Revolution (Caucasus, South : 1905-1907)

Herman Bernstein writes to Theodore Roosevelt after having read Roosevelt’s article “Peace of Righteousness.” Bernstein recalls having an agreeable meeting with Roosevelt, during which Roosevelt informed Bernstein he cannot, as a former President, write publicly on foreign matters. Bernstein urges him to reconsider.

Bernstein states that he understands foreign nations have no international legal standing to interfere with “Jewish massacres”, and that foreign nations cannot criticize the lack of reforms that had been codified in the Manifesto of October 17, 1905. However, Bernstein claims that Russia violated the Russo-America treaty of 1832 due to their treatment of Jewish Americans and states that by allowing in to continue, “Uncle Sam… should permit his ‘face to be slapped’ ” – quoting Roosevelt’s own words.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

George von Lengerke Meyer writes to President Roosevelt about troubles in Russia, including the mutiny of the battleship Potemkin and marines in Libau who rebelled. Meyer notes that as soon as Czar Nicholas II of Russia makes a move in the right direction he is countered with obstacles in the press or in bureaucracy. He is “surrounded by men who are not in sympathy with needed reform.” Meyer feels education, freedom of the press, and a representative government will raise standards for citizenship.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-07-01

Creator(s)

Meyer, George von Lengerke, 1858-1918

John Callan O’Laughlin writes to President Roosevelt regarding the recent mutiny on the Russian battleship Kniaz Potemkin. Count Cassini spoke to O’Laughlin confidentially about his concerns over the loyalty of the army and artillery. O’Laughlin also discusses relations between Japan and Russia and the possible upcoming peace talks.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-29

Creator(s)

O'Laughlin, John Callan, 1873-1949

Francis C. Travers writes to President Roosevelt comparing the revolution and unrest in Russia with the coal strike with which Roosevelt had to deal. Travers praises Roosevelt’s handling of the affair, but also says that he must also be willing to handle the trusts. Roosevelt has always been the champion of all the people, and his victory in the election of 1904 showed their confidence in him. Travers is afraid the trouble in Russia might spread in Europe.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-01-23

Creator(s)

Travers, Francis C., 1849-1905

John Hay sends Theodore Roosevelt part of a letter from Harry White that gives information about German relations and the Russian Emperor. White says that German Ambassador Metternich asked for his opinion on whether relations between Germany and the United States had improved. White also reports that the King (apparently the British King) said that “the German Emperor does and thinks exactly what the Russian Emperor thinks,” and that “the Russian Emperor’s refusal of all reforms … may very likely cost him his throne.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-01-10

Creator(s)

Hay, John, 1838-1905

Published in Deutsche Zeitung, this article comments on the conditions in the Russian Empire, in reaction to the ongoing revolution there.

We are unsure of some or all of the document’s content because of its language. If you have any information about the document or its contents, we would appreciate hearing from you. Contact dsu.trcenter@dickinsonstate.edu and be sure to include the item’s title and date.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-19

Ambassador Meyer is reporting to President Roosevelt the state of affairs in Russia after having found St. Petersburg quiet. Meyer traveled throughout Russia, Poland, and the Ukraine. The letter examines the situations in many different cities and other topics including removing Jews from Russia, revolution and revolutionaries’ tactics, a pheasant shoot, military escorts, history, travel, and Russian construction quality.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-10-28

Creator(s)

Meyer, George von Lengerke, 1858-1918

Ambassador Meyer agrees with everything President Roosevelt said in his letter and appreciates the opportunity to be in St. Petersburg during the peace negotiations. Meyer is honored to join Roosevelt’s cabinet next winter. Meyer discusses conditions in Russia he has witnessed like Russians living conditions, their oppression, their lack of education, and the difficulty the Socialists or Anarchists will have in convincing the people that the Tsar is not “their little Father.” Meyer expresses his concern that the Revolutionists want everything at once and that none among them is a stand out leader. Meyer discusses the progress of his cure in Bavaria but assures Roosevelt that he is ready to return to St. Petersburg at a moment’s notice.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-02

Creator(s)

