Your TR Source
I. K. Russell returns a copy of Edward Young’s resolution with his letter to Theodore Roosevelt. Russell is attempting to get Collier’s to publish on the strength of Young’s resolution.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-15
I. K. Russell certifies “that you can’t beat it,” sharing how the newspapers assert that by denying “collusion with the Mormons,” Theodore Roosevelt proves the veracity of such claims. Following advice that Roosevelt’s letter appear in Eastern magazines, Russell contacted Colliers, who agreed to publish it. Fellow “muck-rake” magazines McClure’s and Everybody’s then turned on Colliers for going against them. Russell explains how Harvey Jerrold O’Higgins deliberately misquoted and doctored the comments of Joseph F. Smith, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to appear he approved the continued practice of plural marriage. Russell sincerely thanks Roosevelt for writing the letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-22
Michael Kent Winder explores the relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons. Winder focuses on the controversy that arose after the election of Reed Smoot to the United States Senate. Winder writes that Roosevelt decided to support Smoot after receiving assurances that Smoot did not practice polygamy, and he notes that Roosevelt expected Smoot to deliver Utah for him in the 1904 election. Winder highlights Roosevelt’s 1903 visit to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Roosevelt became the first president to speak from the pulpit of the Mormon Tabernacle. Winder traces Roosevelt’s relationship with the Mormons after he left the presidency, noting Roosevelt’s support of Mormons in the face of bigotry and Smoot’s presence at Roosevelt’s funeral.
Five photographs, two illustrations from newspapers, and a political cartoon supplement the article.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
2010
I. K. Russell writes to Theodore Roosevelt to ask if he would be willing to write a letter commenting on the charges that, while president, he was part of a “corrupt alliance” with the Mormon church in Utah. Russell hopes to publicize Roosevelt’s response to show once and for all that there was no such alliance, as well as to help improve the public perception of the Mormon church, which has been slandered by a number of sources.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-14
President Roosevelt reads a newspaper with the headline: “Testimony in Smoot Case.” The newspaper text reads, “President Smith admits being the father of 42 children! 38 children in the Merrill family! “I have over 100 nephews and nieces,” said Young Merrill.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-10
President Roosevelt sweats as he holds a book—”Roosevelt on race suicide”—and a newspaper with the headline, “President Smith, of the Mormon Church, has forty children and says he is proud of it.” Caption: Query—”Shall I send President Smith a letter of thanks and commendation?”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-10
Charles W. Nibley has been named head of the Presiding Bishopric of the Mormon Church following the resignation of previous head, William Bowker Preston.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-12
A full-page newspaper article about the “church problem” in the Philippines. The problem of anti-church sentiment among Flipinos, particularly against friars, was already existing and inherited by the United States government. Secretary of War William H. Taft, formerly Governor-General of the Philippines, takes a commission to The Holy See to seek solutions to these problems in common interest. Issues of land ownership and the establishment of a school system are negotiated successfully by Taft’s commission in the Philippines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-22