Your TR Source
Frank Harper is sending a signed photograph of Theodore Roosevelt under separate cover in appreciation of the work done by F. J. Luettich at the Republican National Convention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-24
The reason a previous letter was marked “private” was because the matter was finished, most likely referring to the controversy over delegates at the Republic National Convention. Theodore Roosevelt states that it is not possible to grant permission to print the letter, as it was intended for Charles McCormick’s personal information.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-19
Theodore Roosevelt inquires about Ruth Moore Lee’s health, and tells about Kermit Roosevelt’s railroad work in South America. Roosevelt also explains his move from the Republican Party to the Progressive Party during the 1912 Presidential campaign and details issues in the party platform. Although Roosevelt expects that Wilson will win, he is happy because of his strong belief in the Progressive movement, his hope that it is the beginning of a new movement that will lead American democracy away from materialism, and his admiration for his colleagues such as Hiram Johnson.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-14
Theodore Roosevelt is dealing with concerns about the U. S. Territories of Hawaii and Alaska in the Progressive Party, linked to the use of Territorial delegates to “smash” the Republican Party, referring to the Republican National Convention’s nomination of President Taft. However, Roosevelt believes that sentiments will be fixed for the Territories.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-12
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary writes for Charles McCormick’s private information that a majority of Southern delegates sent representatives to Roosevelt stating that they would vote for Roosevelt’s nomination if he would allow his name to go before the Republican National Convention. Roosevelt stated that he would not allow his name to be included until all the fraudulent delegates had been removed from the roll. If that happened, Roosevelt would have accepted either his nomination or that of someone else.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-09
Theodore Roosevelt describes in detail the challenging issue of race in the Progressive Party, as well as the Republican and Democratic Parties. He says, “We have made the Progressive issue a moral, not a racial issue.” Roosevelt concludes that the Progressive Party, as well as Southern black men, will be best served by appealing to Southern white men who support civil rights.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-08-01
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks James Bronson Reynolds for his letter and suggestions. Roosevelt is unable to meet with Reynolds and his friends until after the convention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-26
Theodore Roosevelt relays to G. T. Taylor that he is unable to attend his convention. Roosevelt conveys his hope that Taylor will support the Progressive third party ticket and discusses Tennessee Governor Ben W. Hooper’s support for William H. Taft for president. Roosevelt describes Taft as an unscrupulous politician.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-26
Theodore Roosevelt congratulates New Jersey Governor Fort on his speech and the success of his meeting. Roosevelt implores Fort to join him in Chicago and invites him to lunch at The Outlook office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-27
Theodore Roosevelt writes that he will incorporate pieces from Arthur Lee’s bill on the white slave business into his Chicago speech. Roosevelt sends his love to Mrs. Lee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-27
Theodore Roosevelt is sorry that Booker T. Washington supports President Taft. Roosevelt explains the failure of the Republican Party to gather the support of African Americans in the South for forty-five years, to the detriment of Southern blacks and whites and the Republican Party itself, culminating in the failure in Chicago in June, presumably referring to the Republican National Convention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-30
Theodore Roosevelt pledges to William Henry Maxwell that he will take up the cause of equality for African Americans. Roosevelt reminds Maxwell of the history of the Republican Party in the South and discusses how African American delegates as well as Southern white delegates were responsible for nominating President Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-30
Theodore Roosevelt does not approve of Governor Hadley’s plan to combine the electors of the Republican Party and the Progressive Party in Missouri. Roosevelt affirms his belief that President Taft unfairly won the Republican nomination at the Republican National Convention and asserts his wish that Progressive Party electors be composed of reformed Republicans and Democrats.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-23
Theodore Roosevelt respectfully declines an invitation to speak before the State Convention as proposed by Medill McCormick. Roosevelt asserts that he is not presently making any speeches as he prepares for his speech before the Republican National Convention in Chicago. Roosevelt mentions Illinois Governor Deneen as a point of contention and claims that he is indebted to The Evening Post and The Tribune.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-23
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary tells Josiah J. White that Roosevelt is unable to comment on his campaign or his platform preceding the Republican National Convention in Chicago. All campaign questions should be directed to Judge William H. Hotchkiss.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-23
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary writes to Frederick P. Bagley of the Cleveland Leader concerning a letter written by Roosevelt to Thomas Lathan on the topic of presidential electors. He contends that this letter should not be published prior to the Republican National Convention in Chicago because it would leak important information to their political contenders.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-24
Theodore Roosevelt responds to Bradley Gilman’s letter and discusses the topics of marriage, divorce, and African Americans as voters and legislative representatives. Roosevelt argues the need for federal government to control marriage, divorce, and polygamy. Roosevelt asserts the need to incorporate African American representatives for the Progressive movement from states like New York, Rhode Island, Maryland, Illinois, Ohio, or Indiana at the Republican National Convention in Chicago. He writes of the inequality faced by African Americans, particularly in the South, and their absence from legislative bodies in Southern states. In his argument, Roosevelt references Booker T. Washington and writes of the Republican Party’s use of uneducated African American representation as a corrupt tactic that won the candidacy for William H. Taft with William Barnes and Simon Guggenheim.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-24
In a private message to James W. Kirk, Theodore Roosevelt sends thanks in receipt of his letter. Roosevelt expresses his eagerness to run on a third-party, Progressive ticket and his hope to see Kirk in Chicago.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-24
Theodore Roosevelt objects to Senator Kenyon’s statement that the Progressives hope to usurp the Republican party power from Senator Kenyon in favor of William Barnes, Winthrop Murray Crane, and Boies Penrose. Roosevelt contends that neither Albert Baird Cummins nor Herbert S. Hadley could have won the Republican nomination over President Taft. Roosevelt also negates Cummins’s comments about Roosevelt’s hope to win the Republican nomination himself.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-24
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks Borden D. Whiting for his letter and enclosures. Roosevelt appreciates the suggested additions for his platform; however, he wishes to shorten his upcoming speech. The secretary suggests that Whiting discuss the matter with the platform committee in Chicago. he also asks what is going on in Upper Montclair.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-24