Your TR Source
President Roosevelt writes his son Kermit to say he is glad to hear about his performance in the two-mile race. He adds he had lunch with Robert Perkins, Ted Roosevelt’s boss, and he thinks Ted is doing well.
1908-10-22
President Roosevelt discusses with his son Kermit which cameras he should bring on their trip to Africa. He believes that Kermit should definitely bring a Kodak, and plan on taking a lot of pictures to be sure there are good ones to choose from. Roosevelt is pleased with Kermit’s plan to take two trips to Geneseo to hunt and ride. He also is happy about his son’s efforts in the two-mile run. For his birthday, Roosevelt intends to go riding without Edith and take his horse Roswell over many jumps. Roosevelt discusses the rifles that W. S. Rainsford has offered to loan he and Kermit in Africa. In a postscript, Roosevelt thanks his son for the birthday wishes, and tells him about his day.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-27
Whitelaw Reid updates President Roosevelt on diplomatic affairs in London. Reid has spoken with several British authorities regarding Roosevelt’s upcoming African safari. The Japanese Ambassador to Great Britain, Jutarō Komura, met with Reid at a luncheon given for members of the Olympic committee and emphasized that he and the Japanese Emperor recognized the United States as a friend. The Chinese Ambassador held a dinner and expressed friendly regard toward the United States. Reid provides a detailed description of two controversial Olympic races in London: in the 400 meter race, an American was disqualified for breaking the rules, and in the marathon, the Italian winner was disqualified in favor of an American. Reid notes that the American athletes, while somewhat justified in their frustrations, were seen by the British press as ill-mannered. Finally, Reid says he doubts that Roosevelt can make private visits to Paris and London on his way back from Africa without giving offense to government officials who would expect a state visit.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-11
Kermit Roosevelt thanks President Roosevelt for the letter and updates him on several events including Robert Harry Munro Ferguson’s surgery, a race, and an upcoming poetry reading assignment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908
In a statement published in the London Times, the Amateur Athletic Association in Great Britain responds to “unfair and untrue statements” about the conduct of the Olympics in the American press. The American Amateur Athletic Union accused the A.A.A. of unfairness and poor conduct in several matters, objecting in particular to the disqualification of John C. Carpenter in the 400 meter final. The A.A.A. denies any claims of unfairness.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-17
In the first cartoon, William H. Taft with a large “R” on his shirt charges ahead of Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks, Speaker of the House Joseph Gurney Cannon, and New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes. Taft says, “They can’t catch me.” In the second cartoon, William Jennings Bryan with a large “D” on his shirt charges ahead of Minnesota Governor John Albert Johnson and George Gray. Bryan says, “What an easy snap.” Caption: Winners of the trial heats.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-01
James Gillespie Blaine stands on the “Republican Race Track” in an arena, apparently frozen in position as his tattooed ghost races past him. A sign in the center of the track states “Presidential Race Against Time – Blaine to Beat His Own Record.” In the background is a tent with banner labeled “J. Blaine” and decked with floral wreaths that state “With Compliments J. Gould” and “With Compliments from C. Field,” and one shaped like a horseshoe from “R. Sage.” Whitelaw Reid stands outside the tent, holding a bucket and a sponge labeled “Tribune” and William Walter Phelps peaks through the flaps with a concerned look on his face. Among those in the grandstand on the left are A. M. Clapp, George M. Robeson, Alonzo B. Cornell, John Roach, and Thomas Jefferson Brady. Caption: Chorus of Friends “Go in, Jim! – brace up! Can’t you do any better than that?”
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1884-07-30
Theodore Roosevelt writes his sister Anna Roosevelt about Edgar Young’s visit and his poor grammar. He won a footrace with cousin Emlen Roosevelt. He comments on gossip about two of the local girls falling in love with Frank.
1875-08-29