??? 2Feb. 10, 1900 Mar. 22, 1900 22 1 Feby. 10th, 1900. Dr. John A. Rafter, West Winfield, Herk. Co., N.Y. Dear Major Winfield:- I thank you for yours of the 9th inst. You are more than kind. I shall greatly appreciate the bolo knife as a memento of the gallant fighting done by your regiment. Of course like every other American I have the very highest regard for the 30th Kansas. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 18th, 1900. Mr. Washington Hastings, Wilmington, Del. My dear Mr. Hastings:-- I thank you cordially for yours of the 9th inst. I have no intention of accepting the Vice Presidency. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt2 Feby. 10th, 1900. Edward J. McGuire, Esq., #62 Wall St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. McGuire:-- Nothing would give me more pleasure than to come to the dinner of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, but it is possible that the 17th of March may be so near the adjournment of the legislature that it may be very difficult for me to get away from here. Will you let me wait a little while before I answer you definitely? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 10th, 1900. General F. V. Greene, #11 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear General:-- I think both the letters excellent, particular the one to Croker. The interior republicans are rooted in their opposition to this bill, and we can evidently only carry it as a non-partisan measure. That will be the line of my appeal at the dinner of the Commercial Organizations. I shall take strong grounds in favor of assessing the canal counties only, because I wish to do everything I can to minimize the opposition from the strong republican counties north and south. Yes, I think you are in for the war, old man! I need not say that I absolutely agree with you as to this being far and away the most important matter that has come before me during my administration. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt3 Feby. 10th, 1900. G. W. Stone, Esq., State Inspector of Mines, Lexington, Ky. My dear sir:- I thank you cordially for your letter of the 6th inst I became so indignant that I did not feel I could in honor keep silent any longer. With high regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 10th, 1900. James M. North, Esq., Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. North:-- I thank you heartily for your letter of the 7th inst. It seemed to me that it was my clear duty to give all the moral support I could to Governor Taylor and those standing behind him. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[4] Feby. 10th, 1900. Herbert Welsh, Esq., 1305 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. My dear Mr. Welsh:-- I have yours of the 8th inst. Will you thank Mr. Sniffen for me, for his kindness in the Ancient Order of United Workman matter? In reference to the Indian question-- I quite agree with you, but unless we have something strong to go on, I do not believe I can make the legislature see my way. I have long wanted to take up the whole question of the Indians in New York, but I have literally not one day in which to try to visit them myself. Do you think there are two or three thoroughly sound and sensible men and women in New York whom I could get to undertake such an inquiry for me? Have we not got an Indian Society in New York from which we could get three thoroughly rational sensible people who with the official standing given by a letter from me and at my request would go over all the different reservations here, would report on the need of schooling, upon what ought to be done with their reservations, upon whether they were suffering wrong, &c., &c. I have felt uneasy about the Indians here all through my administration, simply because it seemed to me that the State has absolutely neglected its duty to them for over a century. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 10th, 1900. Mr. Frank P. Hayes, 577 Jefferson Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear Lieut. Hayes:-- Replying to yours of the 8th inst, I will try to find out through Col. Treadwell what has been done. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt [5] Feby. 10th, 1900. Col. H. H. Treadwell c/o Tiffany & Co., Union Sq., N.Y. City. My dear Col. Treadwelll:-- The enclosed explain themselves. Has anything been done in the matter? Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt from Mr. Hull and you will see by it that the passage of a new bill or the amendment of the present act should not be very difficult. I do hope ,Sir you will not let the matter drop but will push the thing through to a successful issue. Will you kindly let me know how the business rests now. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt[6] Feby. 12th, 1900. Edward J. McGuire, Esq., #62 Wall St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. McGuire:-- I am awfully sorry but I find my engagements will render it impossible for me to leave Albany next Saturday, so I shall have to content myself with going to the Albany dinner of the Friendly Sons of St.Patrick. Wishing you a most delighteful time, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 12th, 1900. Hon. J. S. VanDuzer, Horseheads, N.Y. Dear Van:-- As soon as I saw the Senator I told him exactly what you had written me, and to my delight I found there was a strong basis of fact in it, and if geographical considerations do not intervene (which I think I have provided against), I believe I shall have the entire acquiescence of the Organization in your nomination. But I do not wish it spoken about yet. Faithfully yours Theodore Roosevelt[7] Feby. 12th, 1900. Hon. Alford Warriner Cooley, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Cooley:-- Is it James L.Wells of whom you spoke to me about? If so I wish you would call on Mr. Wright, the Editor of the Commercial Advertiser who evidently is not favorably impressed with him. I want to put on that Commission the very highest type of men I can get-- not pretty good men, but first class men. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 12th, 1900. Mr. R. W. Gilder, The Century Magazine, Union Sq., N.Y. City. My dear Gilder:-- If you decide that you want that last article, will you send me the galley proofs? Is there any chance of my seeing you before you leave for the other side? I was speaking about you with dear Jacob Riis in the hospital Sunday. I should like to talk over with you some tenement house matters. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[8] Feby. 12th, 1900. President G. W. Schurman, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. My dear President Schurman:-- I have your note of the 11th. Will you not lunch with me at the Executive Mansion Wednesday the 14th inst at 1.30 oclock? I would be particularly glad if you would. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 12th, 1900. William H. Rideing, Esq., 55 E. 76th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Rideing:-- I have yours of the 9th inst. I quite understand how you feel. Anectodal writing is rather out of my line and I do not know whether I can do what you wish. But I confess I feared that my piece might be too didactic for you. If you will send it back to me, I will see whether or not I am able to put in the anecdotes. If I can, I will send it back to you. If not, we will just call the matter off. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt [9] Feby. 12th, 1900. Mr. R. J. Waddell, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Waddell:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 9th inst inclosing letter from Horace J. Smith of Ottawa, Kansas. I do not think I can accept. It is not a possible thing. I shall probably come home from Oklahoma on the Fourth of July and shall not be there again. I am awfully sorry for I should particularly like to go to Ottawa. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby.12th, 1900. Rockwood Photography Company #1440 Bway, N.Y. City. Gentlemen:-- Please send me at your earliest convenience one dozen of the large size Rough Rider photographs of myself. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt [10] Feby. 12th, 1900. William J. Kline, Esq. Amsterdam, N.Y. My dear Mr. Kline:-- Replying to yours of the 10th inst. It gives me the utmost pleasure to send you the enclosed letter to Comptroller Dawes. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Inclosure. Feby.12th, 1900. Hon. Charles G. Dawes, Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Dawes:-- I understand that it may become necessary to place the Canajoharie, N.Y. National Bank in charge of a permanent receiver. If so, let me cordially recommend William J. Kline, Esq., of Amsterdam, N.Y. as receiver. He is the Editor of the Amsterdam Democrat and was lately President of the Republican Editorial Association of this State. He is an upright and honorable man and a particular friend of the Attorney General of this State. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[11] Feby.12th, 1900. Mr. Henry J. Sawe, 32 Lake St., Chicago, Ill. My dear sir:-- In reply to yours of the 8th inst would say that I hardly know how to answer you. It was the regular kaki uniform of the cavalry. I had two suits, although I only wore one much. They were of slightly different shades, one being a little grayer and the other a little yellower. I wish I could give you more satisfactory information, for I very much appreciate your desire to put a special binding on my book. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby.12th, 1900. Rev. Dr. E. P. Johnson #2 First St. Albany, N.Y. My dear Dr. Johnson:-- I have yours of the 10th. I shall speak at three oclock and shall expect everyone at the Mansion from five to six. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 12 Feby. 12th, 1900. Rev. Lyman P. Powell, Lansdowne, Pa. My dear Mr. Powell:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 9th inst. First, let me congratulate you on the success of American Historic Towns. Next, as to what you say about the Vice Presidency, I agree exactly with your sketch of the dangers of the next campaign. By the way, I take the liberty of sending you herewith [?], a copy of my annual message, in which I deal with trusts and modern indus- trial conditions. I am getting Prof. J.W. Jenks of Cornell University to aid me in drawing up a bill to take the first step toward the regulation of trusts. But it does not seem to me that I could do anything as Vice President. I doubt if the Vice President's name ever counts appreciably in carrying the ticket, and, on the hand, he is of absolutely no consequence in his office. Here I have got a genuine bit of work to do-- a bit of work in which I am exceedingly interested. As Vice President I could do literally nothing. I could not even reply to Pettigrew when he chatters anarchy and treason, and I would be barred from doing, as I can in the last resort now, express my dissent when on some point it seems impossible to acquiesce in what the adminis- tration does. I do not feel I could do anything as Vice President. With hearty thanks, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 13 Feby. 12th, 1900. George Denny, Esq., Executive Department, Frankfort, Ky. My dear Mr. Denny:-- I have yours of the 8th inst and wish I could help you with something more substantial than an expression of sympathy. But I do not know quite what to do. The drains upon my own purse are so large that I have not any money to give, being a man of very moderate means. I shall consult with Mr. Odell tomorrow and see if there is anything we can do. I shall certainly try. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 14 Feby. 13th, 1900. Mr. Edward C. Lovell, Elgin, Ill. My dear Mr. Lovell:-- I have yours of the 10th inst. That is most interesting. Had I received the letter in time, it would have given me the greatest pleasure to have seen whether the picture should not be copied. Now, however, all the illustrations have long been ready. With great regard and many thanks, believe me, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 13th, 1900. Mr. Theo. Cuyler Patterson, Chesnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. My dear Mr. Patterson:-- I have yours of the 10th inst with inclosed clipping which I return. I am sorry to say I fear there is nothing I can do. I know absolutely nothing about what the national government intends to do in the matter referred to. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt15 Feby. 13th, 1900. Hon. F. E. Lounsbury, New Haven, Conn. My dear Mr. Lounsbury:-- I have yours of the 11th inst. You may have seen from the papers that I thoroughly appreciate the [force?] of your anecdote and have acted accordingly. Whatever happens I do not want to be vice president. I would rather go back to private life, for the vice presidency is utterly out of my line. With best wishes for your speedy recovery to health, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 13th, 1900. Charles Moore, Esq., U. S. Senate, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Moore:-- I entirely agree with you. No man more deserves such recognition from Harvard than Proctor. Any way I can help I will. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt16 Feby. 13th, 1900. Mrs. Walter C. Nelson, Chairman, the Arche Club, Chicago, Ill. My dear Mrs. Nelson:--- It seems to me that few things do more good in our social life than commemorating with proper spirit the anniversaries that mean so much in our history' I am glad your club is honoring the memory of Washington, and I am sure it will honor him in the most effective of ways by advocating those principles of civic conduct of which he was the special representative. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 13th, 1900. Mr. Frank H. Jones, The American Trust & Savings Bank, LaSalle & Monroe Sts. Chicago, Ill. My dear Mr. Jones:-- I have just received yours of the 2nd inst. Will the enclosed letter do? It is always a pleasure to hear from you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Inclosure.[17] Feby. 13th, 1900. Hon. H. Clay Evans, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C. My dear General Evans:-- The inclosures in reference to Frank W. Eaton, one of my troopers explain themselves. May I ask what chance there is of the pension being put through? Apoligizing for troubling you, I am Faithfully yours, CLAIM NO. 1242268 Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 15th, 1900 Mr. Frank W. Eaton, 910 Natoma St., San Francisco, Cal. My dear Mr. Eaton:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 7th inst with enclosures and have written at once to the Commissioner of Pensions and will do all I can to have your case advanced. I only hope what I wrote will be of some avail. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt[18] Feby. 13th, 1900. Montague White, Esq., Manhattan Hotel, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. White:-- I have your letter of the 7th inst with inclosures. I shall have the watch sent to you at once. I have written to Mr. Selous. I am sure I need not tell you how much I enjoyed your visit. I was very much pleased with your letter to Selous, and was particularly impressed by the letter of Mr. Hodges. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 13th, 1900. Hon. John Proctor Clark[e?], #29 Bway, N.Y. City. Dear John:-- I have yours of the 10th. That [?] As a matter of fact I had made up my mind what the object of the request made was even before I got your letter. Good luck to you, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 19 Feby. 13th, 1900. Mrs. H. B. Gooding, #10 Worcester Sq., Boston, Mass. My dear madam:-- I thank you most heartily for your letter of the 12th inst. I have no intention of accepting the vice presidency. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 13th, 1900. Rev. Dr. T. R. Slicer, #27 W. 76h, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Slicer:-- I thank you for yours of the 10th inst. In a little while I shall have to have you come up here and either lunch or spend the night with me. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 20 Feb. 13th, 1900. Miss M. A. Jordan, Smith College, Northampton, Mass. My dear Mis Jordan:-- I wish I could accept your invitation to deliver the Commencement address, especially as my close friend Mr. Garrison so desires me to, but it is absolutely out of the question. I cannot make another engagement, because it is not physically possible for me to do so. With hearty appreciation and real regret, I am, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 13th, 1900. A.O, Harrison, Esq., 817 N.Y. Life Bldg., Kansas City, Mo. My dear Mr. Harrison:-- Replying to yours of the 8th inst would say that I have only a dim recollection of Nelson, and indeed I am not positive that I recollect him at all. You see I only knew at all closely the men who went to Cuba with me. I wish Nelson would give me a few facts which would prove an aid to my memory as to my acquaintance with him, &c. Has he his discharge certificate? Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt21 Feby. 13th, 1900. Miss Louisa Lee Schuyler, 135 E.21st St., N.Y. City. My dear Miss Schuyler:-- That is a very nice article and I return it to you. Indeed, I shall do anything I can to help the Cuban orphans. I fear, however, I cannot make any engagement until after the legislature adjourns. Then I shall be in New York, and my dear Miss Schuyler, nothing will give me great pleasure than to lunch or dine with you. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 13th, 1900. Mrs. James Duane Jones, P. O. Box 398, Schenectady, N.Y. My dear madam:-- You are extremely kind and I really appreciate your courtesy in sending me the old manuscripts. It is curious is it not that the names of both Roosevelt and VanWyck should appear on the papers. With hearty thanks, believe me, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 22 Feby. 13th, 1900. James A. Reed, Esq., Prosecuting Attorney, Kansas City, Mo. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 10th inst, would state that L. Troop of my regiment was under Captain Allyn Capron who was killed at Las Guasimas. He was succeeded by Captain Richard C. Day of Vinita, Indian Territory, who is now a lieutenant in the U. S. volunteer army and can be addressed care of the War Dept. Washington. John R. Thomas, of Muscogee, Indian Territory, was 1st Lieutenant, and Frank P. Hayes whose present address is 577 Jefferson Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. was second lieut. E. W. Bucklin Jr., of Jamestown, N.Y. was First Sergeant. A must roll of the entire regiment will be found in the appendix fo my book "The Rough Riders". Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 13th, 1900. Mrs. Florence Farwell Osteyee, Nelliston, N.Y. My dear madam:-- Replying to yours of the 12th inst, I do not understand just how you want me to aid you. I fear I have absolutely no power in the matter whatever. My I ask you to tell me exactly what it is that you request. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt23 Feby. 13th, 1900. Herbert Welsh, Esq., 1305 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. My dear Mr. Welsh:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 12th inst in reference to Dr. McChesney. Of course, I will write to Senator Lodge with the utmost pleasure. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 13th, 1900. Bishop W. C. Doane, Albany, N.Y. My dear Bishop:-- That is an admirable sentence. I shall use it as the text of an article I intend to write. It was just exactly what I wanted. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt24 Feby. 13th, 1900. Mr. Albert Rydell, San Juan, Porto Rico. My dear Mr. Rydell:-- I have your letter of Jany. 30th. you wont need a letter from me to General Wood. Just show him this letter. He will remember his old troopers. Now, in view of the letter of the Adjutant General there is evidently nothing I can do towards having your name changed on the certificate. I will, if you desire, make an entry on your certificate, stating the facts, but there is nothing else that I know that I could say. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Mollie Hutcheson, Owenton, Ky. My dear madam:-- I thank youmost cordially for your letter of the 8th inst. I have the very keenest sympathy, not only as a republican, but as an American, for the cause for which you are standing in Kentucky. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 25 Feby. 13th, 1900. Feby. 13th, 1900. Mr. W. W. Smith, Cove Neck, Oyster Bay Long Island, N.Y. My dear Mr. Smith:-- I have your letter of the 12th inst, and am exceedingly sorry that it is absolutely impossible for me to do anything to help you. I have tried in a dozen cases and both the Army and Navy departments inform me that they will not grant discharges. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 10th, 1900. Mrs. Mary Mapes Dodge, St.Nicholas Magazine, #33 E. 17th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mrs. Dodge:-- Here is my article on the American Boy. I hope you will like it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt26 February 13, 1900 My dear Senator: Although it was at the last uncessary for you to take any action, I want you to remember that I deeply appreciate the fact that had it been necessary you would have been on hand to have aided me in the superintendent of insurance matter. It was more than courteous on your part to come up here and talk this matter over with me and I fully appreciate your kindness and thank you for your action. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Jacob A. Cantor, 31 Nassau Street, New York City PRIVATE. Feby. 13th, 1900. Rev. T. R. Slicer:-- Several people have spoken to me about our two friends, the counsel of the City Club in this investigation. I hope they will take care not to worry Coyne, if they stay in the case. Of course, I wish that some men with more guns could be put in it! Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*27*] Feb 13, 9 Honorable B. Reyes City of Mexico, Mexico My dear sir:-- Permit me to extend to you the assurances of my hearty most thanks for the distinguished consideration and courtesy with which you have treated my letter of introduction of Mr. William A. Bird. Believe me I appreciate it and I currently hope that I may some time have the chance of greeting you in person. Until then, believe me, with renewed regard Most sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt28 Feby. 13th, 1900. Lucius B. Swift, Room 2 Hubbard Block, Indianapolis, Indiana. My dear Mr. Swift:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 8th inst. I cordially agree with you. I shall certainly not under any circumstances accept the vice presidency. Is it impossible for you to get on here? I would like very much to have you not only meet my civil service commission, but meet the various officers under me in the departments. I can conscientiously say that there is nothing that I have done that I would not like to have you know everything about. I get at times indignant with the Evening Post because I fear it may make some of my friends misunderstand what I am doing. I wish to state in all seriousness that though I have met many politicians whom I distrust and dislike during the past year, yet there are none whom I regard as morally worse than the editors of The Post, who persistently and deliberately lie about me, seemingly because I am an expansionist. One of their editors, Bishop, left them the other day, part of his reason being that he had declined to obey their positive orders to supress the truth about me and to tell an untruth about me, the answer to his remonstrance being that "the policy of The Evening Post is to break down Roosevelt". He had never been much of a friend of mine, and indeed I had often thought his comments exceedingly unjust and unfair, but he was not willing to acquiesce in the deliberate suppression or perversion of the truth. Do try to come here if you can! Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt29 Feby. 13th, 1900. Major John H. Parker, 39th Inf. U. S. V., Manila, P. I. My dear Major:-- I have just received yours of January 7th. It is delightful to hear from you. There is nothing I have enjoyed more than the letters from my friends in the Philippines, but it makes me feel as though my political work here was of very slight consequence indeed. I am delighted to learn what you say about Otis, and the admirable way in which the commissary and quartermaster departments are handled in the Philippines-- such a contrast to what occurred at Santiago. I am also delighted to know that we have at last learned how to handle artillery as it should be handled. Heavens and earth, what a cropper the English have come in South Africa! I only hope our people will take the lesson seriously to heart and that no amount of self-confidence, trust in one's stars, and in riches and abundance of men, even though backed by plenty of individual courage, will make amends for failure carefully to prepare. The Boers live under conditions which inevitably make men of their race-stock natural soldiers. But a great civilized modern community does not and cannot produce natural soldiers. With us officers and men must be carefully trained to the profession of arms both individually and in the mass. Otherwise disaster awaits us in our first serious war. With hearty thanks for your kindness in writing me, Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt30 Feby. 13th, 1900. My dear General Hutton:-- I am in receipt of your letter of the 11th inst. I know that what has happened is exactly what you desire, so I congratulate you personally. But I am exceedingly sorry for myself, that you should be leaving Canada and that I should not have the chance to get you here. Is Colonel Kitson going over too? Again,for his sake, I hope that he is. Believe me, my dear General, I shall watch your career eagerly, and I do not need to say that you have my best and heartiest good wishes. With warm regards to Mrs. Hutton, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt To Major General Edward H. Hutton, Earnacliffe, Ottawa. 31 Feby. 13th, 1900. General Bradley T. Johnson, Amelia Court House, Va. My dear General:-- I must just write you a line to say how deeply touched we have been by your letter to us. We feel towards one another just as you and your wife felt, and none among your closest friends can more deeply and heartily sympathize with you. I shall not intrude on you now any more, but in a few weeks I am going to write you a letter about various things. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt32 Feby. 14th, 1900. Genl. F. V. Greene, #11 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear General:-- I have yours of the 13th inclosing Miss Schuyler's note. I wish I could come but it is simply impossible. I have guests here that night and I get home from Buffalo on the 23rd, while some people are coming to spend Sunday. I agree with every word you say. I do wish something could be done along these very lines, and I hate not to join in helping you. Believe me, if I could I certainly would. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 14th, 1900. Mrs. Gertrude L. Schuyler, 1615 Druid Hill Ave., Baltimore, Md. My dear Mrs. Schuyler:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 7th inst containing inclosure which I return herewith. Have you got your husband's certificate of discharge from the regiment? If so, will you send it to me? He must have enlisted under another name. There was no men named Schuyler in troop K. or in the regiment. Several times I have come across instances of men who enlisted under other names. Very sincerely yours, 33 February 13th, 1900. Mr. Robert Bacon, #1 Park Avenue, N.Y. City. Dear Bob:-- It did not make a particle of difference about my not seeing Mr. Morgan. I know there was some accidental hitch. I am awfully sorry not to have seen you. I should particularly like to talk to you about your personal plans. Of course, I feel that if a man has a competency so that he can assure his children a good education and a fair start, that he can do far more real good by going into politics, as you would go in, than in any other way. I know nothing of the conditions in the Cape Cod District, but I have great faith in you and I think you would win your way. How long it would take I cant say. Do you mean to try next year? It would of course be an admirable year to begin. Would there be any chance of your coming up here to spend the night. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. P. J. Finn, Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Finn:-- I am very much obliged to you for your letter of the 8th inst with inclosure. You take, however, altogether too rosy a view of my prospects. