Your TR Source
Grace Belden Wilbur Trout, president of the Chicago Political Equality League, thanks Theodore Roosevelt for taking a public stand in support of equal suffrage in one of his recent speeches. Trout recalls having met Roosevelt previously, and has held him up as a model for her sons.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-25
Lyman Abbott is not sure what the United States government can do in the cases of the Armenians or the Congo Free State, but believes there is “a real power” in international public opinion. Abbott believes that giving the Japanese suffrage now would put the control of Hawaii in their hands and doubts the wisdom of it for the same reason he doubts the wisdom of giving political control of the Philippines to the Filipinos. Abbott also gives his opinion that Reed Smoot’s religious beliefs as a Mormon should not exclude him from the Senate, unless his allegiance to the Church is “above” his allegiance to the Constitution.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-08
Benjamin R. Tillman, as “Simon Legree,” whips a black man labeled “Negro Voter.” Caption: Simon Legree Tillman — Don’t I own you, body and soul, you black dog? / Uncle Tom — Yuh may own mah body, Marse Tillman, but mah soul belongs t’ de Republican Pahty!
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1906-11-07
President Roosevelt stands with his right hand on the left shoulder of an African American man, probably Booker T. Washington but not identified, and his left hand on a paper labeled “15th Amendment.” Behind them is a statue labeled “Lincoln – With Malice Toward None With Charity Toward All,” showing Abraham Lincoln standing at the top with freed African American slaves. Caption: President Roosevelt–Lincoln emancipated you, the people gave you citizenship and I’ll protect your rights.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1903-01-28
Theodore Roosevelt appeals to the citizens of Idaho to not allow themselves to be disenfranchised by a recent court ruling. The Republicans are using “trickery and chicanery” against the Progressive Party because they know they cannot succeed in a fair fight. Roosevelt encourages the men and women of Idaho to write in the names of Progressive candidates.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-10-12
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary acknowledges to S. A. Templeton that some members of opposition parties will try to mislead voters. However, he hopes that each citizen will take time to read each party’s platform and the histories of the presidential hopefuls and make informed decisions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-09-04
Theodore Roosevelt asks Mrs. Droier not to ask him to make any speeches this year, but he sends a letter on suffrage that can be read in Brooklyn and throughout the country.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-10-16
Theodore Roosevelt and Edith Roosevelt liked John G. Hibben’s speech. Roosevelt is strongly against college students forming “pacifistic societies” and believes that these students are operating against America’s interests and should not be allowed to vote. Roosevelt remains frustrated with the United States’ lack of military and self-defense preparedness.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-01
Theodore Roosevelt politely declines Everett Colby’s invitation to speak at a political dinner. Roosevelt has found that the only way to prevent an endless succession of speeches is to refuse to begin, and he laments the demand for incessant speeches on serious subjects.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-03-30
President Roosevelt is interested in what Delos F. Wilcox says about Hadley’s article, which he had not seen. He agrees with Wilcox when he wrote in his article that universal suffrage is safe, and that Filipinos could be given independence if their constitution “followed the flag.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-02
President Roosevelt writes to Owen Wister about a letter Roosevelt received from Judge J. M. Dickinson. Dickinson suggested that while the race question may never be settled, he believes that Roosevelt has helped quiet it for a time. Roosevelt believes that this is a common view in the South. He asserts that while many problems still remain in race relations and universal suffrage, the current situation has improved upon the past.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-03
President Roosevelt thanks John Lowndes McLaurin for his congratulations and letter. Roosevelt assures McLaurin that he wants justice for white men in southern and northern states and nothing more than a square deal for the colored man. Roosevelt is interested in McLaurin’s views on suffrage and plans to study them before expressing his opinion on them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-01
President Roosevelt tells Senator Lodge that his chief difficulty at the moment is “the labor situation in Colorado.” Some people have demanded that Roosevelt interfere. Roosevelt is happy with the party platform, with the exception of the suffrage plank. He does not think this can become a reality. Roosevelt would like Lodge to read through Secretary of War William H. Taft’s speech on the “Philippine business.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-28
Colonel Ernesto Asbert states that the revolutionaries are not in arms for the purpose of waging capricious warfare, but that the attitude of the Cuban government, which is using the most reprehensible means to keep itself in power, has forced them to take this position. Asbert values efforts to establish peace that have arisen without further bloodshed. The revolutionists will maintain their position while parties attempt to find a solution, accepting with resignation the consequences this may bring. They prefer a new American intervention that will guarantee future legal elections.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-29
Gaius C. Bolen has written to President Roosevelt protesting a speech by Secretary of War Root regarding the right of “colored men” to vote. Roosevelt believes that Bolen is a good man and asks Root if a letter should be sent to reassure Bolen.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-11
President Roosevelt examines the potential passage of anti-trust and franchise legislation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-03
Mrs. C. E. Vinnedge writes Theodore Roosevelt regarding the challenge to America’s public schools through private and religious institutions, especially the Roman Catholic Church, which do not allow their children to benefit from the country’s public school system. Vinnedge believes it should be compulsory for all of American children to attend public schools and reap the benefits of this great civil liberty.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-27
Maud Nathan informs Theodore Roosevelt that he is surprised to see Roosevelt be so unwilling to male a public statement on equal suffrage and recalls a luncheon where Roosevelt was firm on his belief on women’s suffrage. Nathan inquires why Roosevelt did not make recommendations for equal suffrage as Governor to the New York legislature and why he is still unwilling to make a public statement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-23
Louisa Lee Schuyler is sorry to not see Theodore Roosevelt at the current time, but invites him to stop by sometime during the summer or when Edith visits next week. Schuyler comments on New York state politics, and says that while she does not want women’s suffrage yet, she does not think that women would do a worse job voting than the men did in the previous election.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-09
In response to Theodore Roosevelt’s article in The Outlook, Henry Writt argues strongly against the direct election of senators and the idea of expanding referendum votes. He thinks that more democracy will be bad for America and that increased voting opportunities places undue burden on voters.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-04