Your TR Source
President Roosevelt congratulates Lyman Metcalfe Bass on his engagement to Grace Holland and compliments him on being “the kind of man that we should like to have our boys grow up to be.” Roosevelt believes that being “happily married” leads to happiness “in the highest sense.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-28
William H. Taft has replaced Elihu Root as Secretary of War. President Roosevelt will miss Root and is concerned that Taft is too much like him to provide good advice. Roosevelt believes that Ted Roosevelt can succeed in civilian life and would be sorry to see him enter the military. However, the army is “well and good” if Ted is convinced of that path. They can discuss the matter over Easter break.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-06
Nelson A. Beardslee encloses a copy of an oration written and delivered by his 19-year-old son, Dana, at the State Oratorical Contest in Saginaw, Michigan. The oration won first prize. Beardslee sends it as a testimony of the influence Theodore Roosevelt has had on young men’s characters. In a handwritten note, Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt instructs secretaries to compliment the oration and tell Beardslee that she is saving it to show her husband when he returns.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-05-21
Endicott Peabody is glad to know that President Roosevelt approves of Kermit’s coming forward for confirmation at Groton. Peabody’s son, Malcolm, will be confirmed as well making this year “more personal to me than ever.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-19
President Roosevelt would like John R. Mott to deliver a special word of greeting to Russia’s young men. In his message, Roosevelt reflects on the ideal qualities of young men and notes that they are universal, regardless of nationality. In particular, Roosevelt discusses the need to combine “a high ideal with practical efficiency in carrying it out.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-12
President Roosevelt, in his address at the Prize Day Exercises at Groton School, discusses the qualities that make a decent boy and man. In particular, the President elaborates on duty, philanthropy, scholarship, and athletics.
1904-05-24