Your TR Source
A copy of a letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Edwin A. Van Valkenburg, the editor of the Philadelphia North American. Roosevelt thanks Van Valkenburg for the hint as to a proper view of the Democratic Party. He says he agrees all tariff abuses should be cut out, but feels it would damage the country to adopt the theory of free trade.
1912-01-25
Theodore Roosevelt explains why he cannot agree with the report given by the Committee on Political Reform for the Union League. He does agree taxes should be removed from tobacco and sugar, but not alcohol. He also speaks about building up America’s naval defenses. Roosevelt goes on to find numerous faults with President Cleveland’s administration.
1889-01
President Theodore Roosevelt thanks Gifford Pinchot for the suggestions he sent and will use Pinchot’s speech to the National Irrigation Congress in his message. Roosevelt wonders how the press would have reacted if he, rather than Pinchot, had made the remarks about a tariff on lumber.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-16
President Roosevelt does not need further recommendations from Ralph M. Easley until George W. Goethals comments on Gertrude Beeks’s book. Secretary of State Elihu Root will likely not be able to speak at Easley’s conference, but Roosevelt would be delighted if Secretary of the Treasury George B. Cortelyou could. Roosevelt agrees with Root about the proposed Reynolds Commission’s excellence.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-24
President Roosevelt agrees with Secretary of War Taft regarding the tariff and employee negligence. Secretary of State Elihu Root has not said anything concerning Taft’s travels to Siberia or Japan, and Roosevelt suggests Taft make plans to go. He asks if Taft can meet on Tuesday with Root. Later, the president wants to meet separately with Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-08
President Roosevelt approves of Commissioner of Corporations Smith’s publication of a report concerning the Standard Oil Company. Roosevelt will address Smith’s finding about the effect of the tariff on Standard Oil when he returns to Washington, D.C.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-25
President Roosevelt tells Ambassador Tower how much he appreciates the message from German Emperor William II, and would like him to express to William II the desire Roosevelt has for a better relationship between the two nations. Roosevelt had sent tariff experts to Germany on the suggestion of William II and is sure that good will result from it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-16
John Carter Rose thanks Theodore Roosevelt for his interesting letter. Rose thinks Roosevelt was wise to leave the tariff matter alone. Rose believes that most men are protectionists even though they claim to be in favor of free trade. According to Rose, advocating for free trade may win an election, but when the economy inevitably slows down, people are quick to blame free trade for the problems.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-25
Henry P. Curtis describes a recent publication on European natural history that he believes Theodore Roosevelt might be interested in. He explains how many towns were named after the animals that once resided there, such as Wolverhampton (wolves).
Curtis also shares with Roosevelt that his father was a Whig, while Curtis is a Republican. He expresses admiration for Senator John Sherman, discusses his political adversaries, and wishes that Sherman, Alexander Hamilton, and Daniel Webster could have been presidents.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-15
William Kent informs Theodore Roosevelt that President Taft is unfit for office, citing his veto of the Arizona statehood bill, poor treatment of honorable men, and weak leadership. Kent urges Roosevelt not to support Taft’s reelection, warns against endorsing an unworthy candidate, and calls for Republican Party reform to end special privilege legislation and protective tariffs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-13
Ambassador Tower passes along Christmas wishes from Kaiser Wilhelm II to President Roosevelt. Tower also provides an update on the progress of the Tariff Commission investigating economic relations between the United States and Germany.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-04
Ambassador Meyer reports that Russian Emperor Nicholas II is in favor of continuing the war with Japan. While the general sentiment of others favors peace, there is unanimous agreement that a continuation of war is preferable to paying a large sum in reparations. Meyer recounts accusations of corruption by the Navy Department who reportedly passed on purchasing superior warships as there would be “no commission for certain Russian individuals.” Meyer has had no response to his letters to Secretary of State Hay regarding trade with Russia but feels the matter needs to be addressed urgently if the United states is not to lose out.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-05
Now that he has retired as Secretary of the Navy, Paul Morton makes a statement concerning the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad Company and Colorado Fuel and Iron Company rebate case. Morton outlines the agreement between the parties and his own involvement in securing injunctions against the companies. Morton stresses his long history as a railroad man and his commitment to transparency and fairness.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-05
Ambassador Porter submitted his formal resignation to President Roosevelt earlier, but here details various points of the diplomatic situation in France. These include French proposals for the increase on tariffs on imports and the negative effect for American businesses, the needs of American life insurance companies in France, an upcoming world’s convention of the Young Men Christian’s Association, and the finances of the search for the remains of John Paul Jones.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-03
Representative Hill telephoned to report that a majority of New England Republicans polled do favor consideration of the tariff question before the next Congressional election.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-12
Senator Mason spoke at the annual banquet of the Giddings Republican Club. He suggested that Senator Foraker would be the Republican candidate for president in 1904. Mason believes that the tariff will be the major issue in 1904, and he expressed his support for President Roosevelt’s actions in the Booker T. Washington incident.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-25
James Ford Rhodes and Henry S. Pritchett have been discussing their recent correspondence with President Roosevelt. Both men support President Roosevelt’s stance regarding the American South and agree his policies will result in improving regional and racial tensions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-23
Nicholas Murray Butler replies to President Roosevelt about Roosevelt’s difficulties in working out tariffs with Congress. Butler offers Roosevelt some advice on how to get Roosevelt’s tariff plans through without making the act seem like Roosevelt’s personal agenda.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-12
Nicholas Murray Butler writes to President Roosevelt about recent newspaper clippings. He jokes with Roosevelt about Henry Loomis Nelson. Butler sends clippings so Roosevelt can use them as “evidence” of support for his views. Butler agrees with Roosevelt that adjusting the tariff is the best way forward.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-05
Alice Lee congratulates President Roosevelt on his victory, “a real triumph for the ‘pioneer spirit,'” and a clear vote of confidence from Massachusetts in particular. Lee believes great things will happen during Roosevelt’s second term, including Panama being built, the Philippines growing, and China opening its doors. She wishes John R. Proctor could have lived to see it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-10