Meyer, George von Lengerke, 1858-1918

Assistant Secretary of State Bacon writes to Ambassador George von Lengerke Meyer about the situation in Russia. The blame for the instability of the Duma should be evenly distributed between Tsar Nicholas II and his advisors. Bacon believed actual action and sacrifices mean more than words and sees the need for the formation of a constitutional government and a route out of bankruptcy as Russia’s highest concerns. The government is suppressing the distribution of the new Viborg Manifesto, created by former Dumas members.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-28

Creator(s)

Bacon, Robert, 1860-1919

Ambassador Meyer updates Theodore Roosevelt on the socioeconomic conditions in Russia. Meyer discusses the problems of working with the Russian government.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-11

Creator(s)

Meyer, George von Lengerke, 1858-1918

Ambassador Meyer writes to President Roosevelt comparing the situation in Russia to events in France during the French Revolution. Meyer goes into detail about the current political crisis in Russia, mentioning the need for reform, the need for improved conditions for the military, and the public opinion of the czar. Meyer describes the shutting down of newspaper offices, the imprisonment of editors, and strikes that could take place. He suggests that an American military attache could be of great help to him, as communication and media in St. Petersburg are not reliable.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-12-20

Creator(s)

Meyer, George von Lengerke, 1858-1918

Oscar S. Straus, a Jewish member of the Hague’s Court of Arbitration, discusses the Russian massacres with President Roosevelt. He praises the president on his decision to not intervene in the revolution. Straus also states that the emigration of refugees from Russia will grow less as the hope for rights and freedom in Russia nears realization.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-12-15

Creator(s)

Straus, Oscar S. (Oscar Solomon), 1850-1926

Cecil Spring Rice provides Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt with a detailed synopsis of the ongoing turmoil in Russia, including student demonstrations, labor strikes, and violent police reprisals. Spring Rice believes Roosevelt has seen accounts of the “inconceivable brutality” of the attacks on students and Jews, and that the “accounts are not exaggerated.” He believes the army is the only organized force left in Russia but wonders how long it will last. Spring Rice believes that no one either trusts or likes Sergei Vitte or his government and due to all the uncertainty “the forces of anarchy flourish.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-11-27

Creator(s)

Spring Rice, Cecil, Sir, 1859-1918

German diplomat Hermann Speck von Sternburg sends President Roosevelt an article by W. T. Stead on the emancipation of the Tsar which was published in the London Times.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-11-25

Creator(s)

Sternburg, Hermann Speck von, Freiherr, 1852-1908

United States Ambassador to Russia Meyer reports to Acting Secretary of State Loomis that the conditions in Russia are worsening due to the inactivity and secrecy of the Russian government. The revolutionists are making progress, and this aggravates the situation both at home and in Manchuria. Emperor Nicholas II makes promises, but cannot deliver on them because of bureaucracy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-07-07

Creator(s)

Meyer, George von Lengerke, 1858-1918

Cecil Spring Rice writes to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt on the general state of affairs in Europe, Russia, and the Far East. He discusses the unrest in Russia, where he is acting as British ambassador, which has allowed the Germans to come into greater conflict with the French. The balance of power has been upset, with Germany doing “pretty much what she pleases, unless she is ashamed.” Also of interest is the condition of the Russo-Japanese war, where although the Russians outnumber the Japanese, there is a serious issue of morale. He hopes to hear news from Oyster Bay soon.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-04-26

Creator(s)

Spring Rice, Cecil, Sir, 1859-1918

Ambassador Meyer writes President Roosevelt about the riots in Russia on January 22 and what led to them. He also enclosed two articles he thinks Roosevelt might find interesting.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-04-24

Creator(s)

Meyer, George von Lengerke, 1858-1918

Robert Sanderson McCormick reports events taking place in Russian regarding striking workers and the government. The workers have refused to return to work despite having their hour and wage demands met as they are now making political demands such as free press, free speech and a constitutional government. Political agitators are believed to be behind the problems. Armed forces are ready to step in, depending on what happens with the workers. The problem is described as of great importance.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-03-04

Creator(s)

McCormick, Robert Sanderson, 1849-1919

Theodore Roosevelt believes the revolutionary movement has spent its force in Russia, at least in regards to the present crisis. Roosevelt believes the Senate is a “much less coherent body” in comparison to the House and Roosevelt has worked well with Speaker Cannon.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1906-02-01

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919