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt34 February 14th, 1900. Mrs. Josephine Shaw Lowell, #120 E. 30th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mrs. Lowell:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 11th inst. You are one of the few people who can always write me a letter like that with the certainty that I will not take offense. Let me ask you specifically what you mean? I do not recall what it was I said to you about making mistakes. Will you tell me that? In the next place, will you tell me what mistake of mine you refer to? Do you not think you are probably influenced by reading the Evening Post? Mind you that from Mr. Villard down I regard the editors of that paper as very much worse than any spoils politicians with whom I am brought in contact. I do not mean that they are merely impracticable. I mean that they are dishonest and thoroughly bad citizens. Now, please tell me then finally what you mean . As to what things do "they" say they are disappointed in the Governor? What do you yourself refer to? With great regard, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt35 Feby. 14th, 1900. Genl. F. V. Greene, #11 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear General:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 13th inst inclosing draft of proposed bill. First, what you say about the importance of the office of Lieutenant Governor under the new system gives me a new idea about it which I want to talk over with you when we meet. Next, it seems to me your plan is excellent. I earnestly advise that you take the bill to Fox and MacFarlane. My own official advisers have no expert knowledge on the subject; whereas Fox and MacFarlane have made a study of the subject. Then I suggest that you send copies of the bill to Senator Ford and Assemblyman Hill. If it came from me they would feel that I was trying to get most of the credit for it; whereas if it comes from you it will give them the credit, and instead of being called the Governor's bill, or something like that, it will be known as the "Ford-Hill" bill. I should strongly urge that you get it into proper shape and have them introduce it just as soon as possible, so that we may have it to refer to long before the banquet comes off. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt36 Feby. 14th, 1900. Hon. Lester F. Stearns, Tax Commission, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Stearns:-- I hope you will keep all the watch you can on the franchise tax matters in the legislature. Also, if I am not mistaken, we will have to be prepared, if necessary, to act upon the law as it is without amendments. Evidently there is going to be opposition to my amendment. The amendments should be just as few as possible, and under no consideration should you put in one that is not absolutely necessary. It is not the time to try to rub off small imperfections, and if you put in a large number of amendments, you will confuse every body's mind. Only put in what is absolutely necessary and put those in at once, with a very short, very simple brief. Then, as I say, we must be prepared to do the very best we can if no amendments pass. [?] Beware of any radical amendments. The men who wish to see the franchise tax law fail will try to hamper it in every way, indirectly rather than directly. They will oppose amendments on one excuse and another, and any amendments put in should be so simple and so obviously right and necessary as to defend themselves. A long brief, couched in legal language will tend to confuse, and not clarify the situation. I can [?] [?] must not [?] imply that its [?] Above all, we want prompt action-- action that will enable me to take steps in the matter if the need arises. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt 37 Feby. 14th, 1900. Genl. A. L. Chetlain, Galena, Ill. My dear General:-- I thank you most cordially for yours of the 10th inst. I have received the book and shall read it with very great interest. With great regard and renewed thanks, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby.18th, 1900. Isaac Hassler, Esq., Secretary & Director, P. O. Box 825, Philadelphia, Pa. My dear Mr. Hassler:-- I have yours of the 10th inst. I am not able to promise definitely as early as this, but I will try to come to your Chautauqua next summer. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt38 Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr. T. St.John Gaffney, 41 Riverside Drive, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Gaffney:-- Many thanks for your letter of the 13th inst. It seems to me that the canal was my business, while I am not yet able to see that the Boers are. I thank you for the suggestion about General O'Beirne and shall carefully consider it, but you have no idea of the number of applicants I have for those positions. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 14th, 1900. Richard H. Clarke, LLD, 49 Chambers St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Clarke:-- I thank you cordially for your letter of the 13th inst and assure you it will have my most careful consideration, With great regard, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 39 Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr. G. H. Raymond, 57 Chapin Block, Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. Raymond:-- I am in receipt of your two letters of the 13th inst, also of copy of proposed bill. I fear if I made any suggestion such as that you speak of as to the banquet, it would seem ostentatious and ungracious on my part, and I am very much afraid if would defeat the very excellent end you have in view. Will you let me suggest that about the bill you should confer with General F. V. Greene, No. 11 Bway, N.Y. City. I hardly feel like advising offhand, especially in the matter of the engineering, where I would have to take expert advise myself. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr. Jerry F. Lee, Cook, Troop A., 8th Cav. Fort Riley, Kansas. My dear Sergeant Lee:-- I have yours of the 12th. I will very gladly help you in any way that I can to get that money, but it would of course be of no earthly use for me to write with no better foundation than that contained in your letter. You had better yourself write stating the facts exactly, and then I will send you a letter to be inclosed with yours making the request. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt P.S. I inclose you blank application for extra pay to be filled out.40 Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr. J. B. Bishop, The Commercial-Advertiser, 29 Park Row, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Bishop:-- I have yours of the 13th inst. I guess you are right. Now, would it be possible for you and Wright, or if you could not both come, then for you alone to come up here sometime and spend a day and night with me? I want to show you exactly how things are being run. I want you to meet the men in the Senate and Assembly upon whom I rely. I want you to see my subordinates and judge for yourself the type of men they are. Cant you come? You cannot imagine what a pleasure and what a real help it was to meet you two at breakfast the other day. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr G. O. Shields, 23 W. 24th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Shields:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 13th inst. Can you come up here Friday or Saturday morning of this week? I should very much like to see you. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt41 Feby. 14th, 1900. James B. Reynolds, Esq., #184 Eldridge St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Reynolds:-- I have yours of the 13th inst. Wont you take dinner with me Friday night? I had exactly the talk you speak of with Williams before I saw him with O'Leary, and told him I thought there was no alternative-- that O'Leary would have to go. I am powerless to put O'Leary out, and I am a great deal more disappointed with the outcome than you can possibly be. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr. Charles M. Harvey, Globe-Democrat, St. Louis, Mo. My dear Mr. Harvey:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 12th inst. I have heard through John A. Sleicher and others of your continued interest in me. As you will have seen, I have no intention whatever of accepting the Vice Presidency under any circumstances. I do not believe in a public official looking ahead. It hurts his power of doing good work. If I can be elected Governor again I shall be glad, and I shall try to be a decent Governor. With best regards, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt42 Feby. 14th, 1900. Captain, A. T. Mahan, 160 W. 86th St., N.Y. City. My dear Captain Mahan:-- I have yours of the 13th inst and am very glad you approve of my action about the Vice Presidency. As you know, I am heartily friendly to England, but I cannot help feeling that the State Department has made a great error in the canal treaty. We really make not only England but all the great continental powers our partners in the transaction, and I do not see why we should dig the canal if we are not to fortify it so as to insure its being used for ourselves and against our foes in time of war. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. Frank Moss, 99 Nassau St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr Moss:-- I have yours of the 13th inst. Can you see me here next Saturday morning? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt43 Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr. John McKinney, Trumpeter, Troop H., 10th Cav. U. S. A., Fort Clark, Texas. My dear Mr. McKinney:-- I have your letter of the 9th inst. Yes, I think I remember you, but I cannot be perfectly certain without seeing your discharge paper. Who was your Captain? I recollect one of the trumpeters who was employed in taking wounded men to the rear. Before I write a letter of recommendation I always like if possible to have a line from the trooper's immediate superior officer, so that I can identify him well. Then I will gladly write for you, for I am very proud of my men. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr. O. B. Lovejoy, Rockland, Me. My dear sir:-- I am just in receipt of your telegram of the 13th inst inviting me to lecture under the auspices of the Odd Fellows this month or early in March, and regret exceedingly that it is absolutely impossible for me to make another engagement. I cannot leave the State in any event while the legislature is in session. Believe me I appreciate and thank you for your courteous consideration. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt44 Feby. 14th, 1900. Hon. Wm. T. O'Neil, St.Regis Falls, Frank. Co., N.Y. Dear Billy:-- I understand that Senator Malby will oppose your confirmation or that of any man to succeed Weed. I may try to get through a single headed commission. In that case I may have to make an entirely new deal and carefully consider the whole business from beginning to end before I could decide whom to put at the head. If I could get my five commissioners confirmed, one I think would be Jonas VanDuzer and at least two of the other three appointees would be men with whom you could work. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr. Edwin MacMinn, Salem, N.J. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 13th inst, would say that I am delighted to have you quote from my book as you desire. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt45 Feby. 14th, 1900. Capt. F. Norton Goddard, #100 Bleecker St., N.Y. City. My dear Cpatain Goddard:-- I will speak to Mr. Odell again but how much I will be able to accomplish I do not know. If you have seen the trouble I am having over my Fisheries, Forest & Game Commission, you will understand pretty clearly the exact amount of attention that will be paid to anything I suggest unless there is a strong public feeling behind it--I mean the amount of attention paid to it by the legislature. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr. E. A. Hammond, 2411 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Hammond:-- I thank you very much for your letter of the 12th inst. Who are the trio of men to whom you refer? Very Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt46 Feby. 15th, 1900. Mr. John I. Shaw, 120 Sixth St., Pittsburg, Pa. My dear Mr. Shaw:-- I have yours of the 13th inst. I shall not be down to New York in some time. But, my dear sir, it is not possible for me to go to Pittsburgh on Grant's Birthday. I speak at Galena, Illinois on that day. Now, when that is the case I cannot also speak at the American Club on the same day. I should greatly like to do it, but it simply is not on the cards. Believe me I appreciate to the full your invitation and appreciate what your Club is doing. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 15th, 1900. Albert E. Layman, Esq., Daily News, Newburgh, NY. My dear sir: -- Replying to yours of the 13th inst, would say that I am exceedingly sorry, but I shall not write out that address inadvance. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt47 Feby. 15th, 1900. Mrs. Howard Townsend, 48 E. 68th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mrs. Townsend:-- Of course, it will be a very great pleasure for me to see you at my sister's house No. 422 Madison Ave. Could you call there at five oclock on Wednesday, the 21st inst? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 15th, 1900. Mr. Charles H. Holmes, Phoenix, Arizona. My dear Mr. Holmes:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 10th inst. It was a great pleasure to hear from you. I remember your father very well. As you know, I am strongly for Arizona. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt48 Feby. 15th, 1900. Captain F. Norton Goddard, #100 Bleecker St., N.Y. City. My dear Captain Goddard:-- I have just received your letter of the 13th. I have written to Assemblyman Weeks at once. As Malby and Armstrong are at the moment very antagonistic to me on account of Forestry Commission matters, it would be perfectly useless for me to write to them. I shall see Odell about it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 15th, 1900. E. W. Goff, Esq., 417 Monroe St., Bay City, Mich. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 12th inst, would say that doubtless Scribners Sons will ultimately publish those articles in book form. Their address is No. 155 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt49 Feby. 14th, 1900. Mr. George W. Wright, Albany Oregon. My dear Mr. Wright:-- I have your letter of the 9th inst and wish I could help you, but it simply is not in my power. The Secretary of War has told me, not once but again and again, that he cannot (frankly, I do not think he ought to) consider in these cases of promotion anything but the statements of the man's own superiors. This is certainly what I should do were i in his place. I have never in any case of promotion written to the Secretary for any one save for men whom I myself had observed in battle. I have had literally hundreds of requests for me to write such letters and have refused them all, except as I say where I had personal knowledge of the man's conduct. If I should break through my rule in any case, I should have to break through it in others. Moreover, my letter would be treated as it would deserve to be treated, as utterly valueless and would merely detract from the value of the letters I wrote from personal knowledge of a man's conduct in battle. I am very sorry to have to write you thus, for I should much like to do anything you ask. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 15th, 1900. William R. Freeman, Esq., Springfield, Ill. My dear Mr. Freeman:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 13th inst. I cordially sympathize with your position, but upon my word, I do not see what I can do. I have, as you may easily imagine, a good deal of work on my hands right here in New York State at the present moment. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 50 Feby. 15th, 1900. W. A. Douglas, Esq., #56 WhiteBldg., Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. Douglas:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 14th inst. It will give me the utmost pleasure to go to the Iriquois Hotel as you suggest. By the way, would you mind getting into communication with Judge Hotchkiss who is a very old friend of mine. He wants me to look in at the Lawyers Club dinner. I do not know whether it will be possible or not. Can you arrange it? Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 15th, 1900. Hon. Wm. H. Hotchkiss, 319 Main St., Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Judge:-- Mr. Youngs has handed me your letter to him of the 14th inst. I have written to Mr. Douglas to see whether he can arrange so that I can look in at the Lawyers dinner. Wont you writeto him yourself? I stay over night in Buffalo, taking I think the noon train back the next day. I should particularly like to see the lawyers, and I deeply appreciate your thoughtful kindness. Faithfully yours,51 Feby. 15th, 1900. Mr. C. H. Chapman, #11 St. James Ave., Boston, Mass. My dear Chapman:-- The enclosed letter explains itself. Please fill out th blank and return it to me and I will forward it with as hearty an endorsement as can be put on. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt52 Feby. 15th, 1900. Mr. C. Grant LaFarge, Temple Court, 7 Beekman St., N.Y. City. Dear Grant:-- The Fisheries, Forest and Game Commission business proves to be the most irritating job with which I have had to deal. The entire fishery and forest opinion of Rochester and roundabout is outraged at the thought of not reappointing Babcock. They consider him the ideal man, and the local republicans, largely because of this feeling, are hot in his favor, though Platt and Odell are not. The same condition obtains in Syracuse over Holden. The two men whom I want to get rid of are Weed and Davis, and I [?] am nonplussed for the moment. As regards one of the places, I think I have a first class man from Buffalo, Percy Lansdowne. He is recommended warmly by the Buffalo Society of Natural History, the Erie County Fish & Game Protective Association, the Erie County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (because of the part Lansdowne took in suppressing the trapping of song birds when he was secretary of the Fish & Game Protective Association) the Buffalo Audubon Club, for his activity in enforcing the Game Laws: the Chairman of Fish and Fish Products of the Pan-American Exposition, &c., &c.; not to speak of the various judges of the county, the Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction, private citizens like Ansley Wilcox, &c., &c. As Malby declines to take O'Neil in place of Weed I may have to fight for some totally different man. I am trying my best to get some organization man from another part of the State with the same kind of record that Lansdowne has had, Raines and Malby are very powerful men. They are the backers of Davis and53 2. Weed respectively, and it will be an extremely difficult matter to get any confirmation through the Senate against them, and I do not suppose I shall any backing from the democrats. However, what I can do I will. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt54 Feby. 15th, 1900. Dr. Albert Shaw, Ed. Review of Reviews, #13 Astor Place, N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Shaw:-- My published statement about the canal treaty has, as I anticipated it would, caused no little trouble. Hay has written me a confidential letter of grieved protest. To me his position is simply incomprehensible. I shall write him simply drawing attention to the position in which we should have been in the Spanish War had the Hay-Pauncefote canal been in existence at that time. It is true that we could have got the Oregon around in time by the canal, but unless we had split our fleet to watch the mouth of the canal, we should have spent all of May and the early part of June in wild panic lest Cervera's fleet should have gone through the canal and steamed across to the Philippines. Better have no canal at all than not give us the power to control it in time of war. What do you learn about the treaty? Will there be any republican revolt against it, or will it go through? You may have noticed that I finally decided to take your advice and announce that I was a candidate for re-election as Governor. Now if the machine is going to beat me, it must do so openly and on the ground that it is antagonistic to me. Of course, Lou Payn and all the followers he can gather will be against me for the renomination and will try to defeat my election if I am nominated. I am having great difficulty with my Fisheries, Forest & Game Commission, because there is no popular interest in the subject and it is not a case where I can prove dishonesty, though55 2. the inefficienty is patent to every one. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt56 Feby. 15th, 1900. Hon. F. W. Holls, #120 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Holls:-- I need not say how much I enjoyed my visit on Sunday. Give my regards to Mrs. Holls. The unification business is not yet out of the woods by any means. Allds, Nixon and Lewis are very cool about it, because they say no one wants it or takes an interest in it. Stranahan would like to pass it, but like White does not approve of the legislature electing the chancellor. The catholics want a new board of regents, these regents to elect the chancellor. If the regents are put in the bill, and we can get first class men, I should favor this proposition. My published statement about the canal treaty caused a great fluttering in the dove cote. The administration and the machine are much disturbed over it. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt 57 Feby. 15th, 1900. Prof. Nicholas Murrary Butler, Columbia University, N.Y. City. My dear Butler:-- There have still been hitches in the Unification bill. Allds and Nixon have cooled down very much, finding no demand for it in their districts. The Catholics, though they seem to be substantially satisfied, yet they are not entirely so, and in conversation with White desire a new Board of Regents which itself shall elect the Chancellor. This I should regard as a very happy solution, if you could get the right board of regents, and I should suggest naming them in the bill and having them composed of both democrats and republicans. Odell is, I think, inclined to be favorable, but to say that we had better allow the legislature to elect the chancellor. I am having a horrid time with my Fisheries, Forest & Game Commission. I have received a pathetic letter from John Hay protesting against my avtion in the canal treaty. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt58 Feby. 15th, 1900. Hon. Charles Lamy, Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Senator Platt spoke to me urging your candidacy. I told him, however, that in the first place, I wished a man who could devote all his time to the matter; that in the second place, I wished some man who had special [?] qualifications for the place-- that is, who already actively identified with some form of forestry or fish or game protective association; that in the third place, at the request of Mr. Hazel I had already partially committed myself to Mr. Percy Lansdowne who seems to fulfill all the last requirements. I am very sorry. With regret, I am, Very sincerely your, Theodore Roosevelt59 February 15th, 1900. Honorable John D. Long, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Secretary:-- The enclosed memorandum explains itself. Evidently I should have to have legislative sanction to cede jurisdiction of the Island. I have no doubt I can get it. Do you wish me to try? If so, I will ask for it at once. It is not necessary to say that whatever I can do for the Navy will be done to the best of my ability. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt [*60*] Feby. 15th, 1900. Mr. E. L. Burlingame, C/o Scribners, #155 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Burlingame:-- I want to ask a word of advice. A friend of mine-- a man of great note but who must remain absolutely unknown,--is desirous of publishing anonymously a book on catholic theology which would make a very great sensation in the religious world, a book which is almost certain to be translated into French, and concerning which therefore he would wish to retain the French as well as the English and American rights. Is MacMillan's the proper firm for such an undertaking. He spoke of McClure's, but I fear that McClure's might be too sensational. Privately, what do you think of this? Do you have any facilities for publishing such a book? I do not know that he will follow my advice, but he has asked it. Thanking you in advance for any information you may give me, with great regard, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 61 Feby. 16th, 1900. Captain James H. McClintock, Phoenix, Arizona. My dear Captain:-- I have yours of the 10th inst and was glad to hear from you. I have already had one of my staff go to Washington to try to interest some of our men in pushing that bill. All I can do I will, because it is a shame that the bill should not be passed. It seems to me Captain Muller would be an excellent man for President of the Association. Of course I shall be at the Oklahoma reunion. Meanwhile I wish you could get East sometime. I should so like to see you and talk over many matters. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 16th, 1900. Alexander S. Hazard, Esq., Milton-on-Hudson, N.Y. My dear Mr. Hazard:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 15th inst. You are extremely kind, but I have got all I can do to try and give a thoroughly clean and straight administration of the office of Governor. I want to do this job before I think of any other. With great regard, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt62 Feby. 16th, 1900. Mr. R. H. Russell, Publisher, The New Magazine, 3 W. 29th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Russell:-- Replying to yours of the 15th inst, I would gladly do what you request if I had a moment to myself, but I simply have not. I am utterly unable at present to write two or three pieces that I have long promised. Until I get through those I cannot promise to do anything more. With regret that I cannot write more favorably, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt P. S. I return Ms. Feby. 16th, 1900. L. P. Tarlton, Esq., Fleetwood Farm, Frankfort, Ky. My dear Mr. Tarlton:-- I thank you much for your letter of the 12th inst. It seemed to me that as an honest man and a good American it was my duty to say a word openly on behalf of the republicans of Kentucky, for I feel the most bitter indignation at what has gone on in your beautiful State. All I could do was to bear testimony to the righteousness of your cause, but that I was most glad to do. Col. Breckenridge's article is excellent. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt63 Feby. 16th, 1900. Mr. Marcus Braun, #58 E. 7th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Braun:-- I have yours of the 15th inst from Cleveland. could not the date be March 10th? I have a dinner for that evening but I could get around to your celebration later or else could go there earlier. What time in the evening would the celebration be? You see I am so busy that I do not feel that I ought to be away more than I absolutely must, and Saturday and Friday nights are almost the only times I can be away. Probably either the 9th or 10th would do, if I could find out what hour you wanted me to be there. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 16th, 1900. Mr. Frank C. Travers, #16 Thomas St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Travers:-- Hearty thanks to you for your note of the 15th inst. By the way, Mr. Philbin has proved one of the very best appointments I have made. I agree with you as to Bryan being stronger than he ever was; but, my dear fellow, we have got to win, and that is all there is about it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt64 Feby. 16th, 1900. Mr. Geo. Drake Smith, 36 W. 125th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Smith:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 15th inst and thank you for writing me. I am sorry to say it will be some time before I am down in New York, and if you try to see me then you will probably have to see me in the presence of a large number of people, because everybody tries to come in on me on my visits to the City. Moreover I shall be much less able to give you the careful attention to whih you are entitled than if you could come here and see me. Is it not possible for you to write me on the subject, or come up here and see me? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 16th, 1900. Hon. Robert C. Cornell, Centre Street Court, N.Y. City. My dear Bob:-- I have yours of the 15th inst. Unfortunately I shall not be down for several Saturdays to come. I am awfully sorry. Could you not write me a line about the bill? