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Wendell W. Mischler encloses a telegram sent by Lawrence F. Abbott to Secretary of War Elihu Root. Root asks that the message be brought to Roosevelt’s attention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-23
Secretary of War Root responds to Secretary of the Treasury Shaw’s statement concerning Philippine Land Purchase Bonds.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-23
Secretary of War Root encloses a letter from Emory Speer and extends Christmas wishes to President Roosevelt and his family.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-24
The War Department has no information concerning Major General Arthur MacArthur’s alleged statements regarding an impending war between the United States and Germany. A cablegram has been sent to MacArthur requesting a report. Original and copy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-11
No proposition for a Government cable to Panama is pending in the Department of War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-05
Secretary of War Elihu Root has urged Governor General of the Philippines Taft to be available to become Secretary of War in January. Taft would prefer to stay in the Philippines until March but will follow President Roosevelt’s guidance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-11
As previously agreed, Lyman Abbott requests letters of introduction for his son, Ernest Hamlin Abbott, who will be investigating conditions in the South. Abbott will be in Lake Mohonk next week pressing for two reforms, the transfer of the Indian Bureau to the War Department and placing all public schools under the Bureau of Education. He believes these reforms will remove the issues from partisan politics. Next week, Abbott is beginning a lecture series on preaching at Yale University. He encloses clippings on James Kimble Vardaman and wishes more could be done to oppose Vardaman’s election.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-12
Acting Secretary of War Oliver explains that Colonel A. W. Vogdes cannot stay in San Diego, despite the request of John D. Spreckels. When Colonel O’Hara retires, Vogdes will be promoted to O’Hara’s post in Key West.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-15
The Outlook is publishing a paper on Indian affairs by Frank Wood but suggests three changes: the transfer of the Indian Bureau to the War Department, Native Americans should be wards of the state for a time after the breakup of a reservation, and the office of Superintendent of Indian Schools should be abolished.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09
Acting Secretary of War Oliver replies to a request made by President Roosevelt regarding the detail of an officer of the army as Military Attache at the Argentine Legation. Oliver includes a statement from the Army Chief of Staff showing that his office is considering the possibility of assigning officers of the General Staff Corps as attachés in Central and South America.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-10
Before his departure for the Alaskan Boundary Tribunal in England, Elihu Root submits his resignation as Secretary of War. His resignation will take effect upon the appointment and confirmation of his successor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-19
Partial newspaper article pointing out that Generals Wesley Merritt, John Rutter Brooke, and Elwell Stephen Otis received eulogistic orders upon their retirement, against army regulations. General Nelson Appleton Miles did not receive similar orders and the War Department’s explanation is that Merritt, Brooke, and Otis retired from “immediate active service in the field.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08
Secretary of War Root has stopped denying his upcoming departure from the Cabinet. He had to make arrangements in New York for next winter and this information was discovered by journalists. Root will have the War Department cipher book while in London for the Alaskan Boundary Tribunal. Communication should be easy and he will remain available for consultations. Root opposes the calling of an extra session of Congress in October as he does not want “speedy financial legislation.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-19
Secretary of War Root congratulates the newly organized Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines on the important steps they have taken “for the interest of their country.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-30
Governor Hunt describes Department of War personnel as “agreeable” following conferences on the adjustment of land in Puerto Rico.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-30
William H. Taft discusses the establishment of the Moro province in the Philippines. Taft mentions the death of Marian Lutz, a teacher.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-26
William Cary Sanger thanks President Roosevelt for his letter upon Sanger’s retirement from the War Department.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-22
Governor General of the Philippines Taft reports unrest in the Philippine province of Albay and recommends “radical action” to curtail ladrones from stealing the lucrative cash crop of hemp. Taft concludes with a request for authority to deliver Spanish copper to a bidder who threatens to withdraw the bid if the copper is not promptly received.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-12
William H. Taft defends the opium-farm system recommended by the Philippine Commission in response to an increase in opium smuggling due to high tariffs and increased opium use in the Philippines. Under the proposal, Filipinos would not be permitted to smoke opium, and Chinese in the Philippines would. Taft argues that the proposal will decrease opium usage and increase revenues. Taft suggests sending the study commission to Japan, Burma, Formosa, and Java to investigate various opium policies.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-13
The Chief of the Bureau of Insular Affairs details the establishment and supply of the printing plant in Manila. This was done in response to a letter from R. L. Wynn to President Roosevelt dated June 19, 1903, claiming financial misconduct in the establishment of the printing press.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-16