South Africa--Transvaal

A diminutive soldier labeled “France” stands next to a large Russian bear gesturing with a sword toward John Bull standing opposite, while a battle rages in the background labeled “Transvaal” (the South African lands of the Republic and the Orange Free State). Caption: France–You may be able to whip the Boers, but I dare you to tackle the Russian Bear!

comments and context

Comments and Context

Through the 19th century, France and Russia formed several alliances — some secret, some quite public; some to counter potential German or British aggression. Around 1900, the two nations considered Great Britain a threat, especially as London formed an alliance with Japan (1902) that emboldened Japan as it threatened Russia in the Pacific. That situation led to the Russo-Japanese War, which was ultimately meditated by Theodore Roosevelt. Also at this time, the Kaiser became belligerent against France when it denied German trade access to Morocco — a situation also diffused by Roosevelt’s mediation — with Russia and Britain both nervously looking on. At the time of this cartoon, the Franco-Russian alliance still viewed Great Britain as a potential common enemy.

Alfred E. Pease tells President Roosevelt it is a pleasure and an honor to help him with his trip to British East Africa and includes details and recommendations on several topics, including: depositing money into the National Bank of India in Nairobi to purchase horses and saddles; the best binoculars and telescopes; location and types of game; camping equipment, including baths and candles; and how to avoid mosquitoes. Pease assures Roosevelt he need not worry about being out of shape.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-11

Ambassador Reid provides President Roosevelt with a variety of pieces of information regarding the status of English politics. Douglas Robinson and Corinne Roosevelt Robinson met with many different members of the royal family. Reid recounts a scandal regarding Prime Minister Campbell-Bannerman, who nine months after his wife died, was engaged to her caretaker. Regardless, Campbell-Bannerman has surprised most in Parliament at his effectiveness as a leader. Reid is disappointed that Robert Bond and the Liberal Party agreed to govern the colony of Newfoundland. The U. S. government is not pleased with this agreement, and many of the other premiers disagree with the Liberal Party’s policy. In particular, Alfred Deakin, the premier of Australia, is an outspoken opponent to this policy. Additionally, many of the colonies want preference in the British markets, and may sacrifice free trade agreements to achieve this status. Next, H. H. Asquith proposed an income tax for Great Britain that will introduce a new, objectionable system of old age pensions. R. B. Haldane proposed a permanent standing army in the British colonies. Augustine Burrill’s proposed Irish Council Bill is becoming unpopular and he does not have many successes as a politician. Overall, the Liberal Party is disappointed by Campbell-Bannerman’s performance.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-05-24

Henry White sends President Roosevelt a message from Edward VII. The King wanted to convey his regards and his best wishes for Roosevelt’s success with his second administration and hopes Roosevelt will never be persuaded by any other sovereign or government. The King intends to write Roosevelt shortly. White asks that when Roosevelt replies to the King, he mentions that White delivered the message. White saw Cecil Spring Rice, Arthur James Balfour, and Henry Lansdowne before leaving London, and they were all interested in Spring Rice’s trip to Washington. White also writes that the British government has had two votes of want of confidence in the House of Commons and again in the House of Lords.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-02-25

The “Odds and Ends” portion of The Wide World Magazine prints a number of noteworthy pictures, complete with descriptions. The first page includes a swarm of locusts in South Africa and a home in Canada that is placed on rollers and moved to its family’s new location. The reverse shows an old fishing boat that has been made into a pony stable in the Shetland Islands and a massive man-eating crocodile that was captured on Lake Victoria.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907

Governor Roosevelt does not want the vice presidency; instead he wants to continue to be governor, where he believes he can accomplish more. With regard to the Second Boer War, Roosevelt sympathizes with the British, for he sees that they and the Boers are both fighting for that in which they believe.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1900-02-02

Theodore Roosevelt provides his opinion on Bayard’s misunderstanding of British diplomacy for his sister Anna Roosevelt Cowles, probably referring to United States Ambassador to Britain Thomas F. Bayard. He comments on the invaders in the Transvaal and lists some recent dinner guests.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1896-01-05

Montagu White sent autographs of the Boer generals for Kermit Roosevelt and congratulated President Roosevelt on mediating the Anthracite Coal Strike. He requests that Roosevelt speak out regarding conditions in the Transvaal which is attempting to recover after the South African War.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-10-18

Edward Reeve Merritt will bring Commandant Wilhelm Snyman to meet President Roosevelt at Oyster Bay, if it is convenient for Roosevelt. Merritt has something of importance to discuss with Roosevelt, related to the Transvaal.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901

W. B. Hastings sends news that Julian Ralph is going to the Transvaal for the Daily Mail, presumably to report on the Boer War; and will be the “only American correspondent on the field.” He also relates viewing a large demonstration at Trafalgar Square.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1899-09-28

Frederick Selous acknowledges the receipt of Governor Theodore Roosevelt’s letter and writes that he will answer in a few days. He asks Roosevelt to give Selous’s regards to Montague White and encloses a copy of a letter from White to Selous.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1900-02-20

Richard Davis, a writer and journalist, thanks Roosevelt for an inscribed photograph and mentions that he will soon be traveling to the Transvaal (South Africa, where the Second Boar War is ongoing).

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1899-08-24