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President Roosevelt is struck by the humor of the Japanese, their pride in the Red Cross, and “their determination to show that they are humane and not cruel.” Roosevelt is unconcerned about “yellow peril.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-02
Ambassador Griscom informs Secretary of State Root that Root’s visit was “of great material benefit to the political and commercial interests” that the United States has in Brazil and elsewhere in South America. For instance, a bill has been introduced to give preferential treatment to the United States with regard to tariffs, under which American goods would benefit from a 30-40% advantage over those of Germany, Italy, and France. Additionally, some state officials are pushing their employees to learn English and encouraging Brazilian students to seek American educational opportunities rather than those of Europe. To continue the positive feelings in Brazil, Griscom encourages a reciprocal tariff reduction for Brazil, a parcel-post convention between the two nations, improved speed to ship freight there, and better steamship communications.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-31
President Roosevelt agrees with David Gray that the danger in the Islands is going too fast, not too slow. However, Roosevelt believes that replacing military rule with a civilian administration as quickly as possible was the correct course of action. Roosevelt describes the attacks on the army as “infamous” and felt deep indignation at the conduct of General Miles.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-08
French Ensor Chadwick thanks Theodore Roosevelt for his kind letter and hopes Roosevelt might be able to write anything about the Spanish American War. Chadwick plans to send Roosevelt an updated copy of his book, because he made some alterations and additions in response to a review from the New York Times which commented on Winfield Scott Schley. Chadwick says it is thanks to Roosevelt and the court, the Navy’s standards of conduct have been upheld, which is the most important thing.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-17
Curzon of Kedleston, Marquess George Nathaniel Curzon, tells Theodore Roosevelt about a book that is being written by Lovat Fraser about the Curzon’s administration in India. He also asks after Roosevelt and comments on an Italian raid in Turkey.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-06
John F. Healy sends Theodore Roosevelt a letter urging him to oppose the 1911 Arbitration Treaty, disagreeing with Roosevelt’s exception for England.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-11
William Alex. Sutherland thanks Theodore Roosevelt for his response regarding a manuscript titled The Daydreams of Asia, Europe, and America, and discusses the challenges of publishing in India. He expresses hope that the book may be of interest to American readers due to its political and cultural insights, particularly on India’s global role, Anglo-American heritage, and future world events.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-09-07
N. L. Rockey writies to Theodore Roosevelt about his time in India, and encloses something that he believes no one else would send to him pertaining to the matter between Egypt and England. Rockey notes the tendency of the local population to self-identify as Hindus, Muslims etc. rather than Indian, and sees this as a contributor to the current political unrest in the region.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-31
Patterson Du Bois sends Theodore Roosevelt a pamphlet offering his new thesis on the “Great Japanese Embassy of 1860,” which he believes is critical to understanding the development of relations with the East.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-06
Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on the political exploits of Winston Churchill, who is once again running a contested election, and whose comments on Ireland have caused problems in Parliament.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-01
José Dolores Gámez, Nicaraguan Foreign Minister, informs Crisanto Medina Salazar, the Nicaraguan minister in Paris, that there have been indications that Japan and Great Britain have spoken about the possibility of constructing an isthmian canal in Nicaragua to rival the one being built in Panama by the United States. Gámez instructs Salazar to speak secretly with the Japanese minister in Paris about this possibility, and to give the impression that such a proposal to Nicaragua would be favorably received. Colombia has also spoken with Japan about constructing a canal in their territory and facilitating closer relations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-29
William Cornelius Van Horne was sorry to miss Baron Hermann Speck von Sternburg’s visit to Cuba. He did not find out about it in time to make arrangements for Sternburg’s comfort and convenience. Van Horne offers his assessment of the political situation in Cuba. The political factions and divisions that have arisen make the success of an independent government impossible, but further intervention by the United States is risky. Van Horne also is worried that the Japanese have overextended themselves, but does not know enough to speak further on the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-30
United States Ambassador to France White encloses an article by André Tardieu in Le Temps. White is pleased with President Roosevelt’s observations with respect to religious toleration and reform leading to religious harmony. He thinks this view will be productive in France. He also encloses pictures of the new American embassy in Paris. Finally, White updates Roosevelt on the political situation in France. Emile Combes gave an unfortunate speech at a dinner honoring Henri Brisson, which hurt his own chances of ousting Georges Clemenceau as Prime Minister.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-20
Ambassador Reid updates President Roosevelt on a variety of political situations in England. It is likely that Prime Minister Henry Campbell-Bannerman will die or resign soon, which will lead to a number of changes. H. H. Asquith will likely become Prime Minister, and others like Sir Henry Fowler will likely resign. It is likely that Winston Churchill will be promoted to a Cabinet position. Lewis Harcourt will also likely be promoted, as he is universally popular and may even become Prime Minister. British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey spoke with Canadian politician William Lyon Mackenzie King, who claims to be a friend of Roosevelt’s. He spoke about Asian immigration on behalf of the Americans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-18
United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom Reid gives President Roosevelt an update on international politics in Europe, especially events in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Russia. He assures the President that the London Morning Post has a good opinion of him, and proposes a solution to the problem of one of its correspondents writing unfairly on the Roosevelt administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-04-17
James Sullivan Clarkson informs William Loeb that Secretary of State Elihu Root is “making such a splendid impression in South America.” He commends the South American ministers on their preparations for Root’s visit, suggests releasing photographs of the tour to the newspapers, and notes Uruguay’s desire to trade more with the United States and less with Germany and England. Clarkson relates his approval of the campaign finance changes proposed by President Roosevelt and speaks in detail of the Republican National Committee’s expenditures in the presidential elections of 1884, 1888, and 1892.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-19
Ambassador O’Brien provides Acting Secretary of State Peirce with a translation of an article which appeared in the Danish newspaper, Politiken. The article suggests that the purchase of the Danish West Indies will come up in the next session of Congress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-03
Cecil Spring Rice writes from his diplomatic posting in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russians are not happy with the Russo-Japanese War and are wary of foreigners, especially English and Americans. He sees Russia and Germany growing closer but doubts that they will ever reach an alliance. Spring Rice reflects on Russia’s relationships with the other great powers and sees Russia’s future as in the East. He suggests that Germany will end up allying with the victor of the Russo-Japanese War.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-25