Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt thanks Judge Stevens for his letter and will speak to him in Chicago. Roosevelt had no knowledge of the feud between Pierce and Wallace, presumably referring to a feud based on editorial policy of the Iowa Homestead between Henry Wallace and James M. Pierce.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-30
Theodore Roosevelt quotes a letter from Henry Wallace regarding his opinion of President Taft as an “upright man.” Roosevelt wants to make sure that he did not misrepresent what Wallace had said. He also includes a quote regarding Pinchot’s influence with the administration of the Gila National Forest.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-17
President Theodore Roosevelt suggests that Gifford Pinchot and members of the Country Life Commission meet with farmers from across the United States to discuss matters associated with rural living. It is imperative, says Roosevelt, that “the men who actually live on the soil should feel a sense of ownership in the Commission.” Roosevelt suggests a list of topics for these meetings to help the Commission ascertain the conditions of the open country.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-09
Marie Turner Harvey sends Theodore Roosevelt some literature she hopes he will examine. Despite being rich in resources and developed wealth, her state of Missouri ranks low in education because most children reside in poor, rural areas. Roosevelt’s 1908 letter to Professor L. H. Bailey inspired the “country life” classes that she teaches. She hopes Roosevelt can attend the First Missouri Rural Life Conference, as his presence would significantly impact the work. Harvey regards the Country Life Commission as one of Roosevelt’s greatest services to the country.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-01
Gifford Pinchot is pleased with the conclusion of the Wallace incident and believes that Secretary Ballinger has been handled effectively.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-21
Gifford Pinchot sends Theodore Roosevelt the report of Edmond Haggard Madison, the reports of the Democrats, the report of the Ballinger Committee, and a letter from “Uncle Henry” Wallace.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-27
Sir Horace Curzon Plunkett has written a book on the country life problem in the United States and Gifford Pinchot hopes for Theodore Roosevelt’s endorsement. Pinchot is pleased that Roosevelt might be able to speak at the National Conservation Congress and knows other organizations that would be anxious to hear him speak as well. Pinchot believes that the latest developments in the Pinchot-Ballinger controversy show Attorney General George W. Wickersham and President William H. Taft in a poor light.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-05-18
Theodore Roosevelt wants to know if Gifford Pinchot would object if Roosevelt wrote to Henry Wallace about a misunderstanding of the word “upright,” which Roosevelt used in a speech regarding William H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-30
President Roosevelt discusses the importance of improving social and economic conditions for farmers, arguing that “with the single exception of the conservation of our natural resources, which underlies the problem of rural life, there is no other material question of greater importance now before the American people.” He asks Walter Hines Page to serve upon a Commission on Country Life.
1908-08-10
President Roosevelt thanks Walter Hines Page for his work on the Country Life Commission and emphasizes that the farmers “should feel a sense of ownership in this Commission,” and that the commission should “get in touch with and represent the farmers themselves.” He advises the commissioners to arrange for meetings of farmers so that the commission can gain insight into the needs, desires and problems of farmers and “all those who live in the open country and are intimately connected with those who do farm work.” He suggests topics such as “the efficiency of the rural schools, farmers organizations, the need of good roads, improved postal facilities” and “sanitary conditions on the farm.”
1908-11-09