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Theodore Roosevelt explains to Thomas Robins that he has limited himself to public speaking on the topic of his South American trips. He feels his skills on speaking about American’s unpreparedness for war would best be accomplished in his pamphlet titled “What America Should Learn from the War,” which is scheduled to be released in a few weeks.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-24
Theodore Roosevelt was sorry to hear that the operation failed and that Mrs. Buxton is now blind. He appreciates the articles on the war and will send Edward North Buxton what he has written on the subject. Roosevelt is pleased to hear of the high spirits in Great Britain. Ethel Roosevelt Derby and Richard Derby have been working at the American Hospital in Paris for three months. Roosevelt wishes there was a division of Rough Riders to assist the Belgians.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-19
Theodore Roosevelt defends himself against accusations that he is slandering Germany and supporting England. Roosevelt seeks to treat all Americans alike, regardless of their nationality. Roosevelt has not slandered Germany but stated that the violation of Belgium’s neutrality was a “dreadful wrong.” He regrets losing Andrew Noll’s support but believes that nations should be judged by the same standard of conduct. Roosevelt receives many letters imploring him to support a certain country based on the letter writer’s nationality. However, he believes that foreign and domestic affairs should only be viewed from “the standpoint of simple American citizenship.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-03
Theodore Roosevelt encloses several articles he has written on the war in Europe which call for American military preparation and stress the nation’s duty to interfere on behalf of Belgium. He does not state the form of interference, as the American public would not support him. Roosevelt views the American public as short sighted with far too much confidence in their security across the Atlantic Ocean. He has a low opinion of President Woodrow Wilson and Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan. Roosevelt has not seen first hand statements regarding the German outrages in Belgium and recommends that Great Britain launch an investigation among the Belgian refugees. Strong evidence is needed to reach world opinion.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-11-04
Carl Schurz writes to President Roosevelt to clarify points he made in an earlier letter, specifically those related to disarmament and trouble in Armenia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-14
The Russian people are upset by the bureaucracy which is being held responsible for all misfortunes of war. There is no universal call for peace, but there is an immediate assembling of representation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-02
During a visit to Washington, D.C., on January 22, 1918, Theodore Roosevelt helps those urging war reorganization and the speedup of war work. Roosevelt appears with an unidentified man standing and talking on the steps outside an unspecified building.
Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound
1918-01-22
Frank Greene was pleased to receive Theodore Roosevelt’s letter and confirms that Jack Tisdale was killed around twenty years ago. He reminisces about the old days in Little Missouri and relates several anecdotes. The local sentiment is that the United States should avoid a war with Germany.
State Historical Society of North Dakota
1916-01-13
Kermit Roosevelt sends Christmas greetings and hopes they might spend a Christmas together soon. He outlines his family’s plans for where they would like to live and work in the future. Argentina is on the “right side” regarding attitudes towards the war and Roosevelt would be enlisting if he were not married.
1914-12-23
Theodore Roosevelt is delighted to have heard from R. J. Cunninghame, and has sent the letter on to his son Kermit. Roosevelt would have had Cuninghame in the fighting force if he had command, and hopes still to be at the front with his four sons. Roosevelt is glad that Cuninghame is able to serve, even if it is in the ambulance service and not at the front.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-08-06
Theodore Roosevelt is disgusted by President Wilson’s actions after the sinking of the Lusitania. He is pleased that he spoke out publicly on the sinking.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-04
Theodore Roosevelt informs Moreton Frewen that he feels very strongly about the “German business,” but that the rest of the United States does not agree with his stance. Roosevelt tells Frewen that he will read his article with great interest.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-01
Theodore Roosevelt has tried to convince the American people to do their duty regarding the war. However, they have been misled by many politicians and pacifists. Roosevelt suggests that Mrs. Antonio De Viti de Marco and her friends write to Jane Addams and other America pacifists to convince them that their demand for peace and ignorance of “hideous wrongdoing” is the “gravest crime against righteousness.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1915-06-01
This film compilation presents Theodore Roosevelt at various public functions in support of the war effort.
Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound
1917-1918
Rumors about Quentin Roosevelt’s death arrived on July 16 but were not confirmed until today. Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt is suffering and Flora Whitney is brokenhearted. Quentin “died as the heroes of old died.” Congress returned some Nobel Prize money to Roosevelt and he has decided to donate it to the Salvation Army. He agrees with Archie Roosevelt’s thoughts on the government’s failure to prepare for war and that many people, like Quentin, will pay with their blood. Ted Roosevelt was recently injured with a “bullet through his leg.”
1918-07-21
Theodore Roosevelt asks Anna Roosevelt Cowles to decline Miss Edgar’s invitation for him to speak in Canada; he feels it would be inappropriate to speak about his opposition to the United States’ position on the current war outside of his own country. He is embarrassed at Archibald Roosevelt’s behavior during his visit at the Cowles’ house but is pleased that Quentin Roosevelt enjoyed himself.
1915-07-10
The South African War has increased interest in mounted infantry in Europe and India, with some even advocating for a full army to be mounted. The gloomy news from South Africa is difficult, especially since many of the British admire the Boers. The British are seeking to get their candidate on the throne of Afghanistan but Russia is opposing them with its own influence. There are also tensions in the Persian Gulf as Britain seeks to protect its interests and Germany desires access to Kuwait Harbor as the terminus of the Anatolian railroad. There is a great deal of interest about President Roosevelt in India.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-09
Charles Fletcher Lummis has not written because he has spent most of the last three months in the New Mexico wilderness. He hopes for the success of the Roosevelt administration and the country under President Roosevelt’s leadership. Lummis believes the two major issues that need to be addressed are the mistreatment of the Boers, who have the widespread support of the American public, and the ongoing Philippine American War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-08
Goldwin Smith believes that Paul Kruger will call for American intervention in the South African War. President Roosevelt will refuse to intervene, but the manner of refusal offers an opportunity to help mitigate the “spirit of violence and vengeance” of the war.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-21