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt65 Feby. 16th, 1900. Mrs. Samuel Wandell, #752 West End Ave., N.Y. City. My dear madam:-- Mrs. Roosevelt has handed me your letter and requested me to say that she has been asked to become vice president so many times, that she has had to absolutely decline all such requests. She has the heartiest sympathy in what you are proposing to do, but it is not possible for her to accept one without accepting others of these positions. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 16th, 1900. Hon. J. F. Barnes, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Dr. Barnes:-- I am sorry you have been in here and I have not seen you. If you come in again will you just show this note andcome right in to my inner office? Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt66 Feby. 16th, 1900. Captain W. L. Flanagan, #262 Tenth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Captain:-- I feel very much like having the guests at the dinner on Monday drink nothing but ale! You have been so very kind in every way that I am almost ashamed, but I do want you to understand how much we appreciate your unwearied thoughtfulness of us. Mrs. Roosevelt has always said that she has been as much touched by ut as by anything in our official life. With warm regards to Mrs. Flanagan, and hoping to have the pleasure of seeing you soon, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 16th, 1900. Mrs. Howard Townsend, #45 E. 68th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mrs. Townsend:-- I am awfully sorry to say that on next Wednesday I may not after all be down by the early train, and in that case will have to go to the Harvard dinner at once, and I take the 3.30 train the next morning; so I am very much afraid I may have to defer my interview with you as I shall not be down to New York again until March 10th. Is it impossible for you to write me what it is you wish to see me about? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt67 Feby. 16th, 1900. Mr. W. W. Smith, Cover Neck, Oyster Bay, N.Y. My dear Mr. Smith:-- I have yours of the 15th inst with inclosure. I do not know whether your boy can be taken out of the Navy or not. His discharge will have to be paid for under the regulations, if it is allowed at all. The Navy Department will not do anything by way of favoritism, as they have inflexible rules in these cases, but I will write on and find our what can be done at once. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt68 Feby. 16th, 1900. Genl. F. V. Greene, #11 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear General:-- Inclosed is a rough draft of an opinion from the Attorney General. It is so very important that I thought I ought to submit it to you at once. I do wish I could see you! Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 16th, 1900. Mrs. H. E. Monroe, 1733 Vine St., Philadelphia, Pa. My dear madam:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 13th inst. I thank you much for your courtesy, but it is absolutely impossible for me to attend. I appreciate your asking me, but I cannot possibly leave the State, and as a matter of fact, I could not make another engagement of any kind now. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 69 Feby. 16th, 1900. Mr. J. A. Kraus, Secretary, 396-398 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Kraus:-- I believe I shall be able to be present at your entertainment and reception on the evening of the 21st inst at Sherry's. Will you tell me the exact time you want me? I have as you know another engagement to a dinner that evening, and I can only look in on your for a short time. Please let me know as soon as you can what time you desire me to be present. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 16th, 1900. Mrs. H. M. Lothrop, 1216 18th St., N.W. Washington, D.C. My dear madam:-- I greeted you most warmly. It is exceedingly important-- more important than I can well say, that the children, the boys and girls who are to control America in the next generation, should be brought up with a knowledge of and pride in what has been done by the men who founded and perpetuated our government. I welcome all societies like yours and wish you every success. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt70 Feby. 16th, 1900. Captain F. Norton Goddard, #100 Bleecker St., N.Y. City. My dear Captain Goddard:-- I thank you most warmly for yours of the 15th inst. In the first place, you did me an invaluable service, and, in the next place, you have done me a hardly less valuable one by giving me a full description of the matter. It is especially interesting as giving a line on the machine's real feeling. I am out openly as a candidate for the renomination, and the people must be either for or against me. I wish very much that if you get the opportunity you would tell not only Mason and Perry but Raymond and Van Cott how thoroughly I appreciate their attitude. If you say so, I will write them, but not until you say so. Give my regards to Gruber too. I have appreciated the little fellow's being friendly. I am exceedingly glad that you are where you are and can watch matters. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt71 Feby. 16th, 1900. Captain W. S. Cowles, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. Dear Will:-- The inclosed is from a native oyster-- my neighbor on the Neck. I do not wish any favor. All I want to know is, under what circumstances is he entitled to his discharge? How much will he have to pay to get out? What in the world has gotten into John Hay and McKinley about the canal treaty? If we had had in 1898 such a canal as they propose, it is true that we would have gotten the Oregon into the Atlantic quicker, but on the other hand, we should have spent six weeks of wild anxiety wondering whether Cervera's fleet might not go through the Canal, hit the Pacific coast, or steam over the attack Dewey. When that canal is built it should be fortified and held by us, and in war should be open to our warships and closed to those of an enemy. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*72*] Feby. 16th, 1900. Mr. J. B. Bishop, Editor, Commercial-Advertiser, #29 Park Row, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Bishop:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 15th. I do not know quite what the combination amounts to. I had a very stormy time the other day with our leaders, which ended in their assuring me that they were not hostile in any way, and I rather think that the resolution of the New York County Committee last night was drawn partly in alarm and partly to convince me that they were not being hostile to me. (P.S. have they I find that my friends found [?] [?] in [?] [?]. I think that the explanation really is that I have pulled the upper part of the machine up so high that the connecting bands between it and the lower part threaten to snap, with the result that the men at the head are really uneasy as to how far they can get the men underneath to go. Of course, I now have in Lou Payn a bitter, wholly unscupulous and very able foe, who has for a quarter of a century, been one of the ablest manipulators of the Republican State machine. He intends of course to beat me for the nomination if he can, and then for the election, in case his efforts in the first instance fail. He furnishes the rallying point for all the disaffected everywhere, for instance, in Steuben County, where the organization people are hostile to me because of my declining to treat the Soldiers Home as they desire; in Wayne because I will not reappoint Barney Davis as Fisheries, Forest & Game Commissioner, he being the boss of the County; in Montgomery County where I cleaned out Jake Snell's section of the canal ring and [?] [?] indefinitely. The machine is at times seriously alarmed (if I may used the expression, alarmed in entire good f atih) lest if it continue to adhere to me its own workers may turn against73 J.B.B. 2. it. Every decent mn of the machine-- and there are plenty of them-- is for me; but in every branch of the State service I have been turning out political workers and putting in men, who though good republicans, merely run the offices as offices and not as patronage machines, and above all, who allow no jobbery, direct or indirect. The result is the sullen hostility of the entire bread and butter brigade; while on the other hand the pretended reformers like our stock jobbing friend who now controls the Evening Post, [like] [] Dr. Parkhurst and the rest of them, play into the hands of these men by their incessant attacks on me, which do influence a certain number of well-meaning, weak-minded or uninformed creatures, and enable the often [?] continually to tell Senator Platt and Mr. Odell and the rest that while on the one hand, I am damaging the machine, on the other hand, the independents do not support me any more than they would and ordinary spoilsman, so that there is no benefit in backing me up. I think that it would probably be an exaggeration to say that I have been able to do exactly what Senator Platt desired once out of five times? and at least twice out of the five times I have had to do that to which he bitterly objected. And then [?] Only by being extremely good natured and scrupulously courteous and truthful and fair, and by convincing him that I was dealing squarely, and that where I differed from him it was not to build up a machine for myself, but to serve what I believed to be the interests of the State, have I been able to get on with him. Of course, this must be strictly confidential. I fear that the republican lawyers who in times past have had a semi-official recognition from the legislature, feel rather bitterly towards me, because all that business has been completely stopped74 J. B. B. 3. under me. No legislation of benefit to the machine now goes through unless absolutely on its merits. In consequence there is no object from the machine standpoint in keeping the legislature in existence, and while it is in session there is always danger of a strike or a row and they want to get rid of it just as soon as possible. There has been a great deal of underhanded opposition to the franchise tax bill, and I have finally had to shove forward the tax commissioners on my own hook and they will have their assessments out in a week or two. On the canal proposition the difficulty is purely geographical. The republican strength is in the interior counties, north and south, and they are against the canal. The tax bill is causing such trouble that they do not think they can get any bill through. In the Fisheries, Forest and Game Commission, the only department which I still have to change, I have explained that I will gladly take a single-headed commission, or if the present law is retained, I will if necessary change all the members, though I should prefer to leave two of them, but that two of them at any rate must go and must be supplanted by thoroughly upright men devoted to the interests cared for by the commission. One such man, who is really ideal, I have got from Buffalo already. Now, I think you know all. I should earnestly advise no fight being made until I can see you and Wright. I do not know that I shall be down in New York prior to the tenth of March. Then I must see you and go over our restoration of strength. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt75 Feby. 16th, 1900. Mr. C. Grant LaFarge, #7 Beekman St., N.Y. City. Dear Grant:-- Will you show this letter to Paul Dana? First of all, tell the good Paul that I am a fellow heretic of his on the Nicaragua Canal Treaty, as he has probably seen. If in 1898 we had had such a canal as is now proposed, the Oregon could have gotten through all right, it is true, but we should then have had six weeks of wild anxiety during which it would have been possible for Cervera's fleet to have gone through the canal also and either attacked our undefended Pacific coast or go straight to the Philippines to undo Dewey's work. What I wish to speak about, however, is Forestry. The Sun has always been strong on the side of the tree, so that we ought to have its advocacy now. The present Fisheries, Forest & Game Commission contains two pretty good men, Babcock and Holden; one man who just is not quite good enough, though I have not been able to select any one for his place; and two men,Davis and Weed,who emphatically ought not to be on the Commission. What we ought to have is a single-headed commission, but my belief is that there is no chance of passing such a bill. I of course would sign it if passed, but I do not know whether I could exert the slightest influence in getting it passed. Unless I could do so effectually, it would only hurt me in getting the change in the commission as it is. I do not mean thatthe single-headed commission bill should not be introduced, for I think it should be; but I mean that my taking an active part in securing its passage must depend76 C. G. LaF. 2. on how events shape themselves. If it is not passed, then there must be a change in the present commission. Of course, I appreciate the extreme undesirability of a muse in the party just at this time with a presidential election ahead, but I believe the muss will chiefly affect not the voting but the question of delegates to the State Convention, and as I would probably be the chief sufferer by such a movement, and am the party most interested, it seems to me that if I can afford to take the risk others can. I want a change in the Commission. I would a little rather keep two of the present commissioners who are earnestly desired by the Rochester and Syracuse sportsmen, and men interested, though rather vaguely, in forestry and the like. But sooner than not change any of the commissioners, I would change all. I am trying my best to get candidates entirely acceptable to the Organization, who will yet live right up to the requirements. I have one such from Buffalo already whom I could put into the place of one of the men to whom I object. I have two or three possibilities for the other place, but I have not yet been able definitely to determine. Now, the people at large know very little about the Fisheries, Forest & Game Commission, and even less about any differences among the existing members, or any differences between existing existing members and any one whom I should try to put in. I should doubtless have no chance of success whatever if I did not have the acquiescence of the Organization, and probably I shall need their active support in order to give me at all a good chance. In getting this active support the two factors will be:77 C. G. LaF. 3. First of all, my own personal influence with them and the reluctance to antagonize me; and secondly, the interest taken in the subject by the newspapers. So far there is literally none. If The Sun can help me it will be very valuable aid. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 17th, 1900. Hon. William R. Merriam, Director of the Census, Washington, D.C. My dear Governor Merriam:-- The inclosed letter and application from Mr. C. H. Chapman, #11 St. James Ave., Boston, Mass. explain themselves. Would the fact of his having already passed the examinations enable him now to get a position? You are very kind and I much appreciate your courtesy in this matter. Do not fail to let me see you if you are ever in Albany. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 2 inclosures. 78 February 17th, 1900. Jacob A. Riis, Esq. #301 Mulberry St., N.Y. City. Dear Jake:-- [?] I take the greatest pride in having my name in your handwriting at the front of your book and my photograph thought worthy to be put in it. If I were foolish enough to need any reward for what I had done, I should feel that I had it ten times over in what you have said about me, old man, in this book. Most of it is undeserved, because there are rose- tinted glasses over your loyal eyes when you look upon those whom you love and who love you. But I won't pretend to say that I regret to have it in, for I do not, and it will ever be a source of keen pride to me to show to my children. Reynolds has just been here to take dinner and I have been trying to plan out some way by which we can straighten the factory inspection matter. I think we shall be able to do it. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt 79 Feby. 17th, 1900. F. B. Wright, Esq., Minneapolis, Minn. My dear Mr. Wright:-- To my great regret it has been impossible to arrange the reunion of our regiment for the middle of July as I had hoped. The time for the reunion has been fixed for July 1-4. I must attend this reunion. I could not be absent in justice to the men of my own regiment. Now, this makes it exceedingly difficult, and perhaps impossible for me to get out again to the West so soon after my visit to Oklahoma, where the reunion will be held. I do not know, of course, what demands will be made upon me in the national campaign, and I have got to refrain from leaving my State too often, especially should I be renominated and be candidate for re-election. until within a few days I had been hoping I could arrange the regimental reunion so as to come at the date of your meeting or thereabouts, but it appears to be out of the question. I very much fear you will have to get some one else in my place. There is nothing I should like more to do than to address the League of Republican Clubs, but it begins to look as though it might be impossible, and I therefore write to you at once. Will you please communicate the above to the proper League officials? With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt80 Feby. 17th, 1900. Mr. C. H. Stoddard, #1324 Marquette Bldg., Chicago, Ill. My dear Mr. Stoddard:-- I am very much interested in that editorial and in the allusion it makes to the English clipping. You are very kind to have sent it to me and I thank you sincerely. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 17th, 1900. Mr. Chas. M. Jesup, 45 Wall St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Jesup:-- I have yours of the 16th inst. I know the Mission you refer to well and I wish I could help you but it simply is not possible. You have no conception of the calls made u pon me. I am not able to respond to one in a hundred and I could not undertake any new work of any kind now without neglecting something that I am already committed to. With real regret, I am, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 81 Feby. 17th, 1900. Hon. John A. Sleicher, 110 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Sleicher:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 16th inst with inclosure which I return herewith. As you have of course seen I have done just about what Dr. Harvey suggests. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 17th, 1900. Messrs Henry T. Coates & Co. 1222 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. Gentlemen:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 16th inst with inclosure which I return herewith. I greatly appreciate the honor you do me, but I am sorry to say it is absolutely out of the question for me to undertake such a work now. I am very sorry. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Inclosure.82 Feby. 17th, 1900. Prof. Nicholas Murray Butler, Columbia University, N.Y. City. My dear Butler:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 16th inst. The Washington people have not the slightest idea what we mean in our opposition to the treaty. The charter commission bill was being killed by the salary clause. At any rate that was the excuse used for not passing it, it having been put in at my request. Of course I told them that I at once withdrew my request if this was the obstacle to the passage. I would like to have it kept in, but it is agreat deal better not to have it in than to have the bill killed. I shall see Senator White again, but upon my word, you can hardly realize the difficulty I have here with the work that is properly mine and the immense amount of work that is not properly mine. I am trying to get a repeal of the Ramapo Water Company charter, to get the policy bill through, to get the Horton law repealed, to get Unification, to secure proper treatment of my Franchise tax people, to get the Palisades protected, to get the Fisheries, Forest & Game Commission put upon a decent basis, and so on and so on. The very fact that I do not do for the machine and for the Senators and the Assemblymen what they want, deprives me of the power of making them do what I want. I can succeed in getting something done when public opinion is aroused and the professional leaders of virtue usually confine themselves to attacking me. Excuse the growl! Faithfully yours, T. Roosevelt83 Feby. 17th, 1900. Mr. Caspar Whitney, C/o Outing, 239 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Whitney:-- I have yours of the 16th inst. I was delighted to see that you had charge of Outing and I think your whole policy excellent. Now, old man, I will write you something about Forest Preservation, but it cannot possibly come for some months. I have not a moment to myself at present and there are three short articles on matters of current political interest to which I have long been pledged and which I have been absolutely unable as yet to find the time to write. But I will surely help you later. By the way, you got what I sent you about the 91st and Guasimas, did you not? I sent it to you C/o Harpers. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 84 Feby. 17th, 1900. Mr. M. D. Raymond, Editor, The Argus, Tarrytown, N.Y. My dear Mr. Raymond:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 16th inst with inclosed editorial. I thank you heartily for your kindness. You can rest assured that I shall in every case exercise my independent judgment and do what I honestly regard as best first for the State and then for the party. I am sure also that you agree with me that I should make every honest effort to keep the party united. I try to consult with the party leaders of every shade of political thought, and indeed all men who are sincerely interested in the welfare of the party, and especially those who understand that the party can best be served by making it serve the State. I am doing my best to keep the republican organization united, but united upon the basis of serving the people. With renewed thanks and great regard, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt85 Feby. 17th, 1900. Captain F. Norton Goddard, #100 Bleecker St., N.Y. City. My dear Captain:-- I have yours of the 16th inst. In confidence, Senator Platt seems to desire that the present Port Warden, Hiram Calkins, be retained on the ground that he knows his business. It seems that Calkins has been the man on the Board who has really done all of the business. Of course, when I come to your ambition I shall help you in any way I can. I wonder if Witherbee himself would not be a good man for the Forestry Commission. I have heard those rumors about Babcock, but I have been entirely unable to substantiate them. Cheney, the Fish Culturist, is a good man-- not nearly as good as Bean would be if he were in his place. Still it may be best to keep Cheney. The trouble with Thompson is that he is not a big enough man. He has done pretty fairly, excepting getting in a friend named Doyle who embezzled about $15,000., the restitution of which was only accomplished by the most resolute procedure on Babcock's part. I wonder if Witherbee would be able to attend to the duties of the office if I got him to accept. I want a man who is genuinely interested in the forest. As for Malby I can only impose a condition about the policy bill upon him if I did what he wished in the Fisheries, Forest & Game Commission business and that I cannot do. Will you be at the Harvard dinner without fail on the evening of the 21st? I want all the men who have been active with me in polities to be there if possible. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt86 Feby. 17th, 1900. Mr. Amos T. French, Manhattan Trust Co., Cor Wall & Nassau St., N.Y. City. Dear Brother French:-- I shall be at Douglas Robinson's #422 Madison Avenue, and I am very much obliged to you for stopping for me. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 17th, 1900. William A. Douglas, Esq., 56 White Bldg., Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. Douglas:-- Many thanks for yours of the 16th. Those arrangements suit me entirely. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt87 Feby. 17th, 1900. Hon. William H. Hotchkiss, Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Judge:-- I have yours of the 16th and thank you heartily. Can I not see you and perhaps some of the lawyers the following morning before I take the train back? With deep appreciation of your kindness, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 17th, 1900. William R. Corwins, Esq., N. Y. Life Bldg., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Corwins:-- I have your note of the 16th inst of the meeting of the Committee for the purpose of raising funds for Mrs. Henry, and am very sorry, but it is impossible for me to be present. This is the very reason why I thought I ought not to serve on the Committee. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt88 Feby. 17th, 1900. F. P. Sargent, Esq., Peoria, Ill. My dear Mr. Sargent:-- I have yours of the 15th inst. You are extremely kind, but it would simply be out of the question for me to make an engagement so far ahead. I could not do it. I deeply appreciate your courtesy but hope you will understand why I cannot accept. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 17th, 1900. Gustav A. Schwab, Esq., #5 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Schwab:-- Replying to yours of the 16th inst, I should think it particularly fortunate if we get Mr. Kernan and President Schurman to speak at that dinner. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt89 Feby. 17th, 1900. A. O. Harrison, Esq., 817 N. Y. Life Bldg., Kansas City, Mo. My dear sir:-- I have yours of the 15th inst with inclosure, which I return herewith. I am very sorry to seem to join the number of those who you say have been with Mr. Nelson in time of prosperity and now desert him in adversity, but I have absolutely no recollection of him. He could not have met me in New Mexico, unless it was last June at the Rough Rider Reunion at LasVegas, as that was the only time I was there, and joining us where he did in Texas he evidently simply got on the train and came along. There was no Captain Schultz or Lieutenant DeLane in the regiment. There was a wagon master named Delaigne to whom he may possibly refer. Evidently I have either never seen him at all, or else simply saw him as one of the hundreds of troopers on the train going to Tampa and for the three or four days we were there, and I have no personal knowledge of him whatever. I would suggest that he write to the officers of his troop. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 19th, 1900. Hon. John R. Hazel, Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. Hazel:-- Your telegram received. It will give me the utmost pleasure to breakfast with you, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Scatcherd and Mr. Urban at 9.30 A. M. on Friday. It is exactly what I should want to do. With hearty thanks, Theodore Roosevelt90 Feby. 19th, 1900. Hon. William W. Everett, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Everett:-- Will you not lunch with me tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Executive Mansion at 1.30 oclock? I should much like to have you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 19th, 1900. Mr. James MacNaughton, #488 Madison Ave., Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. MacNaughton:-- Will you call on me at the Colgate dinner or the Loyal Legion dinner at the Fort Orange Club tomorrow( Tuesday evening) and see me? I leave for New York by the 9.25 train Wednesday morning. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt91 February 19, 1900 Hon. James J. Belden, Syracuse, N.Y. My dear Mr. Belden: There are several matters concerning which I would like to speak with you and I should consider it a great pleasure if you could call and see me next Monday at the Executive Chamber in Albany. If you would be kind enough to let me know the hour at which you arrive I will be more than happy to so arrange my official engagements that we can have a little time together. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 19th, 1900. Mr. Geo. Drake Smith, 35 W. 135th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Smith:-- I have your note of the 17th inst. Can you not come here next Monday and see me at the Executive Chamber at 12 oclock? You can take the Empire Express up. Present this letter so that you may get access to me. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt92 Feby. 19th, 1900 Mr. H. J. Wright, The Commercial Advertiser, 29 Park Row, N.Y. City. Mr. dear Wright:-- Hearty thanks for your letter of the 17th inst. I have much to tell you when we meet and some of it of much importance. