseph Garrard’s claim that Jews cannot be good military officers is unjust. Regardless of creed, everyone should be given a fair chance. Even when he was being pressured, Roosevelt would never advance someone because they were Jewish, just as he would never discriminate against someone because they were Jewish. James Andrew Drain is doing “really fine work” and Roosevelt hopes to meet with him soon.
1911-06-27
Program for a mass meeting “In the Interests of the Enforcement of Laws and a Proper Respect for the Lord’s Day.” Speakers include Bishop John J. Keane, president of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and New York City Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt. Program includes copies of the invitations extended to Roosevelt and Keane, proceedings of the meeting, and the text of the speeches.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
1895-09-11
American Baptist Flag suggests that a Jesuit was involved in the assassination of William McKinley.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901
Daniel H. Reese believes that the Jesuits are very dangerous and sends a related newspaper article.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-15
Chaplain Vattmann will be called to meet with President Roosevelt or Secretary of War Taft to discuss “religious-political” matters in Hawaii and the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10
Theodore Roosevelt views the war as a battle between militarism and democracy. Currently, Russia and Japan are allied with democracy, but with their “alien” institutions and ideals they may “menace civilization.” To do her duty, the United States must be the “just man armed” and avoid pacifism. Roosevelt, and his views, are unpopular and he no longer desires to be a political candidate. He fears his candidacy would be interpreted as greedy ambition. Roosevelt is also opposed by many Catholics due to his previous policies and recent statements. His victory in the Barnes libel suit was also a victory for his supporters as it showed they were right about “boss rule and crooked business.” Roosevelt feels he has done his share in the progressive movement and can no longer take a leading role. The public has had enough of reform and Roosevelt’s presence will now hinder, rather then benefit, the cause.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-03
William II, German Emperor, with wings fashioned out of swords, rides on a large cannon being pulled and pushed by members of the clergy. Among the crowd following in the background are two banners that state “Love One Another” and “Come and Be Saved; If You Don’t ….”
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1898-01-12
German emperor William II, wearing a two-tiered tiara, is welcomed by throngs of Arab Muslims who carry a banner that proclaims “Allah is Great, and William His Prophet.” Across a narrow body of water, Pope Leo XIII, wearing the papal tiara, sits on St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1898-11-16
John G. Ewing and his cousin, Father Thomas Ewing Sherman, are concerned that the Catholic Church in the United States represents people of many nationalities, many of whose “instincts and prepossessions are not American.” Recognizing the growing influence of Catholics in national life, Ewing believes that the appointment of bishops who uphold Americanism is necessary. He urges President Roosevelt to use his influence, including sending a representative to Rome, to ensure the appointment of bishops who support American ideals.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-23
Judge Thomas McDonough reflects on his first three months in the Philippines. He is surprised at the “remarkable progress” and shares his thoughts on the friars’ question. McDonough is struggling with what to do with the land of the friars and the friars themselves.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-04
President Roosevelt has broken precedent in his appointment of Bishop Ryan, a Catholic, as a member of the Board of Indian Commissioners. The appointment is significant as there has been a longstanding dispute between Catholic and Protestant authorities on the appropriation and distribution of public funds for Indian schools.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902