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D. A. Nunn tells Theodore Roosevelt there is a noticeably strong undercurrent and the people of the South are for Roosevelt’s nomination, regardless of their political party. Nunn was postmaster and a “Brownlow Republican” for a long time, but was pushed out by the “Sanders element” and replaced by his brother.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-12
Malcolm D. Hart informs Theodore Roosevelt that there is more support for Roosevelt in the south than for William H. Taft, but Roosevelt doesn’t hear about it because southern republicans are afraid Roosevelt won’t accept a nomination and declaring support for Roosevelt could jeopardize their interests. Hart encourages Roosevelt to say he will accept a unanimous nomination before Taft’s supporters have too much control. Hart advises Roosevelt that he is certainly stronger than Taft, or anyone else, in Virginia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-14
Chairman Cortelyou forwards a letter from a prominent Virginian to President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-25
Leonard Phinizy discusses the “southern suffrage plank” of the Republican party, a proposal that would “reduce the representation in Congress of certain southern states who have disfranchised the negro.” Phinizy argues that the Democrats should accept this proposal, because he believes the policy would result in the elimination of black citizens from political participation in the South.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08
Lyman Abbott discusses the desires of leaders in the “New South” to provide opportunities for African Americans while keeping different races of people separate in social settings. Abbott asks President Roosevelt to meet with various southern leaders at the White House in order to show that Roosevelt respects their situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-18
President Roosevelt records the facts about his influence on the nomination of William H. Taft in the Southern states, countering reports in the press. Roosevelt analyzes the breakdown of support for candidates in each area of the country, and summarizes that the Northern officials followed the trajectories in their districts, and opposition to Taft in the Southern states was largely a result of the influence of outside interests.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-05
President Roosevelt believes it is unwise for Secretary of War Wright to speak, as it might cause a reaction in the South. He asks Wright to consult him before accepting any invitations to speak.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-29
President Theodore Roosevelt encloses a letter for Gifford Pinchot’s attention. There is some discontent with Walter Hines Page in the South and Roosevelt does not think any harm will come of adding Chapman’s name.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-15
President Roosevelt invites L. H. Bailey to serve on the Country Life Commission, which he is establishing to study and report upon the present conditions for farmers and their families in rural areas, with the goal of making farming life more attractive.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-10
Speaking as a half-Southerner by birth and in feeling, President Roosevelt tells B. Lawton Wiggins, vice-chancellor of the University of the South, that he laments the South’s political tradition, which has prevented it from playing a major role in national policy making.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-14
President Roosevelt shares his thoughts regarding the upcoming presidential election and the land fraud case against Idaho Senator William Edgar Borah with William Allen White. Roosevelt outlines his personal reasons for supporting Secretary of War William H. Taft for president as well as the political considerations necessary to secure his nomination. In the case of Borah, Roosevelt would like White to come to Oyster Bay to discuss the matter with him and Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte; Roosevelt thinks it would look bad for Borah to come himself, and asks White to bring Borah’s lawyers on August 9.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-30
President Roosevelt has spoken to Secretary of Commerce and Labor Straus about the labor decision in South Carolina. Many people believe the decision will not stop the importing of cheap contract labor in the southern states, which will, in turn, damage laborers in the north. Roosevelt would like to consult with U.S. Commissioner of Labor Charles Patrick Neill about the views of the labor people so he can be prepared with the facts if the administration is called to take action.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-18
If anyone is appointed who is not the son of an officer, President Roosevelt would likely take a man of Confederate ancestry as the South must be represented. The grandson of General Johnson would be the probable candidate. Douglas Robinson should not cancel his dinner party as he and Roosevelt can meet at a later time. Robert Bacon has been more helpful than George W. Perkins with the trust message.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-17
President Roosevelt is eager for Senator Lodge to visit so they can discuss several matters. On economic matters, Roosevelt intends to do what he outlined in his acceptance letter, though he is unsure of how to deal with reciprocity and the ship subsidy. In terms of appointments, senators and congressmen shall name the men but Roosevelt will set the standard. He hopes to appoint good men in the South, regardless of race, but preferably Republicans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-11
President Roosevelt desired a quick decision about the Alabama judgeship in order to prevent bitterness. He will not act on the southern appointments until he has had a chance to talk with Senator Hanna after the election.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-08
President Roosevelt will appoint Admiral Sampson’s son, Ralph E. Sampson, and the alternate. He has the highest regard for S. Weir Mitchell, but Roosevelt does not think it fair that the sons of naval men should be passed over for Mitchell’s grandnephew. He desires that one or two Southerners be appointed to the military academies, and, in these exceptional cases, they may have to be the sons of men not in the United States Army or Navy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-01
President Roosevelt would like to discuss the Southern situation with John S. Wise.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-20
Secretary of War Taft tells President Roosevelt that letters from the east suggest that New York Governor Charles Evans Hughes is going to run for president and that he will be supported by the opponents of Roosevelt’s administration. Taft encourages Roosevelt to make a second statement indicating what is “Roosevelt and anti-Roosevelt” and believes that “we could beat Hughes” because of support in the west, some of the south, and some of New England.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-12
Silas McBee shares his thoughts on truthfulness in public life with President Roosevelt, and asks if Roosevelt is aware that W. H. Mallock is preaching for the National Civic Federation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-16
Judge Speer provides historical justification for President Roosevelt’s actions in the Brownsville affair, involving the mass dishonorable discharge of African American soldiers, citing George Washington’s similar discharge of rowdy troops. Speer also mentions the Raid on Deerfield during Queen Anne’s War and the siege of Magdeburg during the Thirty Years’ War. Speer disagrees with Senator Tillman’s assessment that Roosevelt “lynched” the discharged soldiers, as did the editorial boards of several prominent Georgia newspapers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-14