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 19th, 1900. Mr. Franklin D. Locke, 344 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. Locke:-- I have yours of the 18th inst. You are most kind and I most heartily wish I could accept, but I have already accepted for a breakfast on Friday prior to taking the train back. Will I see you at the Saturn Club? Did you ever get a note of mine I sent to you at the Waldorf-Astoria? I have much wanted to see you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 93 Feby. 19th, 1900. Major Putnam Bradlee Strong, #12 W. 57th St., N.Y. City. My dear Major:-- I have been for some time anxious to see you to talk over various matters. I was hoping to see you in New York but it seems most difficult. In case I fail to get hold of you March 10th when I am down, do you think it would be possible for you to come and spend the night with me here? As I say, there is much I would like to talk with you about. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 19th, 1900. Mr. Charles Johnson, 498 Main Ave., Washington, D.C. My dear Johnson:-- I have your letter of the 17th. I do not want to write to any Senator or Congressman, because I do not want in a place like this to secure it by political pressure. When we come to the management of the Philippines or our colonies, I do not want to see politics come in. I made my recommendation for you to the Secretary of War most gladly, purely on the ground of your character and capacity. I believe personally that the Secretary of War will not pay heed to political recommendations in such a matter. I am delighted that Captain Chanler is taking such an interest in you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt94 Feby. 19th, 1900. Messrs C. P. Putnam Sons, 27 W. 23rd St., N.Y. City. Gentlemen:-- Will you send me a list of Theall's publications on South African history? Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 19th, 1900. Captain P. Norton Goddard, #100 Bleecker St., N.Y. City. My dear Captain:-- I have yours of the 18th. I will see Davis as soon as he comes up, and if I can help to get him on your side in the matter I most certainly will do so. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt95 Feby. 19th, 1900. Guy G. Seaman, Esq., C/o T. T. & T. Co., Galveston, Texas. My dear Mr. Seaman:-- I have yours of the 14th inst and am deeply chagrined at what you tell me and still more sorry as to the news concerning Sergeant Greenwood's condition. I enclose you a small sum to get him any little delicacies that may be necessary. Will you not let me know how he is? Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Inclosure $25. check. Feby. 19th, 1900. Hon. B. B. Odell Jr., Chairman, Fifth Ave Hotel, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Odell:-- Could you come to 422 Madison Avenue at 2.30 Wednesday the 21st inst? I want to talk with you about several matters. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt96 Feby. 19th, 1900. Mr. J. B. Bishop, The Commercial Advertiser, #29 Park Row, N.Y. City. My dear Bishop:-- I am greatly interested in your letter. Could you come to 422 Madison Avenue next Wednesday the 21st inst at five oclock? I too have much to say to you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 19th, 1900. William R. Freeman, Esq., Springfield, Ill. My dear Mr. Freeman:-- On looking over your letter of the other day and my answer, it seems to me I went a little further than I meant to go. I of course do not know the details of your Illinois contest. I entirely sympathize with your position that you want to get the highest type of statesmanship in our political life, but of course it would be entirely improper for me to give any advice as between any factions or persons. This I know you do not wish or desire from me. But for fear my answer to your letter might lead to misconstruction, and as of course I have no right whatever to take any side in a contest outside my own State, I write so that the matter may be made perfectly clear. I am sure you yourself see that it would be impossible for me to interfere directly or indirectly, and even if this were not the case, I have no sufficient information which would warrant my expressing a preference one way or the other. Very sincerely yours, Th. R97 Feby. 19th, 1900. To the Chief of the Quartermaster's Transportation Bureau, N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- The bearers, Clay T. Owens and Forrest L. Cease, formerly of my regiment, who you will see,have been serving satisfactorily in the Quartermaster's Department in Porto Rico. They now want to go back to that Department. I respectfully ask that they be given transportation on a government vessel to get back there. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 20th, 1900. A. M. Harvey, Esq., Columbian Building, Topeka, Kansas. My dear sir:-- I thank you kindly for your letter of the 16th inst. I have been asked by different organizations of Spanish War Veterans to join them. As yet I have not known which one to join. I have felt that if some such man as General Irving Hale of Denver, Colo. would start such an organization that that would be the best thing for us. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt98 Feby. 20th, 1900. Mr. Albert N. Charles, Marquette Club, Chicago, Ill. My dear sir:-- I thank you most heartily for your very kind invitation of the 17th inst to be the guest of your Club on the evening of April 20th, but regret to say that I fear I shall have to come straight back from Galena. With renewed thanks and great regard, I am Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 20th, 1900. Hon. Robert R. Hitt House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Hitt:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 6th inst which has just come to hand. I do not know what I shall be asked to do next summer,-- whether I shall be on the stump or not, but I supposed I shall be. But until I find out a little what the National Committee would desire me to do, I hardly feel that I could venture to accept any invitation now. If I could go to any Assembly, it would give me peculiar pleasure to go to one that you were interested in. With warm regards, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 99 February 20th, 1900. W. W. Johnson, Esq., City Clerk, San Antonio, Texas. My dear Mr. Johnson:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 14th inst. I thank you very heartily and through you the municipal authorities and people of San Antonio for the most gratifying compliment paid me. I appreciate it deeply. You know I always admired Texas, and I was particularly glad to have our regiment assemble in the famous old city which saw one of the very proudest feats of American arms. There were many Texans in my regiment, and I always like to think that they and the other members of the regiment were substantially of the same type as the men who died in the Alamo. Texans are first class Americans through and through and I believe in them and admire them. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt100 Feby. 20th, 1900. W. V. Cox, Esq., Secy., National Capital Centennial, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Cox:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 17th inst with inclosed Senate Document No. 62 for which accept my hearty thanks. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 20th, 1900. Mr. Frank C. Travers, #16 Thomas St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Travers:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 17th inst. VonBriesen is a splendid fellow. I am not perfectly certain, however, whether I will be able to put him on. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt101 Feby. 19th, 1900. Mr. Guy Tremelling, #410 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Tremelling:-- I have yours of the 17th inst and thank you for your courtesy. I look forward to seeing you. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 20th, 1900. Mr. Thomas Nast, 200 W. 106th St, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Nest:-- I recognize your handiwork at once. I have had difficulty with many machine politicians, but there are none of them whom I regard as so steeped in mental dishonesty as the Editors of the Evening Post. Their profession is day in and day out to break the higher commandments for hire. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt102 Feby. 20th, 1900. Mrs. N. M. Carter, Secy. Womens Clubs of Guthrie, Okla. My dear Mrs. Carter:-- I greatly appreciate your invitation. I appreciate even more the terms in which you have extended it. I cannot, however, positively promise now. I do not know what arrangements have been made for me by the Committee, or what my arrangements will be. I earnestly hope that in any event I may have the pleasure of seeing you personally. With renewed thanks and hearty regards, I am, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 20th, 1900. Theodore W. Lester, Esq., President, Springfield Board of Trade, Springfield, Mass. My dear sir:-- I thank you heartily for your very kind invitation of the 19th inst to be the guest of your Board of Trade. I sincerely wish I could accept but it is absolutely out of the question. I cannot leave the State while the legislature is in session, and I have already committed my self to more engagements here than I ought to have done. You have no conception of the amount of work on hands and I cannot do justice to it if I accept another engagement, much though I should like to accept yours. With regret that I cannot write you more favorably, I am, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt103 Feby. 20th, 1900. Geo. Drake Smith, Esq., #35 W. 125th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Smith:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 19th inst with inclosure, for which please accept my thanks. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 20th, 1900. Hon. Lemuel E. Quigg, #100 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Quigg:-- I thank you very much for yours of the 19th inst. I have been rather interested to know about the Genesis of the resolution, but I knew that once adopted it was meant in entire good faith, and I thank you very heartily for it and also for this letter. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 104 Feby. 20th, 1900. Hon. John P. Jaeckel, State Treasurer, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Jaeckel:-- I like that poem so much that I want to take it home to show Mrs. Roosevelt. It justifies all that you said of it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 20th, 1900. Most Rev. John J. Keane, C/o The Catholic University, Washington, D.C. My dear Archbishop Keane:-- The inclosed letter explains itself. I hope it gives you the information you desire. It was such a pleasure to catch even the brief glimpse of you that I did catch, and I wish I could have seen you a little longer. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt105 Feby. 20th, 1900. Douglas Robinson, Esq., #422 Madison Ave., N.Y. City. Dear Douglas:-- I have yours of the 19th. Can you arrange to have Augy. Belmont call Wednesday afternoon at five oclock or thereabouts? There is nothing in the world more I can do about Kissel. I have already laid the matter before the State Department and it would be utterly improper for me to keep on pestering them, especially as I am rather persona non grata there, just at present. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 20th, 1900. Mr. James Gustavus Whiteley, 223 West Lauvale St., Baltimore, Md. My dear sir:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 16th inst, and thank you most cordially. I earnestly wish I could accept, but it would be absolutely impossible for me to take up any new work now, and I do not like to ever give my name unless I can give some attention to the matter. I wish I could do as you desire. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt106 February 20, 1900. Mrs. Josephine Shaw Lowell, PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL. #120 East 30th Street, New York, N.Y. My dear Mrs. Lowell:-- I have received your two letters. Let me make one initial correction. You speak of the painful task I set you. you set the painful task yourself, but your first outline of it was so vague that I asked you what you meant. Now, my dear Mrs. Lowell, I am a little in the quandary how to answer you. You are an old friend and you have been very dear to me. I cannot answer you as I would answer a man-- or rather refuse absolutely to answer you as I should in the case of almost anyone else writing me as you have written. Yet there is no good in my writing you at all unless I write you frankly, and I wish to state as kindly but as decidedly as possible that the only excuse for the beliefs that you seem to entertain as to my course is an ignorance of the facts which ought not to exist in one who criticises. The duty of a critic is to be sure of the facts. If you were not sure of them, or wanted an explanation on any subject I would have given you any statement or any explanation at once. Before asking for such, however, you make your criticism. In the first place, as to my having made mistakes. Surely, surely, you do not need to have recalled the old proverb that the man who has never made any mistakes has never made anything. I have not made anything like the number of mistakes that Cleveland made while he was Governor, for instance. I should indeed be ashamed of myself if I yielded to the politicians as Cleveland yielded when for eight months he declined to acquit or convict Sheriff Davidson, and then in order to save Davidson and at the same time to save his own reputation, turned the case over to Governor Hill, adding the sin of cowardice to the sin of failure to do his duty in an honest and straightforward fashion. I should indeed be ashamed if I acted ever in any one instance as Cleveland acted when he signed the reform bills affecting Tammany and the Republicans, which I, a republican, had put through the Legislature, but declined to sign the bill affecting the leader of the County Democracy, on the pretense that it contained a clause, which clause had been put in at his special request. There were a score of similar incidents. I have taken Cleveland because I respect him in spite of certain of the things that he has done, because like all men of good sense I judge men by the aggregate of their deeds, knowing perfectly well that they will occasionally be guilty of shortcomings, and because I think Cleveland made an excellent Governor on the whole, although he yielded to political and personal considerations in a way that I have never yielded, and would never feel justified to yield. Instead of taking a Governor for comparison, take one of the two greatest of all Americans, Abraham Lincoln. Licoln committed mistake after mistake. It would have been difficult to conceive of greater errors than the appointment of Simon Cameron in the War Department or of Burnside to command the Army of the Potomac, and in the former case it certainly 107 -2- was a mistake against the light. I told you I thought it had been a mistake not to reappoint Dr. Backus, although I also told you I thought that Mr. Bradish Johnson would make a better man for the asylum. The reason I regard this as a mistake is not at all because of its effect on the Long Island State Hospital which I think will be benefitted, but because as a matter of policy, since Dr. Backus was a sufficiently good man it was a mistake (merely from the standpoint of policy) to give to the malignant liars of the Evening Post and kindred papers the chance by their unscrupulous mendacity to mislead people like yourself. This answers by the way, what you have said in reference to attacks made upon me about Dr. Backus. The incident was of such trivial importance that it is difficult to have patience with those who treat it as of great consequence. I have to make many scores of these appointments on boards of managers of hospitals. When men are very good I reappoint them. When they are bad I do not reappoint them. When, as in the case of Dr. Backus, there are things in their favor and things against them, I am always in doubt whether to reappoint the man, or to try to get a man who will do better. Whichever I do there is always a possibility that the matter will turn out wrong; and this possibility means the absolute certainty that in a small percentage of the cases, were it Washington himself who had to act, either the retention or the change would be an error. The net result of the changes I have made has been enormously beneficial. Now, about the factory inspectors. I told you I had made a mistake there. So I did, but there never was a mistake made which sprung from more honest sincerity of purpose. I have for years been intensely interested in trying to elevate the standard of the wage-worker. I have wanted to work with him for his own benefit, not to try and approach him from above as if I were patronizing him, but to try to work with him hand in hand. I tried again and again to meet the views of the labor leaders. I went over with them what was to be done. I announced on the stump that I intended to appoint the best representatives I could find among the wage-workers themselves to try for the enforcement of the labor laws. I did this so as to try to satisfy the laboring men who are always extremely suspicious, of the absolute good faith with which the laws were being administered. I have long felt that if we could only get them into the frame of mind where they would accept the fact that public officials who desired good government were with equal honesty desirous of doing what was best for the wage-worker, we would have taken a great stride forward towards actually achieving good government. I knew that unless wage-workers were appointed to administer the law, nothing would persuade them that the law was really being administered in their interests. What I did not forsee was that their intense jealousy of one another, their intense suspicion of one of their own number just as much as of an outsider, would largely nulify the advantages I hoped to gain from this course, and therefore would have the disadvantages with nothing to outweigh them. If I should run again I would state that in these offices I intended to appoint the men whom I thought could best administer them without regard to whether these men were wageworkers or not. You say that I ought to remove the incompetent officials. your saying this shows that complete ignorance of the law which renders it so difficult to deal with people who while of good intentions, do not take the trouble to find out the facts. In the first place, the charge has not been made against the Factory Inspector himself, but against one of his subordinates, O'Leary, whom only the Factory Inspector can remove. In108 -3- the next place, were the charge against Williams I have no power whatever to remove him. Did you not follow the Lou Payne case? Did you not know that the trouble about getting his successor was that I had no power to remove him even after his term expired, much less before! I can remove no man excepting the Superintendent of Public Works, the Superintendent of Public Buildings and the Adjutant General, save by what are practically impeachment proceedings before the Senate; that is, by convicting him of misfeasance or malfeasance before the Senate and getting them to vote for his removal. This is a process which practically never takes place. It never has taken place in my day, and it would be sheer lunacy to attempt it where the charge would be that in my judgment Williams was wrong in disagreeing with certain outsiders as to the efficiency of one of his subordinates in a given case. The move for the appointment of unsalried inspectors was made at the urgent request of Mr. James B. Reynolds and Mr. Jacob A. Riis, and no one who has studied the question doubts its wisdom. I will mention that when we thought that O'Leary would be put out, I was urged to appoint Mrs. Kelley in his place-- all of the reformers joining in the request-- but Mrs. Kelley has since committed errors of judgment distinctly more serious than any that have been committed by Mr. O'Leary. The next point you mention is "the appointment of McRoberts a man with a dishonest past". Whoever told you this told you a deliberate falsehood. 25 years ago when McRoberts was County Treasurer, in pursuance of a vote of the Board of Supervisors he deposited funds in a certain banking firm. After a while this banking firm failed and a loss of $25,000 to the county followed. McRoberts' bondsman then made good this loss and he in turn made it good to them, using every dollar he then had in the world. These charges sprung from crooked political rivals. They were made after his name had been sent in, his chief backer being Dr. Doty, the Health Officer, because of the way Mc Roberts had aided him in his difficult and responsible duties. When the charges were made I withdrew his nomination, went into the matter, satisfied myself that they were mere slanders and submitted his name again with a full explanation of the charges. Not a Senator, Republican or Democrat, voted against him, everything being made public in the papers at the time. Only a paper like the Evening Post, a deliberately dishonest and deliberately purposeful by every kind of slander and mendacity to break down a man's character, would have dared to reiterate them. I may add that any person who accepts a single statement in the Evening Post as true without outside evidence, and acts upon it, must do so now with full and ample knowledge of the utter untrustworthiness of the authority, and therefore, to a certain extent, shares the culpability. You then speak of the interference with the Bath Soldiers' Home affairs. Here to be perfectly frank, not only I do not know what you mean, but I do know that you yourself cannot possibly know what you mean. I have interfered to the extent of directing the proper officials to investigate charges against the Superintendent of drunkeness and against the trustees of dishonesty. What you or anyone else can see to object to in this "interference" I do not know. I first of all tried to get them to work together. That proved a failure. I then asked the trustees not to proceed against the Superintendent until the investigation by the State Board of Charities was ended. The request was not acceded to. It would be difficult for me to say for which side I had the most109 -4- thorough contempt,- for those who have been defending those members of the Board of Trustees who have acted against the honest interests of the Home, or for those who have been defending the Superintendent when it became evident that through his infortunate taste for liquor and his utter lack of management, his power of doing useful service in the House was at an end. Again when you come to the Civil Service Law and the State Civil Service rules, I am absolutely ignorant as to what you can possibly mean. The law and rules mark the greatest advance that has ever been made in the civil service reform movement. the only question is as to whether they go too far. I am inclined to think that they probably do, and that it would have been better if we could have allowed the appointing officer the choice of one of three men instead of making him take the men at the top of the list. There is no question whatever as to their not having gone far enough. As to my statement about the canal inquiry at Hornellsville, it was unquestionably a mistake to make it, not because the statement itself was not true, (for it was) but because it was open to misconstruction by men who desired to misconstrue it. In any event, in my annual message I get out the facts with such absolute exactness that even my most malignant opponents failed to make a point against me about them. Finally, there is what you say about my constant interviews with Senator Platt. More than to any one cause is it to these interviews that owe my capacity to give a clean and efficient administration of this office; that I have been able, for instance, to substitute for Lou Payn the best man we ever had in the Insurance Department-- an infinitely better man than Grover Cleveland put in, by the way. If my virtue were of so frail a type that it could not stand seeing Senator Platt, I should indeed be unfit for public office. The man who does not face facts is a fool. For me to refrain from seeing Senator Platt would have been on a small scale exactly and precisely like Abraham Lincoln declining to see Simon Cameron or any other political leader of the day; in which case the Union would not now be a fact and Abraham Lincoln would have gone down to history as being a man as unfit as Wendell Phillips himself for serious leadership or responsible position. I have endeavored to see every one with whom I could honestly and with self respect work toward getting better government. There was no point in seeing my foes, whether they were men like Mr. Croker or men who for their own reasons temporarily acted as Mr. Croker's allies, like Mr. Godkin and Dr. Parkhurst; but with all men who were striving along the same lines, or whom I could get to go along the same lines, I wanted to be brought in contact. I have seen Senator Platt again and again. I have seen Congressman Lucius Littauer more often. I have seen Set Low, Nicholas Murray Butler, Frederick W. Holls and the Rev. Mr. Slicer, for instance, quite as often as I have seen Senator Platt. Every man with whom I could work to some purpose I have seen and consulted. Senator Platt was the most influential of all of them. He could help me most and hinder me most. I have gotten on with him by the simple process of always telling him the truth, of always letting him know before anyone else when I was going to do something that I knew would be disagreeable to him; of scrupulously keeping faith; and of making it evident that where I disagreed with him it was not for the purpose of building up a machine of my own, but because I deemed the interests of the State to conflict with his views. There is no honest and intelligent man whom I should not be delighted to hear every word I have said to Senator Platt or to see every line I have written to him or to anyone else. Unfortunately so many of the men110 -5- who call themselves reformers are either so dull or so dishonest that they would (and do) distort the facts; but mind you I mean literally that all I should desire in any one who was present at any conversation of mine with Senator Platt is that the person should have practical good sense, under-standing of conditions, and an honest mind. No one possessing all these attributes can object for a moment, or do anything but laugh at the objec-tions, to my seeing Senator Platt. I was aware, however, that my seeing him would cause some well meaning people who are either misled or who do not think straight, to feel uneasy, and would give opportunity for slan-derous criticism to men who purposely think crookedly. I could not have given efficient government for a month if I had heeded these men of foolish minds. But this was simply an evil which I had to accept. Indeed the criticism about my meeting Senator Platt is so utterly ab-surd that it is difficult to discuss it seriously. Mind you that I an-nounced long before I was elected that I should see him as often as I chose and should consult with him on all matters where I thought it proper, but that I should always act on my own best judgment. This I have done literally and exactly. I have dined with him. So in the past I have dined with Dr. Parkhurst and Mr. Godkin and Mr. Villard. Now, all three of these gentlemen have at times done things that were good. But on the whole all three of them during the period that I have been in politics, covering close on to twenty years, have done more damage to the community and less service than Senator Platt. Dr. Parkhurst's conduct has been so bad that I felt very much more uneasiness about having him at my house than I did about having any politician. Mr. Godkin's business profession has been a violation of the ninth commandment. He has made his livelihood by bearing false witness against his neighbor. He has written innumerable editorials so mendacious and slanderous, so wilfully and malignantly un-truthful that they differed from perjury or subornation of perjury only in the fact that the one offense was purely against the moral law, while the other would have been against the statutory law. As for Mr. Villard, the present editor of the Post, if Senator Platt had over acted as Mr. Villard acted in connection with the Northern Paci-fic Railroad and in connection with his use of the Evening Post in stock jobbing operations where the Northern Pacific was concerned, Senator Platt would not now be in public life. If one comes down to degrees of of-fenses, I consider it a greater encouragement to viciousness in public life to take the Evening Post or to support it in any way, than to associate with any group of politicians with which I am ever brought in contact. You enclose a clipping from the Evening Post which you say expresses your views. This clipping says that I have "succumbed to Platt and to (my) ambition for office". If you had not said that these were your views I should simply have stated that such an accusation was a falsehood pure and simple. I have not "turned more and more" from the path I for-merly followed. I have trod exactly and precisely along the path I started to tread years ago. I have lived up to my ideals here as Governor, under infinitely greater difficulties, precisely as I lived up to them when I was Police Commissioner. Then Platt opposed me. Now he is supporting me. But I have remained absolutely unchanged in one case as in the other. Looking back at the fourteen months I have been in office I can state with all sincereity that I can see no possible way in which any man in my place could have accomplished more of the work that I set out to do, and I am certain that I have done more than any other Governor during the twenty years that I have watched what has gone on here. Very possibly the machine111 -5- will cut my throat. One prime reason for their doing so will undoubtedly be the fact that their belief in the insincerity of the professional reformer has been amply justified by the professional reformer's conduct during these fourteen months. He has deliberately striven to break me down to gratify his own morbid vanity and mean jealousy, and he has shown himself not one whit better than the worst machine politician. His crimes are of a different kind, but they are just as black. I feel toward him a feeling of contemptuous anger. I recognize clearly his fundamental dishonesty of purpose and motive; his fundamental incapacity to think straight and incapacity really to live up to a high ideal, all this with the added evil of hypocrosy. The hope of this country lies in the men who are practical, and yet are straight and decent and believe in reform. I can never be sufficiently grateful to the men like Seth Low, like Jacob Riis, like Reynolds, like Nicholas Murray Butler, like Frederick W. Holls and the large number of others, for the help they have given me and the way they have worked with me to secure better results. But as for the other men whom I have mentioned above, and for their small understudies of the Jack Chapman type, I feel toward them an indignation that I feel only for the basest politicians. The diseased egotism which in the main spring of their actions is of itself the type which ultimately produces a Booth or a Guiteau. No class of our people more richly deserve the contempt and abhorence of decent men. