Russia (Federation)--Lake Baikal

President Roosevelt asks that Cecil Spring Rice give his regards to Lord Henry Charles Keith Petty-FitzMaurice Lansdowne. Roosevelt writes at length about the current state of international affairs and of relationships between different nations. He feels that it is not in Japan’s interest to extend the Russo-Japanese War for another year and explains his actions in pressing for peace negotiations between the two powers. Roosevelt also discusses his efforts urging the United States to interpret the Monroe Doctrine in an active way and remarks upon the recent death of Secretary of State John Hay.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-07-24

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Secretary of State John Hay’s death was a severe personal loss to President Roosevelt, and he is fortunate to have Elihu Root to take over the State Department. Roosevelt is pleased that Russia is sending Sergei Vitte to negotiate with the Japanese representatives over ending the Russo-Japanese War. However, he is concerned that Vitte and Emperor Nicholas II have not come to terms with the fact that Japan has the upper hand in East Asia. Peace will have to be made with the Japanese as victors. If the Russians cannot reach terms, a “severe defeat” will become an “irredeemable disaster.”

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1905-07-18

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919