Wright, Luke E. (Luke Edward), 1846-1922

Speech by Theodore Roosevelt

President Roosevelt addresses the South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exposition by first remarking upon the healing and reunification that has taken place since the Civil War and praising South Carolina. He approves of the exhibition’s effort to involve the West Indies, and feels that they will play a greater role in American policy going forward. The exhibition was made possible by the ongoing industrial development in the nation which Roosevelt praises, even as he also recognizes that it can produce social problems that the nation needs to work together to confront. His administration can help in this goal though the fair and honest administration of laws.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-04

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George Frisbie Hoar

President Roosevelt offers Senator Hoar an update on the situation in the Philippines. Governor General William H. Taft and Secretary of War Elihu Root are against political figure Apolinario Mabini returning to the Philippines where he can only be a burden and “center of all the plotting by the irreconcilable.” Roosevelt finds Mabini’s excuse for not taking the oath as “trifling and disingenuous” and will not grant an exception for fear of further agitation. There are troubles ahead in the Philippines, and American officials should not be hampered in their important work. However, Roosevelt is impressed with Hoar’s desire to do what is wise and good, and will continue to consult with Taft and with Vice Governor Luke E. Wright in order to determine the earliest moment that Mabini’s return will not threaten the safety of the islands.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-12-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William H. Taft

President Roosevelt informs Governor General of the Philippines Taft that he has decided Taft is the best man to replace Justice George Shiras on the Supreme Court. Luke E. Wright will replace Taft as Governor of the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-11-26

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George Frisbie Hoar

President Roosevelt informs Senator Hoar that William H. Taft, Secretary of War Elihu Root, and General Luke E. Wright are all opposed to Apolinario Mabini’s return to the Philippines. One page of an edited draft of the letter is included.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-01-12

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William H. Taft

President Roosevelt informs Governor General of the Philippines Taft that Judge George Shiras will be resigning from the Supreme Court in January, and Roosevelt would like to nominate Taft in his place. Luke E. Wright would likely become Governor of the Philippines.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-10-18

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William H. Taft

President Roosevelt writes to Governor General of the Philippines Taft to discuss the agitation among American Catholics regarding the friars in the Philippines. Opposition to Archbishop John Ireland and the schools have complicated the political situation and could be damaging during the congressional elections. Roosevelt hopes that Luke E. Wright can succeed Taft as Governor.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-07-29

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Charles G. Washburn

During the 1908 presidential election and after William H. Taft’s election, Theodore Roosevelt worked with Taft to prepare the Cabinet and other prominent positions for the new administration. Taft was consulted regarding appointments and he stated his intention to keep the majority of Roosevelt’s Cabinet. Roosevelt made no requests for appointments or for the retention of certain officials. After Taft became president, he apparently changed his mind and did not make many of the appointments. Taft never discussed this change with Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1915-01-08

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick Palmer

President Roosevelt tells Frederick Palmer that there is too little time in his administration to take action on Palmer’s comments. However, Roosevelt has passed on the letter to Secretary of War Luke E. Wright, noting his agreement.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-27

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Truman Handy Newberry

President Roosevelt instructs Secretary of the Navy Newberry to transfer the U.S.S. Frolic from the Navy Department to the War Department, citing a board recommendation and past appropriation.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Charles E. Townsend

President Roosevelt is happy to help and promises Representative Townsend of Michigan that he will work on Judge Clement M. Smith’s case. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-18

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Kermit Roosevelt

President Roosevelt tells his son Kermit about the last speech he made as president, at an Abraham Lincoln celebration in Kentucky. He was touched to see the enthusiastic crowds at the stations throughout the journey. Roosevelt also discusses his plans to sell his horse Roswell, and preparations for his upcoming Africa trip.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-13

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to J. M. Dickinson

President Roosevelt is pleased that J. M. Dickinson liked his speech, and Roosevelt likes Dickinson’s speech. Roosevelt is also pleased that Dickinson will take over as Secretary of War in the new administration, and praises having men like Dickinson and current Secretary of War Luke E. Wright in the presidential cabinet.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-16

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William Edgar Borah

President Roosevelt has forwarded Senator Borah’s letter to Secretary of War Luke E. Wright. However, Roosevelt reminds Borah that his previous messages about the “Brownsville matter” have always advocated for giving the president the power to reenlist these soldiers. Roosevelt encloses a copy of his most recent letter to Senator Nelson W. Aldrich.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-03

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Nelson W. Aldrich

President Roosevelt has seen Secretary of War Luke E. Wright since he wrote to Senator Aldrich this morning. Wright is of the opinion that the Brownsville Affair bill would not require the president to allow the reenlistment of eligible men. Roosevelt is relieved, but wants this interpretation to be explicitly outlined in the bill for future reference. He is sure that future presidents will listen to the board, but he does not want his successors to be “compelled” to act on their recommendations.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William Edgar Borah

The objection to the Brownsville Affair bill that President Roosevelt discussed with Senator Borah this morning is no longer a concern. Roosevelt consulted Secretary of War Luke E. Wright, who asserted that the bill will not compel the president to reinstate any soldiers.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-02

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Memorandum from Theodore Roosevelt to Civil Service Commission

President Roosevelt states that he has signed the the order submitted by the Civil Service Commission to reinstate Edwin W. Hutcheson in the classified service in any department, subject to his passing an appropriate examination.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-27

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Mary Ann Freeman Noble Wiley

President Roosevelt tells Mary Ann Freeman Noble Wiley that if her request can be done, it will be done. However, the request will be left to Secretary of War Luke E. Wright to determine what the needs of the services are.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-23

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William H. Taft

President Roosevelt weighs in on who should be appointed as judge in North Carolina. He initially intends to advise against President-Elect Taft’s suggestion of Edward W. Timberlake, but, after hearing from a number of prominent southerners who back him up, agrees that Timberlake is the best choice for the job.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-07

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to James Bronson Reynolds

President Roosevelt “should not dream of sending Hill,” but plans to send both of the men recommended by Goodell. He will send James Bronson Reynolds’s report to President-Elect William H. Taft right away, and will mention the question of the labor secretaryship to Secretary of War Luke E. Wright.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-26

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William H. Taft

President Roosevelt thinks that some of the best engineers in the country should accompany President-elect Taft when he goes down to visit the Panama Canal, and makes several suggestions.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-13

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919