Your TR Source
President Roosevelt asks Richard Bartholdt what the chances are of passing a bill to investigate the facts related to the working conditions of working women and children. Roosevelt believes that there are likely abuses connected with these situations, and thinks that they should be investigated so that Congress can take any necessary further action.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-18
Clerk-stenographer Mrs. Gunnard Johnson at Peaceful Valley Ranch in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
1953-10
President Roosevelt has just signed a bill that will allow for an investigation and report on women and children workers in the United States. He tells James A. Tawney, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, that he does not think the amount of $150,000 recommended by Secretary of Commerce and Labor Oscar S. Straus is enough money to carry out an adequate investigation, and feels an amount double this should be appropriated.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-29
President Roosevelt tells Senator Allison that he has just signed a bill that authorizes the Secretary of Commerce and Labor to investigate the welfare of women and child workers in the United States. However he feels that double the amount suggested would be needed to conduct a substantial investigation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-29
Frederick B. Phillips finds Theodore Roosevelt’s editorials interesting, particularly the one from July 1. He believes many young women working at a low wage in department stores to support and educate themselves are forced to do so because their fathers do not have gainful employment. Phillips is a Republican and a competent lawyer with five children. Due to a lack of cases and rent debt, he cannot provide for his family. Therefore, his daughters work at a store. Political enemies have interfered with his attempts to find a new position. He asks Roosevelt for solutions to his problem so he can provide his children a chance to become good citizens.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-25
Louis Starr greatly appreciates Theodore Roosevelt’s article, “Race Decadence,” feeling that no social question is as vital and fundamental. He thinks that race decadence is related to women’s entry into the workforce, which prevents them from acting as wives and mothers while also straining men’s employment and, thus, ability to support families. Starr proposes that it be a legislated eligibility requirement that a man be married with four children to hold a federal office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-11
Theodore Roosevelt discusses the relationship between man and woman on a personal or romantic level and of men and women within professional settings. In both cases he advocates for mutual respect and consideration. Women, including married women, should have the right to choose their profession. The bearing and rearing of children may interrupt their professional service, but it need not end it. The article was published in the Ladies Home Journal in November 1916.
1916
Theodore Roosevelt refutes Amasa Pierce Thornton’s statement that Roosevelt’s platform is “abandoning civilization” by explaining that all of his proposals for judicial review were made in favor of obtaining justice for the “plain people” of the United States. He writes that he would have gladly supported someone else who made a similar, practical proposal that would allow the people to review the decisions of the New York Court of Appeals regarding the Workman’s Compensation Act, the Bake Shop Case, the prevention of child labor or over-working of women, and the elimination of the sweatshop. Roosevelt ends his argument by stating that the U.S. is the only civilized country in the world where courts are able to review acts passed by the legislature and that Thornton should call Canada and countries in Europe and the Pacific uncivilized if he really believes Roosevelt is in the wrong.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-06-10
Secretary of Commerce and Labor Cortelyou has received the letter from Jacob A. Riis. Cortelyou has heard from all the interested organizations and they are satisfied with the decision on women inspectors.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-09