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt February 20,1900 Hon. James E.March, 39 Marion Street, New York City. My dear Mr. March: I am in receipt of your very kind invitation for the evening of February 27th and regret that it will be absolutely impossible for me to be present because of engagements here in Albany. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to join in the festivities on that occasion, which I trust will be a most enjoyable one for all. With great regard, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt112 Feby. 21st, 1900. John R. Dunlap, Esq., Publisher, Engineering Magazine, #120 Liberty St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Dunlap:-- I want to thank you most cordially for your kind allusions to myself. I deeply appreciate them. I only hope I can get my publicity measure through. My I not have the opportunity of seeing you here sometime at Albany? Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 21st, 1900. Captain W. W. Kimball, 1226 17th St., Washington, D.C. My dear Kimball:-- Hearty thanks for yours of the 19th inst with inclosed pamphlet. I agree with every word you write on the canal business. What a great, self-satisfied, rich, vain glorious nation we are, with all our courage and strength! We may be thrown into a bad panic too sometime if we do not look out, and we will certainly have to pay dearly enough for our lack of foresight sooner or later. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt113 Feby. 21st, 1900. Mrs. Florence Farwell Osteyee, Nelliston, N.Y. My dear madam:-- Replying to yours of the 19th inst, I am exceedingly sorry, but as Governor I have no right to interfere with private express companies. It is not a thing I could do with propriety. With great regret, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 21st, 1900. Hon. Lemuel E. Quigg #100 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Quigg:-- I have yours of the 19th inst. I do not believe I could possibly persuade the responsible leaders of the legislature to do such a thing as take a recess of two weeks. It would produce a perfect revolt. You know how touchy they are among the touchiest. What I can do to help along the bills I most certainly shall. Now, about John Stiebling. The Senator has been very reluctant to have Calkins changed, and I find that Stiebling, though a good man, is not thoroughly competent for the work, and that Calkins really does all the work in connection with the Board of Port Wardens. I will take the matter up with you when I see you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt114 Feby. 21st 1900. Mr. George H. Himes, Assistant Secretary, Oregon Historical Soceity, Portland, Oregon. My dear Mr. Himes:-- I want to thank you for the publications you sent me and then to wish you God speed in the work you are doing. It is precisely the kind of work which will be invaluable to the future historian-- the Parkman or Gibbon who writes the great epoch of the colonies of the West. You preserve records that would otherwise perish, and you lay the foundations upon which the mighty historic master of the future must build. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 21st, 1900. Genl. Jas. Grant Wilson, #15 E. 74th St., N.Y. City. My dear General:-- I thank you for your note of the 20th. I hate to give Mr. Heich the trouble of calling at Albany, and yet I fear I must, for my visits to New York are so hurried that I have not a moment to myself. Could he come up a week from this Friday? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt115 Feby.21st, 1900. Mr. Marcus Braun, 58 E. 7th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Braun:-- I have yours of the 20th inst. I am sorry to say I am not coming down next Friday or Saturday. Wont you answer and tell me just where and at what time I could come in, so as to make my engagements dove-tail? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 21st, 1900. Miss Margaret P. Pascal, 576 Lexington Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Miss Pascal:-- I thank you most heartily for your letter of the 18th inst, and I thank, through your, the pupils of Pascal Institute, for the gift of the flag. I am very much touched by the remembrance of me, and I assure you that having this flag and what it implies, coming from the source it does, will make me feel more than ever that I have got to live up to the highest standard of duty. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 116 Feby. 21st, 1900. Major Putnam Bradlee Strong, 75 Worth St., N.Y. City. My dear Major:-- I thank you for yours of the 20 inst. Could you come up here and dine andspend the night with me next Monday? It will be a great pleasure to see you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 21st, 1900. Prof. Nicholas Murray Butler, Columbia University, N.Y. City. My dear Butler:-- I have yours of the 20th inst. You are a trump as usual. Do not think that I have entirely given up the education bill yet. I have been at both Allds and White about it. I am going to see if we cannot restore the pay for the commissioners in the Senate. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt117 Feby 21, 1900. Messrs Chas. Scribners Sons, 155 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. Gentlemen:-- Will you please send me a copy of my Rough Riders book to me at the Executive Chamber, and oblige, Yours very truly, Theodore Roosevelt118 En route Empire Stae Express. Feby. 22nd, 1900. Hon. J. M. E. O'Grady, Rochester, N.Y. My dear Congressman:-- I have yours of the 21st and am extremely concerned at what you say. I shall on my return to Albany try to see if it is too late to take any action. Dr. Stoddard and Senator Armstrong both told me that Mrs. O'Connor was a catholic. I shall have the matter looked at immediately. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt [?] En route Empire State Express Feby. 22nd, 1900 Hon. W. W. Armstrong, Rochester, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- The enclosed letter from Congressman O'Grady explains itself. It appears that Mrs. O'Connor is not a Catholic. This I fear is very unfortunate. I wanted a Catholic on that Board. Will you not let me know about this at once? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt [?]119 En route Empire State Express, Feb. 21st, 1900. Hon. Lemuel E. Quigg, #100 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Quigg:-- I have your two letters of the 21st inst. In reference to the Charter Commission bill, as you know I have fought hard to have compensation provided, but I could not seem to budge the bill in the Assembly unless the pay was struck out. If I can get it put back in the Assembly I shall be more than pleased. But I fear we need as many as 15. On the selection of these men I want you to help me get the very highest type. I am very much interested in what you say as to the actual events in the County Committee and I am much obliged to you for writing me in full, for of course all kinds of contradictory hearsay statements had reached me, and I am glad to know just how things stand. I also note with particular interest what you say as to the criticisms about me. I am particularly pleased that there is not any criticism among reputable politicians-- the disreputable I must expect to have against me. Of course, the ulta independents of The Evening Post stamp will oppose me tooth and nail, simply because I will not make war upon Senator Platt, on yourself and on the Organization leaders generally. It makes no difference to them how straight I act or how much good I do. The point is that they cannot use me to break up the republican party (icidentally securing the return of Mr. Croker to power), and therefore they are against me. Any small thing they can get ahold of they intend to use to the limit. The shipping people are making a great push for the retention of Hiram Calkins, and Senator Platt feels strongly that he ought to be retained; that the business of the Board will be seriously interfered with if he were not retained. I am afraid the Board of Port Wardens are not proving to be quite as well up in their duties as they ought to be and there is evidently real fear that Calkins going out would be a detriment to the Board; while there is a very general feeling that Stiebling, though a thoroughly good fellow, lacks the intellectual capacity and experience for this place. Can I not see you when I go down on the tenth, to talk over various matters? I am beginning to feel more and more that I do not want to go to the Convention largely for the very reason you mention. All I am concerned about is whether if I were elected to go, it would not give rise to justifiable adverse comment if I stayed away. However, I will go over that with you. I really have not been speaking about a war for Americanism a great deal lately, have I? As for my impulsiveness and my alliance with labor agitators, social philosophers, taxation reformers and the like, I will also go over all these questions with you when we meet. I want to be perfectly sane in all of these matters, but I do have a good deal of fellow feeling for our less fortunate brothers, and I am a good deal puzzled over some of the inequalities in life, as life now120 L. E. Q. 2. exists. I have a Horror of hysterics or sentimentality, and I am about the last man in the world who sympathizes with revolutionary tactics, or with the effort to make the thrifty, the wise and the brave go down to the level of the unthrifty, the slothful and the cowardly. I would a great deal rather have no change than a change that would put a premium upon idleness and folly. All I want to do is cautiously to feel my way to see if we cannot make the general conditions of life a little easier, a little better. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Dictated. W. L. J. En route Empire State Express Feby. 22nd, 1900. Rev. Dr. T. R. Slicer, #27 W. 76th St., N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Slicer:-- I have yours of the 19th inst. You are not taking up my time at all. First, as to the Bath Soldiers Home business, I made the strongest kind of an effort through the Attorney General have repeated the effort, to prevent Shepard being tried by the Trustees at Bath until the other trial is over. Sickles and King rewarded my constant efforts to co-operate with them by resigning in a fit of petulant levity, when a very improper scheme on their part to get an injunction against the Attorney General had been discovered. I agree with you entirely as to the animus against Shepard and as to the character of the people against him. I do not agree with you about Shepard himself. We can never get that Home on a good basis while Shepard stays. He need not have antagonized Palmer at all, for Palmer was hot against the so-called Bath ring. As for the Parkhurst-Campbell combine, without prejudging the case, I think I may say to you that on what Mr. Philbin has told me, it is perfectly evident that the members of it in the Bath Home will have to go. I have insisted upon Philbin making me a preliminary report about March First expressly so that I may act upon it before the legislature adjourns. I am going to see Wilcox tonight. I am very glad that Deming has taken hold. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt [?] Dictated to W.L. J.121 Feby. 23rd, 1900. Mr. Geo. Bird Grinnell, 346 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Grinnell:-- I have yours of the 19th. Of course, I will go in for such a scheme, if you think it advisable, but we must strictly control the writing and all. There must be no repetition of the fake business that in Hoof, Claws and Antlers made me regret that I had written Wallihan at all about his pictures. Moreover, we must have a definite understanding from Wallihan as to the publication of the book. Otherwise, when it is published we will find that he thinks we have made vast sums of money and are defrauding him in some mysterious fashion. I think the book itself if it simply consisted of all the pictures with an edited text by Wallihan and an introduction by say you and myself would be eminently proper for the Boone & Crockett Club to produce. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 122 Feby. 23rd, 1900. Douglas Robinson, Esq., #55 Liberty St., N.Y. City. Dear Douglas:-- I send you these bills. I see, however, that the State Charities Aid Association has come out on behalf of them. Do not forget about that tax business. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 23rd, 1900. Mr. Herbert Walsh, #1305 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. My dear Mr. Walsh:-- In reference to the Indian question, what action would you suggest my taking? It is extremely difficult to get the legislature to act on the subject, and I cannot provide for the payment of the expensesof a commission without its first acting, but I will willing designate Mr. Garrett and any two members you desire to make a special report to me as a basis for action in the future. I have just written Mr. Garrett. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt123 Feby. 23rd, 1900. Hon. Philip C. Garrett, 1305 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. My dear Mr. Garrett:-- I thank you very much for your letter of the 20th inst. My idea would be that I should have a commission of three men who I fear would have to serve at their own expense, make an investigation this summer and prepare a comprehensive bill, well thought out and carefully considered, which I could submit to the legislature next winter and then try to get public sentiment behind it. I do not see that anything else can be done. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt February 23, 1900. Mr. Edwin Barrows, Providence, R. I. Dear Sir:-- I am in receipt of your letter of recent date and thank you very much for writing me as you do. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt124 Feby. 23rd, 1900. Mr. William Howell, Governor's Island, N.Y. My dear Mr. Howell:-- I have yours of the 20th. I have not received a letter of any kind beyond those I have already sent to you. I do not very well know what further action there is for me to take. How would it do for you to write the Secretary yourself? Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feb. 24rd, 1900. Mr. S. G. Blythe, Ed. Cosmopolitan Magazine, Irvington-on-Hudson, N.Y. My dear Mr. Blythe:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 21st inst. I am really very much flattered that Mr. Seibold should have thought it worth while to speak of my address, but it would not be possible for me to undertake another stroke of work now. I have already three or four articles that I have promised for months but I have been utterly unable to write them. I am very sorry for I should much like to oblige you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt125 Feby. 23rd, 1900. Mr. J. J. Doty, Rensselaer Falls, N.Y. My dear Mr. Doty:-- Of course, I shall always answer a letter like yours, for it is just such letters that make me feel that it was worth while for me to go into politics. Corrupt politicians on the one side and cranks on the other give me a great deal of trouble, but my dear sir, I feel to the last degree my responsibility to you and those like you throughout the State, and I am more gratified than I can say to find that you believe I am doing what I assure you I am doing, that is, giving a thoroughly honest, decent, practical administration of the government of this State. With hearty thanks, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 23rd, 1900. Mr. Louis T. Golding, Tribune, Terre Haute, Ind. My dear Mr. Golding:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 17th inst. I would like to do anything you request, but I simply cannot begin to endorse books, no matter how good they are. You have no conception of the number of requests made to me for such endorsements. If I yielded in any one case, it would open an endless vista. I am awfully sorry. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt126 Feby. 23rd, 1900. Hon. J. P. Allds, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Allds:-- I should like to see you at your earliest convenience about Elmira Reformatory legislation. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 23rd, 1900. Hon. T. E. Ellsworth, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- I should like to see you at your earliest convenience about Elmira Reformatory legislation. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt127 Feby. 23rd, 1900. Hon. Charles T. Willis, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- I hope I may see you at your earliest convenience in reference to Elmira Reformatory legislation. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 23rd, 1900. Thos. Sturgis, Esq., 42 E. 23rd St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Sturgis:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 21st. All right, I will do as you suggest and will see Ellsworth, Willis and Allds. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt128 Feby. 23rd, 1900. Mr. Albert Phenis, The Commercial Tribune, Cincinnati, Ohio. My dear Mr. Phenis:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 21st inst. I am so glad Mr. Graham was able to talk to you. I only wish I could see you in Albany sometime. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 23rd, 1900. Hon. H. C. Loudonslager, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. My dear Congressman:-- Col. Hamilton, the pension bill of whose widow is before you, was killed by me on San Juan Hill. No braver or better soldier ever wore the United States uniform. I earnestly hope that in the exercise of your best judgment you will be able to make a favorable report on the bill to the House. With great respect, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt129 Feby. 23rd, 1900. Mrs. Isabel B. Hamilton, 427 S. 12th St., Lincoln, Neb. My dear Mrs. Hamilton:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 19th inst and of course I will write to Mr. Loudenslager at once, and am only too glad to have the chance. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 23rd, 1900. Hon. Wm. R. Merriam, Director of the Census, Washington, D.C. My dear Governor:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 20th inst in reference to Mr. C. H. Chapman of Boston, and I cannot sufficiently thank you. Believe me I appreciate your kindness in the matter. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt130 Feby. 23rd, 1900. Col. Alex. O. Brodie, Crown Point Mine, Briggs, Arizona. My dear Colonel:-- I have just received yours of the 19th on my return to Albany. I am glad you approve of my resolution about the Vice Presidency. Frankly, I question whether I am any more a person grata with the Administration than you are, especially since my attitude on this new Nicaragua Canal Treaty. The Vice Presidency is an office utterly alien to me. I do not want it and will not have it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 23rd, 1900. Mr. William Tudor, 37 Brimmer St., Boston, Mass. My dear Tudor:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 19th inst. I am glad you approve of my decision. The only thing that will ever make me an anti-expansionist is to be convinced that we cannot manage the new colonies for their own welfare. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt131 Feby. 23rd, 1900. My dear sir:-- Nothing but the fact that in the closing weeks of the session of the legislature it is impossible for me to get away on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights prevents me from being present at the memorial exercises to the gallant men of the 47th who gave up their lives in their country's cause. Naturally the volunteers of the Spanish American war are very dear to me, and those from my own State peculiarly so. It was our good fortune as a State to have organizations representing us in all three centers of military operations. The Astor Battery was in the Philippines, the 71st was in Cuba and the 47th in Porto Rico. The 1st was halted at Hawaii on its way to the Philippines. Of course, the organizations that did not have the chance to go deserve and equal mead of honor with those who went, and it was a fine trait of the American volunteer soldier that made those who stayed so bitterly regretful that the chance did not come for active service. But of course honor is especially due to the gallant men who died, and perhaps above all, to the men behind the guns-- the non-commissioned officers and privates who quietly gave up their lives for the renown of the flag they loved so well and for the uplifting of a people who had been crushed down beneath the heel of the Spaniard. Even harder than meeting death by bullet in the field was it to meet death by fever in the hospital, and if it were possible to differentiate between degrees of courage, I should be tempted to place even higher that of the man who came to his end in the hospital tent than that of132 2. the man who died in the flush and splendor of victory while his comrades pressed forward and the enemy fell before them. I very deeply appreciate, my dear sir, the deed of those who have erected this tablet in your Church. I regret more than I can say that I am not to be present at the ceremonies. Believe me I shall be with you in spirit to do my part in paying homage to the gallant men who have gone, and do extend the hand of fellowship to their comrades who are alive, and to those citizens who have joined in showing their appreciation of the deeds done by the dead. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt133 En route Empire State Exp. Albany to Buffalo Feby. 22nd, 1900. Darling Bye:-- Just a line to say that you must not have me on your mind about my visit at all. I do not want you to alter any least plan of yours, because it is not possible for me to give you definite information until I find the exact date on which the legislature adjourns. You see after it adjourns there are thirty days in which I sign bills. If it adjourns prior to the 27th of March I could doubtless get to you say on the 29th or 30th of April for a day or two. If it does not adjourn until the first of April, then I might have to hurry right straight back from Galena. I will let you know just as soon as I can. Things are going along here much in their usual fashion. I have trouble with the machine and trouble with the independents whose independence consists in one part of moral obliquity and two parts of mental infirmity. But on the whole I think I am making fair progress. I sat by Secretary Long at the Harvard dinner in New York last night and had a really delightful time. What a trump he is! I never served under or with a more high minded, upright and disinterested public servant. Give my warm love to Will. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt [*Dictated W.L.J.*]134 Feby. 24th, 1900. Mr. Charles F. Bates, 910 Security Bldg., St. Louis, Mo. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 21st, inst, would say that I am pleased to furnish you with the following information about my books: By G. P. Putnam Son, 27 W. 23rd St., N.Y. City: Wilderness Hunter, 1893, Large Paper, Winningof the West 1899, " " American Ideals, 1897 Hunting Trips of a Ranchman, 1885, L. P. Big Game, 1898 L.P. Naval War of 1812, 1882 By Houghton, Mifflin & Co., Boston Mass. Thomas R. Benton, 1890, L. P. Gouverneur Morris, 1892, L. P. By Chas. Scribners Sons, 155 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. The Rough Riders, 1899, OliverCromwell (in press) 1900 By the Century Company, Union Sq., N.Y. City. Hero Tales from American History, 1896. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 24th, 1900. Mr. W. W. Smith, Cove Neck, Oyster Bay, N.Y. My dear Mr. Smith:-- The enclosed papers explain themselves. I feared neither I nor anyone else can do anything about getting your son released until the three months are up. Then he can purchase his discharge. I am very sorry that nothing can be done. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 24th, 1900. Mr. H. L. Nelson, New Rochelle, N.Y. My dear Mr. Nelson:-- I have just received your two notes on my return from Buffalo. Can you come up here Wednesday, March the 7th for a couple of days and a night? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt136 Feby. 24th, 1900. Mr. Albert N. Charles, Marquette Club, Chicago, Ill. My dear Mr. Charles:-- I have your letter of the 22nd. I wish I could accept but it simply is not in my power. If I spoke a second time on my western trip, I fear it would have to be in Indiana or Ohio or at the Americus Club in Pittsburgh. I have simply been deluged with requests to speak either going or coming. I am awfully sorry I am unable to oblige you, for you know how I value the Marquette Club. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 24th, 1900. Mrs. Hilborn West, #1138 Conn. Ave., Washington, D.C. Dear Aunt Susie:-- I am awfully sorry I cant help your friend, but she is utterly mistaken as to my power. It would be wrong for the Civil Service Commission to do for me anything that they would not do any how, and therefore it would be wrong for me to ask them. I know Mr. John R. Proctor of the Commission well. He is a Southerner and an ex-Confederate, as high-minded a man as I ever met. If she will take this letter to him, he will give her every possible information and assistance he consistently can. With best love to Uncle Hil and yourself. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt137 Feby. 24th, 1900. Mr. A. C. Chapin, 192 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Chapin:-- Your letter of the 23rd inst really pleases me. The credit in the Burleigh incident, however, attaches more to Mrs. Roosevelt than to myself, though I hope I need not say how heartily I joined in with her. What you say, old man, about voting for me really touches me. I know I will need it, but whether I do need it or not I shall be equally proud of it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 24th, 1900. President Charles W. Eliot, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. My dear President Eliot:-- Can you not come here and be my guest just for a night or two prior to April 1st? If possible you should come in the middle of the week when the legislature is in session. I would like to have you see all the men in the chief places under me and to meet the legislature with I especially work, and I would like to have you know at first hand every detail of what I have done here, and how, and exactly the way in which the wheels move round. Dont you think you could come? