Your TR Source
President Roosevelt has sent Judge John Campbell’s letter to George B. Cortelyou, Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Roosevelt agrees with Campbell’s suggestion to send a national committeeman to Colorado.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-21
President Roosevelt informs Senator Frye that Cornelius Newton Bliss has refused the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee. George B. Cortelyou is the next best choice for the position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-17
President Roosevelt asks George von Lengerke Meyer to tell him who is opposing Cortelyou for Chairman of the Republican National Committee and wants von Lengerke Meyer to report what the opposition is saying. Roosevelt considers opposition to Cortelyou disloyalty to the Republican party and asks von Lengerke Meyer to communicate as much.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-17
President Roosevelt writes to Henry C. Payne concerning the enclosures of four alternative planks that were brought to his attention regarding labor. Roosevelt asks Payne to review the planks and send along the enclosures to Lodge for their joint judgement. Roosevelt states that he was sorry to discover that his “friends in Louisiana” were turned down by the National Committee for their involvement in the Lily White Movement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-17
President Roosevelt apprises Booker T. Washington of the current political situation. The National Committee has thrown out the Williams-Clarke organization because of its association with the Lily-White movement. Roosevelt believes that this can be a political advantage.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-17
It seems probable that George B. Cortelyou will be made Chairman of the National Committee, and President Roosevelt wants Victor Howard Metcalf to replace Cortelyou as Secretary of the Department of Commerce and Labor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-14
President Roosevelt thanks Colonel Woodard for his letter, and agrees with him about the appointment of George B. Cortelyou as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Roosevelt notes that Cortelyou is friends with Elihu Root and will run the election campaign according to the principles Roosevelt has applied to his own presidency. Roosevelt also appreciates Woodard’s assessment of the political situation in Wisconsin, about which Roosevelt had felt apprehensive.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-06
President Roosevelt gives Cecil Spring Rice his assessment on the Russo-Japanese War. Roosevelt is not concerned with the emergence of Japan as a world power and does not think that Japan will become more aggressive. Roosevelt is concerned that Russia must be contained, but insists to Spring Rice that the U.S. has no intention of intervening in the war. In a postscript, Roosevelt discusses the differences between Japanese and American culture and diplomacy, and reflects on race and culture.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-13
President Roosevelt writes to William E. Cramer concerning advice he received from Senator Spooner discouraging him from interfering in the contested delegation in Wisconsin or from any other area. Roosevelt states that it would be improper for him to interfere with the Republican National Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-27
President Roosevelt tells Senator Lodge that he is not worried about any discontent about George B. Cortelyou being chairman of the Republican National Committee, and he believes that he will manage the canvass without any problems. Remarking on the upcoming presidential election, Roosevelt says that if he wins, it will be because people believe he is straightforward, decent, and efficient. He agrees that there could be a problem with the labor situation, but they can not do much of anything about that now. He praises Lodge’s platform, and asks that he have a talk with Cortelyou.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-28
President Roosevelt was distressed at how quickly George B. Cortelyou’s appointment as Chair of the Republican National Committee was announced, since it did not afford time for him to consult with Senator Platt and others. Roosevelt believes, however, that Cortelyou is the best man for the job.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-23
President Roosevelt asks Senator Platt to publicly support him in the press. Roosevelt is dismayed by the opinion that he wants to run his own campaign, and defends his decision to appoint George B. Cortelyou as chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-25
President Roosevelt expresses his gratitude to Governor Crane on Secretary Cortelyou’s role as chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-23
President Roosevelt writes to his son, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., about his trip to Rock Creek Park, and his recent political and exercise activities.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-14
President Roosevelt accepts Cornelius Newton Bliss’s decision to decline the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee, but is glad he will accept the position of Treasurer. He suggests that George B. Cortelyou should resign before accepting the chairmanship, in case Roosevelt does not win the upcoming election. He selects Joseph William Blythe for Vice Chairman, and asks Bliss to keep all of this secret for the time being.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-12
President Roosevelt is pleased that Frank Swett Black is “taking up the case of poor Caleb Powers.” Roosevelt believes the Republican National Committee can help with funds and that it is their responsibility to help prevent “the judicial murder of an innocent man for political reasons.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-14
President Roosevelt would like to set up a time to have a meal with Cornelius Newton Bliss, along with Senators Aldrich and Spooner, to discuss the selection of the chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-16
President Roosevelt is glad he has been practicing “Japanese wrestling” but he will not try it again until he is less busy. He feels like a “stewed owl” in the afternoons after working all day, and describes his various injuries and bruises. Roosevelt hopes that Congress will only stay in session another two weeks as things have been going well and he does not want anything to go wrong. Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt is on her way to Groton School to see Ted and Kermit Roosevelt since they have mumps.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-09
President Roosevelt believes that Elihu Root is the best candidate for chairman of the Republican National Committee, but Root is too busy to accept the position. John Kean is against Mr. Murphy, so Murphy will not be chosen if he will jeopardize Kean’s chances. Roosevelt confides in William Emlen Roosevelt that they do not know who to choose as chairman.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-09
President Roosevelt thanks Governor Hunt and wants him to stay if he can. Roosevelt will change the lines mentioned by Hunt and attempt to get the National Committee interested in the paper.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-25