Vitte, S. I︠U︡. (Sergeĭ I︠U︡lʹevich), graf, 1849-1915

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-09-06

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Recipient

Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia, 1868-1918

President Roosevelt is glad to receive James R. Sheffield’s letters. He decided to publish the letters from Grover Cleveland “to put a stop to the yapping of the dishonest scoundrels” of the press.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-25

President Roosevelt thanks John A. Sleicher for the editorials from Leslie’s Weekly he sent. Roosevelt is glad Professor M. M. Kovalevskiĭ published a report about the negotiation of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty, because he never felt at liberty to discuss how he interceded with Sergei Vitte in the matter of Jewish Americans being prohibited from visiting Russia.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-08

Ambassador Francis writes to President Roosevelt to explain that normally he does not conduct newspaper interviews but in this circumstance he felt offering a statement in writing was acceptable. He also hopes Roosevelt will approve of his statement, given to a Viennese newspaper and La Rousse of St. Petersburg, Russia. In the copy of his statement, Francis describes Japan and the United States as good friends, and describes Russia as “their old ally and firm friend.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-01-18

John Callan O’Laughlin writes to President Roosevelt regarding the recent mutiny on the Russian battleship Kniaz Potemkin. Count Cassini spoke to O’Laughlin confidentially about his concerns over the loyalty of the army and artillery. O’Laughlin also discusses relations between Japan and Russia and the possible upcoming peace talks.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-29

Ambassador George von Lengerke Meyer updates President Roosevelt on the difficulties he has encountered trying to obtain Russia’s commitment to peace negotiations with Japan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-18

Late last night, Ambassador Meyer received a letter from Minister Lamzdorf informing him of Emperor Nicholas II’s decision to accept President Roosevelt’s invitation for peace talks with Japan. Meyer has had some frustrating and heated discussions with Lamzdorf and has had to threaten to take matters to the Emperor himself. Lamzdorf is eager to know who the Japanese plan to appoint as plenipotentiaries, so that Russia can choose its best representatives. Meyer hopes that Russia does not appoint Ambassador Nelidov who he considers to be “too old and nervous.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-06-18

This poem details the events of President Roosevelt’s life and presidency, calling him “buster in war and buster in peace.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-10-26

President Roosevelt holds a “Roosevelt diplomacy” wand as he looks at two hats. One says “Komura” for Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Jutarō Komura, and the other says “Witte” for Russian Prime Minister S. I︠U︡. Vitte. Caption: The President: “Gentlemen, you have seen the insides of these hats—and you noticed they contained no dove. I shall be delighted to place one there—if I can!”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-23

President Roosevelt, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Jutarō Komura, and a goddess of peace raise a toast. Behind Komura is a “the dough bag” while “the big stick” is behind Roosevelt. The chair for Russian Prime Minister S. I︠U︡. Vitte is empty. “The dove” is in the center of the table while “rye” is by Roosevelt’s seat, “milk” is by the goddess’s seat, “sake” is by Komura’s seat, and “vodka” is by Vitte’s seat.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-07-28

Russian and Japanese delegates meet with President Roosevelt during the peace negotiations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Left to right: Count Sergei Iulievich Witte, Baron Roman Romanovich von Rosen, President Theodore Roosevelt, Baron Jutaro Komura and Kogoro Takahira.

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1905

Assistant Secretary of State Herbert H. D. Peirce denies that President Roosevelt has an interest in acquiring the chairs used by Count Vitte and Baron Komura during the signing of the peace treaty.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-09-13

The Daily Telegraph clarifies its position reporting international negotiations. Peace talks continue between Russia and Japan in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-15

Herbert H. D. Peirce writes to William Loeb to discuss the confusion with the telegrams sent to the plenipotentiaries. He hopes Loeb will share his explanation with President Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-09-08

Transcription of Baron Komura’s telegram. According to Prime Minister Sergie Witte, Emperor Nicholas II still refuses any further concessions. Komura fears that President Roosevelt’s efforts for peace will be futile.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-28

Confirmation of a telegram from Baron Komura discussing the peace talks with Russia, when Sergei Witte could not accept Japan’s compromise offer.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-27

Herbert H. D. Peirce transcribes a message from A. Maurice Low, indicating that Russia was willing to make a small payment to Japan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-25

Herbert H. D. Peirce has informed A. Maurice Low that Russian Prime Minister Sergei Vitte contradicted Low’s statements. Elbert F. Baldwin, editor of The Outlook, served as translator and can confirm what was said.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-27

Japan is clearly seeking only money if the Russo-Japanese War continues. The United States has done all it can to encourage peace agreements.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-25

The peace conference met as usual, with a short afternoon session and adjournment until Saturday.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-08-23