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt138 Feby. 24th, 1900. Hon. Elihu Root, Secretary of War, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Secretary:-- Is there any way that I can get any information as to the matter alluded to in the inclosed letter from Mrs. Julia G. Ervin, widow of W. T. Ervin, one of the my troopers? I should be greatly obliged if I could. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Inclosure. Feby. 24th, 1900. Mrs. Julia G. Ervin, 427 South Laredo St., San Antonio, Texas. My dear Mr. Ervin:-- I am in receipt of your letter of the 21st inst and will write at once to the War Department to see if I can find out anything about the matter. I have had the greatest difficulty in finding out about the Rough Riders who were buried down in Cuba. I was never able to get back to the graves myself. I had to beon the front line with the men. Whether I can find out anything about your husband's remain I dont know, but I will gladly try. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt 139 Feby. 24th, 1900. Edwin V. Purvis, 821 Washington St., Hoboken, N.J. My dearsir:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 22ndinst with inclosures. I am sorry to say I have had to follow the invariable rule of giving no letter of introduction to General Wood save when I knew the man personally, and never then to recommend any man for office. I cannot break this rule. With regret that I cannot write you more favorably. I am, Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 24th, 1900. Chas. Kerney, Manager, Once A Week Co., Evansville, Ind. My dear sir:-- I have yours of the 21st inst and wish I had a moment in which to write you a communication, but I have not one. I am pledged already to a number of magazines in advance. I can only wish you all success and say that I have the heartiest sympathy with the work that you are doing. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt140 Feby. 24th, 1900. Wm. C. Allen, Esq., 1106 Putnam Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear sir:-- I have yours of the 21st inst with notice of dues to April 1900. I do not quite understand the request made to me. I was obliged when I said I would accept honorary membership to say that I could not assume any financial responsibility, as the calls made upon me are too many. Moreover, I should certainly positively decline to contribute a percentage of my salary. I do not think it wise or proper to assess public officials and think that it will hurt the Veterans Association if such a course it carried out. I shall be glad at any time to do as I have done in the past and give of my own free will to the different veteran associations, but as I said before, I would not consent to serve under any circumstances in any organization where the fact of my being in office was held to warrant assessing me on my salary as a public official, and I most emphatically protest against any such course being followed in relation to any official under me. It seems to me that it is obviously undesirable in the highest degree that there should be these assessments on public officials. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 24th, 1900. Rev. Horace Place, 386 Gordon Ave., Cleveland, O. My dear sir:-- I thank you very much for your kind letter of the 21st inst, but at present what I am trying to do it to be a pretty good Governor of New York. I find that that is quite enough work without my going outside of it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt141 Feby. 24th, 1900. Mr. Jos. Armistead Carr, 2127 R. St., Washington, D. C. My dear Liet. Carr:-- I have yours of the 22nd inst and you cannot imagine how pleased I am. It is admirable! Let me congratulate you with all my heart. And now, old fellow, one fellow, one word of warning from a staunch friend and well wisher. You have suffered in the past from a foe more dangerous than any armed enemy. Let me beseech you never to yield the first little bit to him again. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 24th, 1900. Mr. J. R. Parsons, Jr. Secretary, Regents, Albany, N.Y. Me dearMr. Parsons:-- I have yours of the 22nd. I guess I can undoubtedly be at the Convocation. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 142 Feby. 24th, 1900. Mr. George McAneny, #54 William St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. McAneny:-- I have yours of the 23rd. On behalf of Mrs Roosevelt and myself I write to ask if McAneny and yourself wont dine with us on Monday evening at half past seven oclock? Then let me see you in the afternoon. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 23rd, 1900. Mr. Joseph H. Proctor, 1906 So. 10th St., Omaha, Neb. My dear Mr. Proctor:-- On my return after an absence of several days I found your letter of the 16th inst. I am glad that there is a prospect of your soon procuring employment. I hope the inclosed check of $25. will help you out of your present stress a little. With best regards, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt143 Feby. 24th, 1900. Mr. George McAneny, #54 William St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. McAneny:-- I have yours of the 23rd. On behalf of Mrs Roosevelt and myself I write to ask if McAneny and yourself wont dine with us on Monday evening at half past seven oclock? Then let me see you in the afternoon. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 23rd, 1900. Mr. Joseph H. Proctor, 1906 So. 10th St., Omaha, Neb. My dear Mr. Proctor:-- On my return after an absence of several days I found your letter of the 16th inst. I am glad that there is a prospect of your soon procuring employment. I hope the inclosed check of $25. will help you out of your present stress a little. With best regards, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt144 Feby. 26th, 1900. Hon. Frederick W. Holls, #120 Bway, N. Y. City. My dear Mr. Holls:-- I have yours of the 24th inst. What you write me is not only interesting but very important. It may explain some things for which I have been unable to account. Certain it is that I have been unable to get any kind of response in my effort to get the unification bill seriously considered. I shall feel my way now and see whether it is as you believe. I find it very difficult to get through any legislation just at present. Nevertheless your work will stand just exactly as General Greene's will. Sooner or later we shall have to have both unification and the canal. I do earnestly hope, however, that a beginning can be made this year towards both. I hope that the canal treaty is dead. I am absolutely unable to understand how it can be backed up. I hope you will soon be fully restored to health. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt145 Feby. 26th, 1900. Hon. Frederick W. Holls, #120 Bway, N.Y. city. My dear Mr. Holls:-- I have yours of the 24th inst. What you write me is not only interesting but very important. It may explain some tings for which I have been unable to account. Certain it is that I have been unable to get any kind of response in my effort to get the unification bill seriously considered. I shall feel my way now and see whether it is as you believe. I find it very difficult to get through any legislation just at present. Nevertheless your work will stand just exactly as General Greene;s will. Sooner or later we shall have to have both unification and the canal. I do earnestly hope, however, that a beginning can be made this year towards both. I hope that the canal treaty is dead. I am absolutely unable to understand how it can be backed up. I hope you will soon be fully restored to health. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 146 Feby. 26th, 1900. Mr. James Provoost Thomas, 218 West Jersey St., Elizabeth, N. J. My dear Mr. Thomas:-- Your cousin has just handed me your note. I hate not to do what you request, but I want to explain why I really cannot. I have given a few notes of introduction to visitors to General Wood, but even of these I give none save where I personally know the bearer. I given no note to any one who intended to make a business in the Island, because I do not know whether or not General Wood has the opportunity or the time to advise in such a matter, and I do not feel as if I could burden him. I would be utterly helpless how to advise one of General Wood's friends who came here and wanted to know about business conditions, and I do not think that General Wood would feel that I had any right to send him people who needed advice as to where and how to start in business. My letters of introduction must mean something and they cannot mean anything unless I only ask for favors that I have a right to expect will be granted. With regret, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*147*] February 26th, 1900. Hon. J. M. E. O'Grady, Rochester, N.Y. My dear Congressman:-- I was assured that Mrs. O'Connor was a Catholic and of course took it for granted that she was. Otherwise I would have appointed a Catholic from somewhere else. Will you kindly recommend to me a couple of catholics whom I can appoint to any vacancies that may arise elsewhere. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900. Mr. G. Burton Hall, 17 Alden, Springfield, Mass. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 24th inst, I am sorry to say I can give you no information beyond that contained in the book I have already published "The Rough Riders". Lt. Shipp was with me at breakfast and on the march to the San Juan fight. Then he left me and I heard he had been killed while gallantly leading his men. I am sorry I can tell you nothing more. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt148 Feby. 26th, 1900. Col. Wm. A. Gavett, C/o St. Charles Hotel, New Orleans, La. My dear Mr. Gavett:-- I thank you very much for your letter of the 23rd inst and very greatly appreciate your kindness to me. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900. Mr. Geo. M. Kelley, 84 Decatur St., Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear sir:-- I am in receipt of your letter for which I thank you very much. I appreciate your making me an honorary member, but it is impossible for me to undertake another address of any sort or kind now. You cannot realize how many requests I have to speak. I am not going to be in Brooklyn on March 2nd and do not understand how the impression got out that I was going to be there on that date. Believe me I greatly appreciate what you are doing and wish you every success in your efforts. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt [*149*] Feby. 26th, 1900. Rev. Francis J. Clay Moran, 118 E. 45th St., N. Y. City. My dear Mr. Moran:-- I thank you cordially for your letter of the 24th inst. It seems to me the amendments you propose are eminently proper ones. Who is to introduce them? There will be infinitely more chance of their passing if you get your own Senator and Assemblyman to introduce them than if I do. The legislature does not like to have "Governor's bills". They want to take the initiative. If you could get one man from Brooklyn and one from New York, I think it would be an admirable thing. Senator Elsberg strikes me as an excellent man. Could not Mrs. Nathan be put into communication with him? I think action ought to be taken as speedily as possible. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900. Genl. E. M. Hoffman, Adjutant General. Dear General Hoffman:-- There is no idea that I am going to Brooklyn March 2nd for any review? Of course I cannot go down on that date. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt150 Feby. 26th, 1900. Hon. Curtis N. Douglas, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- I fear I shall have to try to get a man nearer the Adirondacks. Moreover I found that violent opposition was at once aroused among the forest people at appointing any man however excellent,-- and in point of character and capacity it is evident that no man could stand higher than the one you mentioned-- who is not a practical woodsman, as well as a lumber merchant. They feel that what is needed is a woodsman and a man who is familiar with the Adirondacks. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby, 26th, 1900 Hon. Wm. T. O'Neil St. Regis Falls, Frank, Co., N.Y. My dear Billy:-- I am sorry to say that it does not now look as if I can appoint you. Malby has been very uncompromising, and whether through him or not, so many attacks have been made upon my nominating you on account of your connection with the lumber companies, that it may be necessary for me to appoint some man who has no connection with any lumber company at all. Of course, I know that you would act wholly without regard to your past or present connections, but where I myself cannot prove what I believe to be true in reference to certain actions that have been taken or left untaken by the present commissioners. I cannot afford to give them a handle for retaliation. I am very greatly disappointed. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*151*] Feby. 26th. 1900. Hon. L. E. Quigg, #100 Bway, N. Y. City. My dear Mr. Quigg:-- Is it possible for you to keep in touch with say Senator Elsberg and Assemblyman Fallows about your bills, and let them consult with me? If I can hurry forward the legislation in any way of course I will do it. You know as well as I do, the infinity of matters that press upon me and the difficulty of doing anything like all I would like to do. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900. Hon. J. S. VanDuzer, Horseheads, N. Y. My dear Van:-- As I wrote you, things begin to look as if I should want to get a man as near Rochester as possible, if I displace Babcock, and so I may take Austin Wadsworth. I hate not to put you on anything where you would like to go, and all the more because it may not be possible to put Billy O'Neil on either. Let me know about the Reformatory matters as soon as you are able to. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*152*] Feby. 26th, 1900. Hon. Eugene A. Philbin, #111 Bway, N. Y. City. My dear Mr. Philbin:-- I have yours of the 24th inst and thank you heartily for the information about Mr. McMahon which is exactly what I want. The way the Board of Managers of the Long Island State Hospital have acted in reference to Dr. Backus leaves me with the only regret in the matter that I cannot get them all out at the same time that he goes. By the way, Dr. Stoddard got me into a slight scrape. I wanted to put on a Catholic in place of Congressman O'Grady on the Rochester Industrial School Board of Managers, and Dr. Stoddard recommended to me Mrs. O'Connor as such. Of course, I took it for granted that she was a Catholic and it now proves she is not. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*153*] Feby. 26th, 1900. Miss Ina Craven, Supt. of Schools, Great Falls, Montana. My dear madam:-- I have yours of the 21st inst and am exceedingly sorry to have to return the draft to you, but unfortunately I know nothing whatever about the monument fund in question. I have not heard of it. With regret that I cannot assist you, I am, Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Inclosure, draft returned. Feby. 26th, 1900. Mr. John Dixwell, 52 W. Cedar St., Boston, Mass. My dear Mr. Dixwell:-- I thank you heartily for your letter and am much pleased that you like my article. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*154*] Feby. 26th, 1900. Mr. L. Stern, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. My dear Mr. Stern:-- I have your letter of the 20th inst. It is quite unnecessary for me to state that if there is any way I can help as regards Mrs. Newman I will, but I have not the vaguest idea what to do in the matter. Mrs. Josephine Shaw Lowell of No. 120 E. 30th St., New York City, is the moving genius on the Board of Managers of the New Bedford, Reformatory, and though I appointed her myself, it would be entirely useless for Mrs. Newman and would expose me to the certainty of a humiliating rebuff if I wrote Mrs. Lowell, as she has been injured by prolonged and excessive indulgence in The Evening Post. She is, however, a thoroughly high minded, although impracticable woman. I believe that if you could get one or two people who know Mrs. Newman well, and who are themselves genuine philanthropists, to call upon her on behalf of Mrs. Newman, that you could accomplish a great deal. As you of course know I have no power whatever in the case of any of these appointees and have never given any one or been able to give any one the slightest assistance in getting such a place. I write suggesting this action to you, because my dear Mr. Stern, I have been deeply impressed by your genuine philanthropy, your sincere and deep interest in all charitable work, and I know that you would recommend no one of whose disinterested zeal and efficiency there could be the least question. With regard, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*155*] Feby. 26th, 1900. Mr. Archer Butler Hulbert, Ohio State Journal, Columbus, Ohio. My dear Mr. Hulbert:-- I thank you heartily for your kindness. I shall read your book with the utmost interest. The old Indian trails have always had a fascination for me. I am very glad you like my Winning of the West. Faithfully, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900. Mr. F. B. Wright, 310 Globe Bldg., Minneapolis, Minn. My dear Mr. Wright:-- I have yours of the 20th inst. All right, if you have gone as far as you say you have, I suppose I will have to come any way. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*156*] Feby. 26th, 1900. Mr. Thaddeus M. Jones, #61 W. 105th St., N. Y. City. My dear Mr. Jones:-- I have your letter of the 22nd inst. I am sorry to say that I would hardly know how to advise you. I am not as familiar as I might be with the literature of civic institutions. Will you call on Mr. James B. Reynolds, #184 Eldridge St. and show him this letter. I am sure he will very gladly help you in any way he can. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900. Charles C. Burlingham, Esq., 45 William St., N. Y. City. My dear Mr. Burlingham:-- I thank you heartily for your very kind letter of the 23rd inst and I am quite touched by what you say Mr. Carter said, because he was one of those men who as I happen to know voted against me when I ran for Governor. Do you think there would be any impropriety in my writing him saying what you had told me, and thanking him? With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*157*] Feby. 26th, 1900. General Irving Hale, Denver, Colo. My dear General:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 17th inst with inclosures. I earnestly wish I could accept, but it is not on the cards. I fear to make another engagement for going to the west next summer. I have already had to make two, but I shall find a little difficulty in keeping the second. I do hope a delegation from your regiment can come to the Rough Rider reunion. I am sure I need not again tell you, my dear General, what a pleasure it was for Mrs. Roosevelt and myself to catch such a mere glimpse here in Albany of Mrs. Hale and yourself. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*158*] Feby. 26th, 1900. My dear Mrs. Storer:-- I have your letter of the 8th. You must recollect the limitations under which I work. I cannot possibly be intruding my advice upon the President where it is unasked. It is utterly uselessfor me to do so. I saw young Sam Hill the other day at the Harvard dinner. I went over with him this very matter and told him what I had written to the President about Archbishop Ireland before and the way I was turned down. Now, if he can suggest a point where I can be of use, I will try to be of use, but it is simply worse than a waste of time and power for me to interfere when my interference will certainly fail to accomplish a thing and will merely hurt my future usefulness. There in nothing whatever that I can do. My work here keeps me in more than sufficient hot water. In no one instance where I have tried to intervene in national affairs has my intervention accomplished anything save in the cases where I dealt with men who were with me in the Spanish American War. I am able to pay very little attention to the matters of the national administration and manage things here, and they do not like my trying to run their business for them. I should like to interfere about a good many matters at Washington, but it would be worse than useless to try. I do hope you will understand, why it is so hopeless, so worse than useless for me to make the effort you desire. With warm regards to Bellamy, Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt To Mrs. Bellamy Storer, U. S. Legation, Madrid, Spain.[*159*] Feby. 26th, 1900. Mr Frederick W. Hawes, Headquarters, Dept. of Puerto Rico, San Juan, P. R. My dear Mr. Hawes:-- Just as soon as I received your letter of the 14th inst I sent a letter of which the inclosed is a copy to the Secretary of War. I only hope it will be of avail. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900. Captain Charles G. Ayres, Fort Brown, Texas. My dear Captain:-- Hearty thanks for your letter of the 18th inst. I earnestly hope that the bill making you a Colonel and retiring you as such will pass. I do wish I could have been of some aid to you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt160 February 26th, 1900. Honorable Elihu Root, Secretary of War, Washington, D.C. Sir:-- Pursuant to authority granted by your Department a year ago Major Thomas W. Symons, U. S. Engineers, has acted as one of the Canal Committee of five appointed by me to draw up a report on the future canal policy of the State of New York. It would be impossible to overestimate the importance of this work, or the importance of the part played therein by Major Symons. The report of the Committee is a public document of the highest value, and the members of the Committee have been unanimous in ensuring me that their work would have been altogether impossible, at least in the shape it actually took, had it not been for the invaluable service of Major Symons. Ruskin somewhere points out that where work is done for the fee, it is rare indeed to find it really well done, all really great work, all work which makes the whole community a debtor, is done by some man to whom the work itself is the reward and the doing of it the fee. Such has emphatically been the case with this work of Major Symons. For ten months he gave his spare time to the service of the State of New York without any reward whatsoever, performing a task which probably could not have been performed at all by any other man, and which if paid for would have cost the State many thousands of dollars. The only reward he can be given is hearty recognition of his disinterested and public spirited labor. I therefore write you to say with all possible earnestness and sincerity on behalf of the people of the State ofNew York that at least we most deeply appreciate his services and cordially thank both Major Symons him-[*161*] 2. [him]self and the War Department through whose courtesy Major Symons was permitted to serve on the Committee. May I have your permission to make public this letter? Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900. Mr. George E. Matthews, Editor, The Commercial, Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. Matthews:-- Permit me to express my very hearty thanks to you for the kindness you in particular showed me at Buffalo, especially in coming on to meet me at Rochester. I profited much by your talk and advice. I am now trying to wrok out the canal problem on the lines we agreed upon. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt162 Feby. 26th, 1900. General F. V. Greene, #11 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear General:-- I have yours of the 22nd. I have been doing much studying on the canal business, and I think I see my way out. The chief trouble is that adding to the natural timidity of the political leaders just before the presidential election, there is a real hesitancy about tackling so great a problem unless with the aboslute certainty that everything is all right. For instance when I spoke to Kernan of Utica, who is ardently for the barge canal, I found that he believed it would take weeks to draw up the bill. In Buffalo I found that they wanted a thorough survey first. It is evident that there will be no chance of passing the referendum resolution at this session, and with our present knowledge I believe we should run a great chance of being beaten. On the other hand, I feel that to be idle in the matter would be little short of criminal. Alike from the standpoint of political expediency, it seems to me that the course is to have the canal committees employ the best counsel they can and draw up as speedily as may be the necessary bill; while at the same time we pass an appropriation for permitting a survey by the best engineers, but under the State Engineer and Surveyor, to determine exactly what route the canal shall take. Then have the Joint Canal Committee of the House and Senate sit with the bill during the summer to go over it clause by clause with the utmost care, and to so frame it as to most every valid need, every valid objection. The engineers 163 F. V. G. 2. should report say by the end of November. We will then have the report and the bill before us. They can be taken up and put through and the people can vote on the proposition on a year when there is no political issue to distract them. This is a stupendous undertaking. In the first place, whether we will or not, will have to take time about going into it. In the next place, I think it really better that we should. I shall do my best to persuade the Organization to take my view of the matter and to provide for the survey and insist upon the framing of the bill. If they do not take my view, I shall strive for this anyway, for it seems to me I am on safe grounds in taking this position. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 164 Feby. 26th, 1900. To the Honorable, William McKinley, President of the United States. My dear Mr. President:-- I write this letter on behalf of one of the most gallant men in my regiment, Major Micah J. Jenkins of Youngs Island, South Carolina. Major Jenkins is also a West Pointer. He won his Majority on the field for gallantry and no braver man fought before Santiago. He desires to get on the retired list of the Army. I earnestly hope that his wish can be acceded to. I cannot say too much for the way he helped prepare the regiment for battle and the high courage and sense of soldier duty he showed in battle. With great respect, believe me, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt165 Feby. 26th, 1900. General H. C. Corbin, Adjunct General, War Department, Washington, D.C. My dear General:-- Down before Santiago we had no forms and often no writing materials. With the ascent of my Brigade Commander, General Leonard Wood, I appointed Captain M. J. Jenkins of my regiment, Major, to fill the vacancy made by the promotions of the Lieutenant Colonel and Senior Major. He acted as Major from the time I appointed him, about the third of July until the disbanding of the regiment. Major General Bates at Montauk issued an order covering this appointment. Can it not stand? With great respect, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 166 Feby. 26th, 1900. Hon. Robert J. Tracewell, Comptroller of the Treasury, Washington, D.C. My dear sir:-- May I ask from you a patient hearing for my valued friend and that most gallant soldier Major Micah J. Jenkins of the 1st U. S.Vol. Cavalry, formerly a Lieutenant in the Regular Army. No man before Santiago showed greater gallantry and coolness than Major Jenkins, and I earnestly ask that you give a hearing to what he says. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 167 Feby. 26th, 1900. Major Micah J. Jenkins, Youngs Island, C. My dear Major:-- I have yours of the 19th inst. It is a matter of great pleasure to me to send the three inclosed letters. Are they what you want? If not, write me at once any changes you desire. