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Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Benjamin P. DeWitt

Theodore Roosevelt thanks Benjamin P. DeWitt for his book and appreciates his work for the Progressive Party. He would like to meet with DeWitt and Professor Ely to discuss the Wisconsin program. Roosevelt believes Marxism would only bring destruction but that, after the failure of the Progressive Party, socialism as “mere social reform” is the closest representation of progressive ideals. He is confident that progressivism will ultimately triumph.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-04-05

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William Allen White

Theodore Roosevelt feels that the public has tired of him and he has little hope for a permanent Progressive Party. Americans are wedded to the two party system and will only support a third party for temporary or local reasons. The Progressive Party failed to establish itself as the second party and the political situation will “sink back into the conditions that had been normal.” The party also attracted too many cranks and became associated in the public’s mind with the “lunatic fringe.” The country is tired of reform, reform leaders, and reform legislation. Roosevelt still believes they are fighting for righteousness and was pleased to campaign for his friends. However, he doubts his further political usefulness and believes his participation will likely hurt the causes he supports. The feeling against Roosevelt in New York amounts to a “mania” and the poor election results may help William Barnes win the libel suit.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-07

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Hiram Johnson

California and Louisiana were election bright spots for the Progressive Party. The reelection of Governor Johnson was also a great success. Theodore Roosevelt attributes the general failure of the party to the public getting tired of reformers and himself. The wealthy, the educated, and the workingmen all returned to their previous parties and political machines. Roosevelt is reluctant to take further part in politics as he believes his participation will be a detriment to the causes he cares about.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-06

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Charles J. Bonaparte

Theodore Roosevelt compliments Charles J. Bonaparte for the articles he has written on the Monroe Doctrine and the European war. However, Roosevelt believes that the United States should “act under the Hague Treaties in connection with Belgium.” The treaties were signed and must be acted upon. The Progressive Party was too advanced for the average man and attracted too many cranks. America’s two party system has become too entrenched to overcome. In 1912 the economy was the major issue; a workingman “was not interested in social and industrial justice.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1914-11-07

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919