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt168 Feby. 26th, 1900. Honorable Elihu Root, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Secretary:-- May I ask that you take the trouble to read personally the two letters enclosed. The first explains itself. Frederick W. Hawes is a former member of my regiment now in Porto Rico, who has been recommended by General George W. Davis and by Major Eben Swift for a Second Lieutenancy in the Mounted Battalion of native troops on the Island. The recommendation has been made to the Adjutant General and I do not know whether I ought to write to General Corbin or to yourself, and if I am wrong in writing to you, will you just turn this letter over to General Corbin? But I want to put in as good a word as I can for Hawes. He was an Assistant County Attorney in Texas when he enlisted in my regiment. He behaved with the most soldier- like spirit and entire fidelity to duty throughout his term of service and was one of the men for whom I grew to have a very high regard. After the close of the war a number of my troopers went to Porto Rico. I advanced each of them money. Hawes was the only man that paid me back, and he did it as a matter of course. I earnestly hope he can be given the appointment, for I am sure the he will do his work well. I would not write if he had not already been recommended by his Major and by the General in command. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 2 Inclosures.169 Feby. 26th, 1900. Captain W. S. Cowles, #1735 N. St.. Washington, D.C. Dear Will:-- My view of the canal business is just this: If we fortified it, then in the event of a war with a stronger naval power, she cannot use it and we probably can. If we do not for-tify it, thn if our opponent is weaker than we are we still have another vital point to watch. But if she is stronger she can seize the canal and use it to our detriment. If the proposed canal had existed in the Spanish war, the Oregon it is true could have gotten through it, but we should then have spent six weeks of wild anxiety, during which we should either have had to watch the canal with formidable detachment, or else to have run the risk of seeing Cervera go through it and then vanish into the Pacific, leaving us uncertain whether he meant to lay waste Puget Sound or sail over to attack Dewey. Moreover, if the Monroe doctrine means anything, it means that European powers are not to acquire additional territorial interests on this side of the water. I am not afraid of England, but I do not want to see Germany or France given a joint right with us to interfere in Central America, for how can we then refuse a joint right to interfere in the partition of Brazil or Argentine. I cannot myself, in spite of our beloved Dewey's pronunciamento, see any rational defense for the treaty either from the standpoint of our sea power interest or of the Monroe doctrine. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*170*] Feby. 26th, 1900. General Bradley T. Johnson, Amelia Court House, VA. My dear General:-- Your letter gave me real happiness. It was so pleasant to hear from you. First, as to the canal frauds, I send you my annual message and the report of the counsel, both of whom were democrats and one Mr. Cleveland's district attorney. Not a democratic paper of any respectability, after my message and the report, has ventured to suggest that a prosecution was possible. No democratic lawyer in the State of the slightest standing at the bar would express such an opinion. Yes, we shall probably have a hard fight this year. Whether we will win out or not I cant tell. But at any rate I shall feel that I have two years honorable service behind me, and that I have no cause to feel ashamed of my record. Of course, the lunatic independents screech at my having anything to do with Platt. If I had followed their advice my party would have been split into little pieces and I should have been absolutely helpless and a laughing stock, whereas I have actually made things march somehow and have worked a very material betterment in our political conditions, at least to the extent of securing an absolutely clean and efficient government and honest legislation. Mrs. Roosevelt continually speaks of your visit here and so do the children. Archie chiefly associates you with the possum but the older ones all associate you with yourself.171 2. If there is one office I do not want it is the vice presidency. If I am not re-elected as Governor, I can go out with entire good humor, but I certainly do not want to hold a position of titular dignity and of no earthly practical importance for four years. You must be imminently interested in the Boer war. My feelings about it have been rather mixed. I have the greatest admiration for the stern courage, the great fighting capacity and deep race patriotism of the Boers, and I am by no means sure that there was not grave scandal in the way the English were drawn into the war by Rhodes, Chamberlain & Company. Nevertheless I feel that it is for the interest of civilization that English should be spoken South of the Zambesi; and especially that it is ultimately for the interest of the Dutch themselves, just exactly as I am better off because I speak English and am in the thought currents of one of the world's great races, instead of belonging to an isolated Dutch colony, even though independent. Moreover I should be sorry to see the British Empire break down, for next to our own republic it is the greatest bulwark of orderly freedom that the world contains. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*172*] Feby. 27th, 1900. Hon. Charles Stewart Smith, Chamber of Commerce, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Smith:-- I have received your telegram in reference to the Charter Commission bill. I earnestly hope that everything will be done to secure the passage of that bill. I prefer to see it pass containing salaries for the commissioners, but if this provision proves impossible to get through the legislature, then I hope it will be passed without it. The bill itself we must have in the best shape we can get it. I regard it as of the utmost importance. I earnestly hope that the people of New York will wake up to the necessity of passing it, and I hope that it may be passed with the provision allowing some compensation to the Commissioners. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Hon. Thomas Sturgis, #42 N. 23rd St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Sturgis:-- The inclosed from Mr. VanDuzer explains itself. I fear it was unwise not to appoint Ray Tompkins at the beginning. I am now at my wit's end to know whom to put on that Board at Elmira. I do not want to put on any body but perfectly good men. I have half a mind to try Vanduzer himself. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt173 Feby. 27th, 1900. Hon. Richard Higbie, Babylon, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- When it became evident that I would have to make a clean sweep of the Forest, Fish & Game Commission I naturally turned to you for appointment. I have found, however, that such a storm would be raised in reference to the cold storage bill and hounding bills that I think it would be inadvisable to try to put you in. I understand your explanations thoroughly. The trouble is that people generally will not take time to go into explanations, and if I have to make a fight, I shall have to see that there is no opportunity for my opponents to get amunition. I have been unable to appoint a close friend of mine, Billy O'Neil, because he is connected with some lumber companies, and it would be used against him at once that he was in their interests. I am very sorry. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*174*] Feby. 27th, 1900. Maj. Genl. Leonard Wood, Governor General, Havana, Cuba. Dear Leonard:-- The inclosed explains itself. The people assure me that they have no interest whatever in the case beyond the fact that Surgeon Taylor wants to serve in Cuba and that he is fit to serve there, and that all they desire me to do is to lay the papers before you, so that if you happen to want any such man you would know where he is to be found. This I accordingly do. Mrs. Roosevelt and her sister under the guidance of Lt. John McIlhenny will probably turn up at Havana in a week. If for any reason it is not convenient to have them at the Palace, would you mind having an orderly meet them at the dock and tell them what hotel to go to? Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*175*] Feby. 27th, 1900. Prof. J. W. Jenks, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. My dear Prof. Jenks:-- I have yours of the 26th inst. So far from there being any objection I should think it would be of great importance for you to write that article. We shall not get that bill through unless there is some popular backing. The trouble is that the average person who howls against the abuses of corporations wants measures that are at once drastic and futile. Here is a practical measure which he will not back, while on the other hand, the machine leaders are naturally afraid of anything of the kind, and from their point of view they will quite properly refuse to back anything that does not have strong popular sentiment behind it. So I would be very glad if you would write the article. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*176*] Feby. 27th, 1900. Hon. T. C. Platt, Senate Chamber, Washington, D. C. My dear Senator:-- You will doubtless remember that last year I endeavored in every way to get a proper Barren Island bill passed through both Houses of the legislature. Unfortunately a bill that was conservative and right did not reach me for Executive action. This year, however, we have two bills which are eminently conservative and proper. They are recommended by Dr. Doty and I think he has communicated with you on the subject. Tammany, however, under the leadership of Senator Grady is endeavoring to defeat these measures in the Senate, and I think they are bills which the organization could very properly take hold of and which ought to pass for the benefit of the people adjacent to Barren Island and in fact for the benefit of the people of the City generally. Will you not communicate with Mr. Odell on this subject at once? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt In this Barren Island legislation I have merely been carrying out the promise I made you when I found I could not sign its former Barren Island bill.[*177*] Feby. 27th, 1900. Jacob A. Riis Esq., #301 Mulberry St., N.Y. City. Dear Jake:-- Yours of the 25th inst at hand. My experience is that with a busy man the letters on one subject should come together. Instead of my writing to General Wood to tell about you, I want you to enclose this letter when you write to him about young Jones. He of course will remember you and the time you and I and he were in Washington together just before the war, taking just the same view of the situation. If he does not remember you, then he will find out from this letter that I regard you as on the whole the most useful citizen there is in New York and among my dearest friends. By the way, President Eliot of Harvard is helping General Wood out as he deserves to be helped in this Cuban matter. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*178*] February 27th, 1900. Mrs. Josephine Shaw Lowell, #120E. 30th St., N. Y. City My dear Mrs. Lowell:-- I cannot say how pleased I was to get your last letter, and I am glad you wrote the first, so long as it drew out this! I did feel pretty badly about the letter I last answered, for it seemed to me that if you thought of me as that letter indicated, it would be hard for us to work together again; and there are very few things that I would mind more than cutting myself off from you. I understand now just what you mean. The clipping from The Evening Post made me think that all your information came from it. In the McRoberts case, I wish very much you would write to the President of the Borough of Richmond, George Cromwell, a Yale man and the leader of the anti-machine republicans, or to Judge Stevens, one of the most reputable democrats there, or to Dr. Doty, the Health Officer, all of whom can tell you every thing about the case. About my doing things sometimes hastily, I again most frankly admit that you are right in large part; only remember the multitude of things I have to do. My writing was done last summer for the most part, and I now only write an occasional short article for some publication like The Outlook, on some subject where I happen to feel that I really want to say something. The trouble is that often I have to rely upon outside advice, and even the best people often advise me wrongly. Just at the moment I am in a muss in Rochester because I told Congressman O'Grady[*179*] J.S.L. 2. when I did not appoint him on the Board of Managers of the Rochester Industrial School, that I would put a Catholic on in his stead. The Rochester member of the State Board of Charities Dr. Stoddard, recommended to me Mrs. O'Connor as being of all there most fit for the place, and a Catholic. From her name I took it for granted she was a Catholic, and indeed it never entered my head to question his statement. Now it appears that he is mistaken, and Congressman O'Grady accuses me of breaking faith. Much the same thing occurred with Alexander F. Orr in the case of Dr. Backus; and after receiving full explanation from me, Mr. Orr, without paying any heed to it, makes a public attack containing what he knows to be statements that in their effect are utterly false. On advice that I believed to be thoroughly sound advice, from Mr. W. R. Stewart, I made changes in the Elmira Reformatory that cause me more trouble than anything else excepting the Soldiers Home matter-- I mean as among the lesser things. Just at the moment I am in a horrible tangle trying to get an efficient Forest, Fish & Game Commission, to secure the annulment of the Ramapo Charter by pushing Assemblyman Morgan's bill, to get the Palisades protected, to get a Charter Commission bill, and to get some kind of a start made on the canal work; not to mention a lot of other bills which ought to pass and to which I would devote my energies, were it not for the fear of becoming to diffuse. Do you know Alford Warriner Cooley or Senator Elsberg? I wish you would get them to tell you a little of the difficulties[*180*] 3. through which I have to fight my way every day. You do not know how your letter has pleased and gratified me, my dear Mrs. Lowell. Ever faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Lt. John McIlhenny, Avery Island, La. My dear Mr. McIlhenny:-- I cannot tell you how pleased I am that you are going down with Mrs. Roosevelt to Cuba. I would give anything if I were to go along too, but as I am not able to go with her myself I do not believe there is a man alive whom I should quite as soon feel was in charge on this particular expedition as yourself. I have written Wood that you will be with her. Her sister is going with her too as you know. I am greatly interested to learn what you are doing in politics. By the way, one of your staunchest friends and admirers, young Major Strong, has been up here and has been telling me much about you in the Philippines. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt181 Feby. 27th, 1900. President Benj. Ide Wheeler, University of California, Berkeley, Cal. My dear President Wheeler:-- Before I received the gift copy of your book I had already bought it and read it all through with an interest I cannot exaggerate. It is as charming and interesting as any novel I know, and yet it seems to me that it is just what a history should be. It is readable; and it is not merely a huge string of erudite treatises on minute points of interest only to specialists. I certainly do not know of any life of Alexander that compares with it. (By the way, Hogarth's description of Philip is also good). I am sure that the great historian of the future as of the past will also be a great literary man; [*???*] and his book will be an addition to literature. It seems to me that you have trod in the path of the great historians in your way of approaching this subject and in your way of treating it. Of course, you have also all the benefit of modern study, of what might be called its post-[?wrote] attitude, in looking at Hellenic and Hellenistic life. By the way, it may be the measure of my ignorance to say that you are the first man to show me exactly what the Macedonians were-- that they were belated Greeks-- Greeks who would correspond say to what Yorkshiremen or the Lowland Scotch would have been had they remained as they were before the days of Chaucer 182 B. L. W. 2. while the rest of the English speaking people moved onward. I hate to have you out of the State and I really greatly miss you. With warm regards to Mrs. Wheeler, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. William A. Allen, Esq., Fin. Secretary, 1106 Putnam Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. Dear sir:-- I have been thinking over your letter of the 21st inst, and I herewith tender my resignation as a member of the War Veterans and Sons Association. In the first place, as I said I was told that I would be under no financial responsibility to the Organization. I have very heavy demands made upon me by the men of the regiment of which I was a Colonel, and aside from these demands I have given during the past year much more than the sum you request, to organizations and individuals among the veterans of the civil war. Moreover, it does not seem to me either wise or proper whether from the standpoint of the public service or of the veterans, or of the individual himself, that there should be an assessment of office holders along the lines mentioned. I therefore respectfully tender my resignation. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt183 Feby. 27th, 1900. Mr. Clarkson C. Schuyler, Magnolia Springs Hotel, Magnolia Springs, Fla. My dear Mr. Schuyler:-- I thank you cordially for your letter of the 24th inst. I have striven in vain to get a single headed commission with three bureaus. I ought to tell you, however, that the forestry people at Washington do not think that Col. Fox, excellent man though he is, has the scientific knowledge of forestry which he ought to possess. I have a great regard for Col. Fox and have been rather puzzled at the adverse criticism of the experts. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Mr. Dennis A. Janvrin, #54 Willoughby Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear Mr. Janvrin:-- I have yours of the 25th. I am very sorry but there is no way in which I can help you. I am asked by hundreds of people to try to interfere in the Navy Yard for them. I cannot do it; it is impossible. No attention would be paid to me if I did write, and I should simply weaken whatever influence I may have by so doing. I cannot help regretting that you did not stay in the police department when I finally got you reinstated. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt184 Feby. 27th, 1900. Mr. Marcus Braun, 58 E. 7th St., N. Y. City. My dear Mr. Braun:-- I have yours of the26th inst. I am sorry to say that I fear March 16th is an impossible date for me, as I will have been down the preceding Friday and Saturday. As the legislature may shortly adjourn, it will, I fear, be absolutely impossible for me to get away. I regret this greatly. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Robert Carey, Esq., 259 Washington St., Jersey City, N. J. My dear Mr. Carey:-- I have yours of the 24th inst in reference to the annual dinner of the Minkakwa Club. I wish I could accept your invitation, for I deeply appreciate your kindness in inviting me, and I would particularly like to be with the republicans of New Jersey, but it is simply impossible at present. I cannot undertake another engagement, much though I should like to. I am awfully sorry. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt185 Feby. 27th, 1900. Mr. Frank C. Travers, #16 Thomas St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Travers:-- I have yours of the 26th inst. The trouble about the Soldiers Home Board is that I have certainly a dozen good men proposed for every one man there is a chance of getting on. I will do my best, but I cannot promise to put even Major Crane on yet. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Herbert L. Satterlee, Esq., 120 Bway, N.Y. City My dear Herbert:-- I have yours of the 26th inst in reference to the dinner of the New York Commandery of the Naval Order of the United States. If I possibly can I will drop in at that dinner even if only for a few moments. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt186 Feby. 27th, 1900. Hon. J. M. E. O'Grady, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. O'Grady:-- I have yours of the 26th. Of course, I was sure you had nothing to do with that attack. I think I shall get James F. Tracey of Albany on the Board in place of one of the existing men. I thank you very much. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Mr. H. B. Fullerton, L. I. R. R. Co., Long Island City, N. Y. My dear Mr. Fullerton:-- I have yours of the 26th and thank you very much for the photos. I shall take them home and have them pasted in a book. I recognize them all; if not the individuals at least the scenes. They are excellent. I wish I could have seen you on the good roads business. We must get some decided steps in advance on that. With hearty thanks, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt187 Feby. 27th, 1900. Col. H. H. Treadwell, c/o Tiffany & Co., Union Sq., N. Y. City. My dear Col. Treadwell:-- Would it be too great a bother to you to write a line to the writer of the inclosed, Lt. Frank P. Hayes of the Rough Riders, telling him what progress has been made with that bill? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Mr. Frank P. Hayes, #577 Jefferson Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. My dear Lt. Hayes:-- I have yours of the 26th inst. I am afraid it is not as easy a matter as you think to get that legislation through. There is such an immense mass of legislation down at Washington that it seems difficult to get attention even to the most just measure. I have already written to two or three Congressmen and I have had our own officers interested in it and Col. H. H. Treadwell of my staff went down to help get the measure through. So far I have heard nothing from it. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 188 Feby. 27th, 1900. Hon. Charles Stewart Smith, Chamber of Commerce, N. Y. City. My dear Mr. Smith: I have your telegram in reference to publishing my letter of the 26th inst to you. It would not do to publish it, because it would look as if I were criticizing the legislature, but I send you herewith a letter which you can publish. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Inclosure. Feby. 27th, 1900. Hon. Charles H. Allen, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. My dear Mr. Allen:-- The inclosed from the Hon. J. P. Allds explains itself. I understand thoroughly that there is probably nothing to be done for Riley, but would you mind having a report of the case written to me in the matter? Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt189 Feby. 27th, 1900. Henry L. Stimson, Esq., #32 Liberty St., N.Y. City. My dear Stimson:-- I have yours of the 26th inst. Can you come up Wednesday next to dine and spend the night with me? I cannot ask any one else to spend the night, but if you could get up Perry and Sands it would be a great pleasure to me to have them at dinner. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Mr. Walter Webb, 585-587 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Webb:-- Replying to yours of the 26th inst, if you will get Supt. McCullagh to write me a letter specifically recommending you for that position, I will endorse it and send it to Secretary Gage. I ought to have a letter from him, for of course, I have not the personal knowledge of your qualification. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 190 Feby. 27th, 1900. To the State Civil Service Commission: Gentlemen:-- I would very much like this request of Mr. Sturgis complied with at once. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Inclosure. Feby. 27th, 1900. Thomas Raines, Esq., Rochester, N.Y. My dear Mr. Raines:-- I have yours of the 26th. Of course, I never connected you with that article, because no one except a man who was both a fool and a knave could have written it. The tone it takes, by the way, is the most ample justification for the course that has been followed. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt191 Feby. 27th, 1900. Captain F. Norton Goddard, #100 Bleecker St., N.Y. City. My dear Captain:-- I have your two letters of Saturday and Sunday. I do not care to see the two democratic Senators, but I will gladly see Brown, White and Elsberg. Perhaps you are right about your brother. Moreover, there is a very serious question whether I ought to support a New York City man. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Dr. Alber Shaw, 13 Astor Place, N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Shaw:-- I thank you very much for the advance number. I shall look it through most carefully, as I should any how. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt192 Feby. 27th, 1900. Messrs Nix & Nix, 127 Carondelet St., New Orleans, La. Gentlemen:-- Referring to the letter from Geo. D. Alexis and your note on the same, I am exceedingly sorry, but the demands on me from my men are now more than I can meet, and it is simply impossible for me to furnish money in cases like his where I can know nothing. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Herbert Welsh, Esq., #1305 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. My dear Mr. Welsh:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 24th inst. I will act as you suggest in the matter. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt193 Feby. 27th, 1900. Hon. Geo. D. Meiklejohn, Assistant Secretary of War, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Meiklejohn:-- Let me thank you personally for what was done for Lt. Carr. I deeply appreciate it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Mrs. W. L. Swan, Oyster Bay, N.Y. My dear Mrs. Swan:-- Mrs. Roosevelt has handed me your note of the 22nd inst. It is worse than useless for me to give a letter to any one whom I do not personally know. I have already given letters to officers whom I personally know and saw in action. I would hurt them and also hurt Major Yeatman if I wrote for him when I could say nothing whatever except that I had heard well of him. I hate to have to write thus, but it is the only way I can write. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt194 Feby. 27th, 1900. Mrs. Henry T. Allen, Chesnut Hill, Mass. My dear Mrs. Allen:-- I have your letter of the 24th inst and it is a pleasure to hear from the wife of Major Allen. Your letter puts me in rather a quandary, however. I do not think it would be at all wise for me to ask for anything for Major Allen or suggest his name while he is in active service. It is a thing I have never done, because I proceed upon the assumption that an army officer will and ought to prefer active service to any other. If Judge Taft will let me I shall write him about a number of officers in the Philippines and I shall most gladly put your husband high on the list, for I value him very much. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. F. C. Tomlinson, Esq., Ironton, Ohio. My dear sir:-- I have yours of the 22nd inst. Unless you have specific charges demanding some action on my part, it scarcely seems to me to be worth while to go further into the matter. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt195 Feby. 27th, 1900. Mr. William F. Wharton, Secretary, Bar Asso', Boston, Mass. My dear Mr. Wharton:-- I thank you heartily for the invitation to the dinner in honor of Judge Holmes. I only wish I could accept, for I have a peculiar regard for Judge Holmes; but it is a simple impossibility for me to get away during the closing week of the legislative session. I am exceedingly sorry. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 27th, 1900. Mr. Guy G. Seaman, C/o T. T. & T. Co., Galveston, Texas. My dear Mr. Seaman:-- I thank. you for your letter of the 23rd inst. Of course, use the check as you suggest. Let me again very earnestly express to you my appreciation for all you have done for my gallant comrade. Believe me, Most sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt196 Feb. 27th, 1900. Darling Bye:-- I have your note of the 26th with the inclosure from Senator Beveridge. I will look out for that Red Cross business. I will let you know just as soon as the legislature adjourns the exact date when I can come on. I hope I will be able to stay two or three days so as to really see people. I am having my hands full here as usual, but somehow I contrive to wiggle through. Occasionally I talk pretty to the gentlemen; occasionally I thump them with a club; and by generally doing each at the right time and in the right way, I have been able to get along better than could reasonably have been expected. Seriously, I think I can say with absolute truthfulness that I have administered this Governorship better than it has ever been administered before in my time-- better than Cleveland administered it. Everything is as straight as a string, and done as honestly as can be done. It is really a little irritating to think that the men who make believe to be for virtue should constitute one of the chief obstacles to what I have been doing. It is the dogs of the Evening Post and their like who have caused me most trouble-- that is, most trouble among decent people. I do not think they have a very big effect upon the vote. Love to Will. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 28th, 1900. Fredk. W. Beckman, Esq., Dayton, Ohio. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 26th inst, I am sorry to say I cannot give you the information you request. I have been asked to join several of those organizations of Spanish-American War Veterans, but as yet have not made up my mind which one to join. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt197 Feby. 28th, 1900. Charles C. Burlingham, Esq., 45 William St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Burlingham:-- I thank you for yours of the 27th inst. I shall write Mr. Carter at once. I shall do all I can to pass a Ramapo measure, and if I am defeated by an alliance of the two machines-- for only the practically solid Tammany vote can defeat us-- I shall be quite prepared to have the intelligent voters support some candidate of the Tammany machine who defeated the bill in preference to me. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 198 Feby. 28th, 1900. Hon. William T. O'Neil St. Regis Falls, Franklin Co., N.Y. Dear Billy:-- I have your letter of the 27th. The organization itself has been friendly to you, both Platt and Odell favoring you. I of course have no possible proof but I believe the matter was started solely in the interest of Weed, believing that if the outcry could be made loud enough against any one connected with the lumber interests, that I would be driven to letting Weed stay in. I do not know that I shall be able to put Van Duzer on either. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 28th, 1900. Mr. Caspar Whitney, 239 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Whitney:-- I have yours of the 27th. I will arrange to see you the next time I go to New York, or perhaps you could come up here for a night. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 199 Feby. 28th, 1900. Hon. J. S. VanDuzer, Horseheads, N.Y. My dear Van:-- Your letter gives me a real pain. If it were a case of expediency in the narrow sense of the word, I should not dream of turning you down. I of course knew nothing of your private affairs; but, my dear fellow, I cannot make an appointment primarily to help any personal friend financially. It would not be right or proper. If I do not appoint you it will be because I feel that in the critical condition of the matter and with an eye to the interests of the forest, I ought to appoint, say Austin Wadsworth, the man whom I have had in mind your place. I do not believe you can realize the multitude of claims made upon me by valued friends to appoint them for personal or financial reasons. In strict confidence I may mention to you that with Billy O'Neil the same claim has been made. He has long been heavily in debt. I do not mind this, for I know he could not pay me back, or he would; but I simply cannot take it into account in making the appointment, and now I find it may not be possible to appoint him. I am awfully sorry. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt200 Feby. 28th, 1800. Mr. C. E. Prentiss. Middlebury, Vt. My dear sir:-- Replying to your inquiry of the 23rd inst, I wish I could help you, but I am sorry to say I am not able to. The Westchester Roosevelts split off from our family about two centuries ago. I believe, but am not sure, that there are men of their name now there. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 28th, 1900. Hon. Alfred Spring, Justice, Appelate Div., 4th Dept., Supreme Court Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Judge:-- I thank you for your invitation, but I fear it will be absolutely out of the question for me to accept. I am already engaged in New York City on memorial day. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt201 Feby. 28th, 1900. Rev. Father John C. York, Huntington, L. I., N.Y. My dear Father York:-- Replying to yours of the 26th inst, I shall probably be in New York on Saturday the 10th inst and could see you at half past four Saturday afternoon at 422 Madison Ave. There will, however be a multitude of people to see me andit is about the worst place to try to talk business with me. Is it possible for you to write what you desire to say? With great regard, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 28th, 1900. Hon. Horace White, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Will you read the opening sentences of the inclosed letter? It is from Father Belford, one of the most cultivated and thoroughly American priests whom I know and a man in whom I have great confidence. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt202 Feby. 28th, 1900. Mr. Michael E. Butler, 32 South St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Butler:-- I am very much obliged to you for yours of the 27th inst. I shall give that time table at once to Mrs. Roosevelt. You are awfully kind. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 28th, 1900. Dr. Albert Shaw, Ed. Review of Reviews, #13 Aster Place, N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Shaw:-- I have just been reading the Review of Reviews and I want to thank you most cordially for your more than kind references to me. I have had pretty hard sledding with the Machine on the one hand and the lunatic independents on the other, and you can hardly realize the aid and comfort you have given me throughout. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt203 Feby. 28th, 1900. W.C. Witherbee, Esq., Fort Henry, N.Y. My dear Mr. Witherbee:-- I find that here is a very distinct feeling that Mr. Graeff is not tempermentally fit for the work I need. I am very much puzzled whether to put him on or not. Your endorsement is so strong that I feel inclined to put him on any way but I may determine upon Middleton or Benson. In any event, I am under very great obligations to you for the interest you have shown and the trouble you have taken. Believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 28th, 1900. Hon. George A. Cahoon, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- I have been thinking very seriously over our conversation of yesterday. I may not send in the name of our friend after all. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt204 Feby. 28th, 1900. Mr. J. Bishop Putnam, #27 W. 23rd St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Putnam:-- I have yours of the 27th and am looking forward to the receipt of that volume of letters. I shall really greatly like having it. You are awfully kind to have thought about sending it to me. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 28th, 1900. Hon. James C. Carter, #54 Wall St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Carter:-- I heard incidentally of the very pleasant way in which you spoke of me at the Harvard dinner after I had left, and I want to thank you. Of course I have made mistakes. I wonder if you realize how very much alone I am here in the way of advisers upon whom I can trust. I have to in a great many cases take the judgment of others and now and then I find I err in taking such judgment. Generally I am bound to say that I am as apt to err through following the advice of some of the extreme reformers--of some of our friends in the City Club, for instance--as in following the advice of the machine men. But, my dear Mr. Carter, I honestly feel confident that if you could see my administration at close range, it would have your cordial and hearty approval, and that you wuld feel it was along the lines in which you believe. With great regard, Faithfully yours,Feby. 28th, 1900. Hon. J Edgar Leaycraft, Tax Commission, Capitol. Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Leaycraft:-- I am afraid I shall have to definitely decline for April 5th. It is not possible for me to accept any invitation about the time the legislature adjourns and the few days immediately succeeding, and indeed, I do not want to make another engagement of any kind beyond those I have already made, until the end of the 30 day bills. I am awfully sorry, for you know how I would like to do anything you ask of me. I may incidentally mention that I think I have attended more Methodist gatherings than those of all the other churches put together. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900. My dear Mr. McBee:-- I did not know but that your paper might like to have the inclosed short article, suggested by a quotation shown me by Bishop Doane. Accordingly I send it to you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt [The address should be Silas Mc Bee Esq Churchman Office Lafayette Place New York City]205 Feby. 28th, 1900. Hon. J. Edgar Leaycraft, Tax Commission, Capitol, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Leaycraft :-- I am afraid I shall have to definitely decline for April 5th. It is not possible for me to accept any invitation about the time the legislature adjourns and the few days immediately succeeding, and indeed, I do not want to make another engagement of any kind beyond those I have already made, until the end of the 30 day bills. I am awfully sorry, for you know how I would like to do anything you ask of me. I may incidentally mention that I think I have attended more Methodist gatherings than those of all the other churches put together. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900. My dear Mr. Mc Bee :-- I did not know but that your paper might like to have the inclosed short article, suggested by a quotation shown me by Bishop Deane. Accordingly I send it to you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt The address should be Silas Mc Bee Esq Churchman Office Lafayette Place New York City]206 Feby. 28th, 1900. My dear Bishop Doane :-- I inclose you a letter to the Rev. Mr. McBee with my brief article which I should be delighted to have you look at. Will you be so good as to put on the address of Mr. McBee, if it is not too much bother? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Feby. 26th, 1900 Bishop W. C. Doane, Albany, N.Y. My dear Bishop :-- I have yours of the 26th about my making the address at Clarkson Engineering School at Potsdam. I fear I cannot make another agreement to speak. It is not possible. As it is I have accepted more invitations than I realy ought to accept. I hate not to do anything you ask and hope you will understand why I cannot comply with your request in this instance. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt207 March 1st, 1900. Mr. Albert Phenis, Commercial Tribune, Cincinnati, Ohio. My dear Mr. Phenis:-- I must write you a line to say how much I appreciate your kindness and what you have written about me. My close friend, Mr. Edward Graham has told me what you have done. Believe me that I thoroughly appreciate it. With high regard, Very faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. Mr. C. Grant LaFarge, #7 Beekman St., N.Y. City. Dear Grant:-- There are a great many comic things in this life, but none more comic than that the first serious attack made upon me in connection with the new Forest, Fish & Game Commission is that Austin Wadsworth is himself a violator of the law and has been convicted for shooting game out of season. I do not know whether they will make a serious fight about this or not, but I wish you could get at Wadsworth and tell him to say nothing until I see him. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt208 March 1st, 1900. Hon. Elon R. Brown, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- I thank you heartily for sending me those papers which I return herewith. Those were some poachers who to gratify their spite had a conviction against Wadsworth for shooting some quail which he himself had turned out on his place. As you probably know he has a big game preserve. It was a purely technical offense. Wadsworth had turned out a great quantity of game. He had great difficulty in preserving it and in preventing the game that was not preserved from being shot outside. It was done for purposesof natural history to examine the quail. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt209 March 1st, 1900. Hon. T. C. Platt, Senate Chamber, Washington, D.C. My dear Senator:-- I am greatly concerned to see that Mrs. Platt is still so much under the weather. I earnestly hope that you will be speedily relieved from your anxiety. I think about you and about your anxiety and worry all the time. If Mrs. Platt is better I hope I shall see you in New York on March 10th. With great regard, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt210 March 1st, 1900. Mr. John Joseph Weil, 172 Mercer St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Weil:-- I thank you most heartily for yours of the 28th ult and for the souvenir. I only wish that the dinner had been the night before Washington's birthday, in which case I could have gotten there, but as it was, it was simply impossible. I am always puzzled by the different commissions myself. Some of them are absolutely necessary, but not as many as some of our best citizens want. They are the ones that are always asking for them. With great regard and renewed thanks, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. J. B. H. Mongin, Esq., Deputy Secretary of State, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Mongin:-- Replying to yours of the 28th ult., I believe, though I cannot be certain, that I can let events wait until after the time you mention. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt211 March 1st, 1900. Mr. S. P. Langley, C/o U. S. Consul, Kingston, Jamaica. My dear Mr. Langley:-- I have yours of the 27th inst. Mrs. Roosevelt will be at the Governor General's at Havana. I do hope you meet. I shall give your love to Ted. I wish you could see the little fellow. Yes, I read Seton-Thompson's article with the keenest interest and was delighted that what you had done should at last be properly set forth. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. Hon. Wm. N. Cohen, #22 William St., N.Y. City. My dear Judge:-- I have. yours of the 28th ult with inclosed clipping. I do not think you need bother to send me denials of articles of that kind! Inasmuch as the whole story was an absolute fake about myself, even had I seen it I would have been sure it was also a fake about you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt212 March 1st, 1900. Honorable Leslie M. Shaw, Governor, DesMoines, Iowa. My dear Governor Shaw:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 28th ult. any invitation from you I want to accept if it is a possibility, but it just is not a possibility for me to do so now. On April 27th I speak at Galena, Ill. So I cannot accept the invitation of the Grant Club of Des Moines for that date. Now, could you wait a little while about the Chautauqua. It is just possible I could come out at the end of the Rough Riders reunion which takes place in Oklahoma City July 1-4. I want if I possibly can to speak in the State of yourself and Speaker Henderson, and I have long wanted to make your personal acquaintance. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt213 March 1st, 1900. Rev. John L. Belford 59 S. 3rd St., Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear Father Belford:-- I am going to take the liberty of sending your letter of the 27th ult to Senator Horace White when I know would not want to do anything that was out of the way. Then if necessary I will get you to come up here. When I see you I will go over the whole Backus business. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. Mrs. J. S. Lowell, 120 E. 30th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mrs. Lowell:-- I have your two notes of the 26th ult. I will do everything I can for the bill in its amended form. I will look up the other bill to which you refer. I do not know what it is, but I take it for granted that I shall support it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt214 March 1st, 1900. Mr. S. Laflin Kellogg, President, The Colonial Club. Sherman Sq., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Kellogg :-- I thank you for your invitation of the 28th inst, and am very sorry that March 15th is an impossible date for me. I cannot, while the legislature is in session, leave Albany on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. I do wish I could be present. Wishing you a most successful occasion, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. Prof. E. R. A. Seligman, Columbia University, N.Y. City. My dear Prof. Sleigman :-- I have yours of the 28th ult. I thank you heartily, and if there is anything I can do I will. Just what it will be I do not know. Faithfully yours, Theodore RooseveltMarch 1st, 1900. Prof. J. W. Jenks, Ithaca, N.Y. My dear Prof. Jenks :-- I have yours of the 28th ult. I wish you couldsee SenatorPlatt. I do wish your hill could be taken up and pushed. I am going to try to push it along myself. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. Wm. M. Allen, Esq., Fin. Sec. 1108 Putnam Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear sir :-- I am in receipt of yours of the 28th ult. All right, I will withdraw my resignation, and inclose herewith check for $20. in payment of life membership. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*216*] March 1st, 1900. Mr. C. C. Shayne, #582 West End Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Shane:-- I have yours of the 28th ult. You are, as always, more than kind; but I cannot help feeling, my dear fellow, that your affection for me blinds your judgment at times. With warm regards, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. Mr. Chas. StJohn, Southern Pines, N. C. My dear Mr. StJohn:-- You are more than kind. I wish I could accept the invitation sent through Mr. Odell, but alas! I belong to the laboring class and I am chained down here. Believe me I appreciate your remembrance of me. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*217*] March 1st, 1900. J. R. Roosevelt, Esq. 44 Wall St., N.Y. City. Dear John:-- I thank you for your letter of the 28th ult with inclosure. I shall look it carefully through. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. Hon. W. J. Arkell, #110 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Arkell :-- Hearty thanks for yours of the 28th ult. Yes, I did misunderstand you. I have made no promises of any kind, sort or description to any one, but my dear fellow, the last thing I want to be is a rainbow chaser. I hope I am making a middling good Governor, and all I want is-- if the people are willing-- to have a chance of rounding out my work. Believe me I appreciate and value your friendship. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 218 March 1st, 1900. General E. V. Sumner, 1641 Downing Ave., Denver, Colo. My dear General:-- I thank you for yours of the 26th ult inclosi article which I shall read with the greatest interest. Most emphatically I am in favor of the mounted rifleman, the man who has three times the mobility of the infantryman, and yet who fights on foot like an infantryman, and who if he fights on horseback fights with the revolver. With great regard, believe me, my dear General, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. John S. Kenyon, Esq., Secy. R. R. Commissioners, Albany, N. Y. My dear Mr. Kenyon:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 28th ult. It seems to me that you are right and that the medal should go to all soldiers. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt219 March 1st, 1900. Mr. Geo. McAneny, #54 William St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. McAneny:-- Replying to yours of the 28th ult., I wish I could go but it is perfect impossibility. I cannot go into anything more just now, and especially not to anything outside of the State. I am awfully sorry. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. Mr. Henry P. Fletcher, 1st Lt. 40th Inf. U. S. V., Manila, P. I. My dear Lt. Fletcher:-- Your letter of Jany. 27th has just reached me. Let me earnestly advise you to write direct to General Wood. I know the General well. I would not venture to recommend any man to go on his staff. If I were in his place I should feel as he does; that is, I should like to appoint the man whom I wanted and who wrote to me direct, but no one who wrote outside. I have not written to him for any man. I appreciate exactly what you want to do and believe you could do well in colonial administration. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 220 March 1st, 1900. Mrs. Louisa Lee Schuyler, 155 E. 21st, N.Y. City. My dear Mrs. Schuyler:-- The inclosed letter from W. Emlen Roosev[elt] explains itself. Would you mind giving me the material upon which to go? As soon as I got your letter I took a public posit[ion] backing your amendments and the bill as amended as you suggested Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. Mr. Valentine Marsh, President, McKinly Club, Yonkers, N.Y. My dear sir:-- I thank you most heartily for the letter and accompanying resolution of the McKinley Club. They give me real pleasur[e] and I want through you to convey to the members of the Club my cordial appreciation. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt221 March 1st, 1900. Mr. W. Emlen Roosevelt, #33 Wall St., N.Y. City. Dear Emlen:-- I have yours of the 28th ult. I had supposed it was safe to follow the lead of the State Charities Aid Association in that matter. Would you mind writing to Homer Folks? I shall write to him myself or to Mrs. Schuyler and find out. As I understand it, the bill as amended merely give the right of inspection and report, and it seems to me there should be some such right somewhere. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. My dear Miss Irwin:-- You are more than kind and I deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness. What is more, I am exceedingly disappointed not to be able to take advantage of it; but for my ill fortune you and President McKinley make your appearance on the same night, he in New York and you in Albany, and as Governor of New York I have to be there to greet him. I am awfully sorry. Again thanking you, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt To Miss May Irwin, Albany, N.Y.222 March 1st, 1900. Ray Tompkins, Esq., Elmira, N.Y. My dear Mr. Tompkins:-- I have your letter of the 28th ult. Nothing has given me more pain than to be unable to appoint VanDuzer and O'Neil. It was not until after I had come to my final decision that I learned that VanDuzer, like ONeil, was in financial difficulties, and that the appointment had for one, as for the other, the strong personal side. I hardly know whether you can imagine what a bitter thing it is, in holding such a position as I now hold, to have to refuse to pay heed to the personal needs of men of whom I am most fond. I have loaned-- nominally loaned, but of course given away-- thousands of dollars which I could ill afford to give, rather than make appointments. It does not seem to me that from the standpoint of what I am trying to put through in politics, it is possible for me to make an appointment with a view of the man's personal interests, no matter how fond I may be of him. In this case, I found that if I did not reappoint Babcock, I would have to take some man from the immediate neighborhood of Rochester in order to insure a reasonable chance of the man's being confirmed. I could have gotten for Van Duzer, as he informs me, a couple of votes, but I may need more. Moreover, and what is far more important, with all my personal feeling for VanDuzer, I feel that Austin Wadsworth is a far better man for head of the Forest, Fish & Game Commission. His name will command a much wider acquiescence and will emphasize exactly what my policy is to be as VanDuzer's would not. O'Neil I had to drop, because, while I had absolute confidence in his integrity, he would have been attacked because of his connection with lumber companies which themselves have had unfortunate dealings in connection with the State lands. You do not know how bitter I have felt about this. I have been feeling badly enough about O'Neil, and then to find out that poor Van really needed the appointment too, made me feel wretched . It seems a dreadfullycold blooded thing not to make appointments like these for one's personal friends who need them, and yet if I once embark on that course, it would lead me right into a quagmire of destruction. I am more sorry than I can say. Always faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt223 March 1st, 1900. Mr. Halbert Lacey, Phelps Bank Building, Binghamton, N.Y. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 21st ult would say that it seems to me you are right most emphatically in throwing in your lot with the republican party, because we believe in expansion, in sound money, in the economic policy which produces prosperity, and in State matters we stand for the civic honesty which must be at the root of good administration. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 1st, 1900. Mr. F. M. Barton, 147 Senaca St., Cleveland, O. My dear sir:-- I have your letter of the 27th ult. I would not be able to answer your question without careful study of the matter. Being Governor of New York is a tolerably busy occupation and I have my hands full with it at the moment. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt224 March 2nd, 1900. Rev. Thomas Filben, The Ten Eyck, Albany, N.Y. My dear sir:-- I have yours of March 1st. I did not understand that you had come from California to see me. But, my dear sir, you ought to have written and saved yourself the journey. I know what you are doing and I appreciate, as I am sure you understand, the work itself in which you are engaged, but it is simply not in my power to make such a trip as you request. The trip to California is a seriousness business, and it is a long time to take up of the work of a very busy man. I should probably have to make any speech-- and it does not seem to me that I would want to speak more than once before the same type of assembly-- in connection with other speeches, if I could go at all, and it would not be possible for me to be sure that I could go at all. I am very sorry to have to decline, for I deeply appreciate your courtesy, and you know how I feel toward California and the Pacific slope. With hearty thanks, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 225 March 2nd, 1900. Rev. Dr. W.T. Rainsford, 209 E. 16th St., N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Rainsford:-- Your letter of the 28th ult has really pleased me and I thank you for it. I have a very deep apprecia-tion of the work you have done, and, my dear sir, I should feel ashamed to meet you if I did not in my own way strive to stand up for the same principles. Ever faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 2nd, 1900. Maj. Oliver B. Bridgman, Squadron A., Mad. Ave & 64th St., N.Y. City. My dear Major:-- I thank you for your very kind invitation of the 28th ult and wish I could come, but it simply is not possible. I cant do it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt226 March 2nd, 1900. Mr. Charles F. Bates, Security Building, St. Louis, Mo. My dear Mr. Bates:-- I have yours of the 27th ult. Your are quite right. I omitted to mention Ranch Life and the Hunting Trails; three volumes of the Boone & Crockett Club to which I contributed and which I edited. They were called I think, American Big Game Hunting, Hunting in Many Lands and Trail and Camp Fire. They were published by The Forest & Stream Assc' of New York. I am not perfectly sure I have got the titles accurate. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt227 March 2, 1900 Charles L. Phipps, Esq, Hotel St. George, Brooklyn,N.Y. My dear Mr. Phipps: I am requested by Mrs. Roosevelt and Miss Carew to express to you their thanks for your thoughtfulness in having procured the drafts for them on Havana. They also desire me to enclose checks to pay for the same. Again thanking you on their behalf for your great courtesy, I am, Yours, with great respect, Theodore Roosevelt March 2nd, 1900. Douglas Robinson, Esq., #55 Liberty St., N.Y. City. Dear Douglas:-- I have yours of the 1st inst with inclosed copy of letter from Mr. Nesmith. Will you have him write me a letter omitting all mention of Corinne and Barrie. I cannot of course use his letter to you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt228 March 2nd, 1900. Col. Joseph W. Kay, Room 2. Borough Hall, Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear Commander:-- I have yours of the 1st inst. You give me just the information I want. The objection to sending in the names at once has been that I have been reluctant to act before the report of the investigation of the Home had been made, but I may have to. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 2nd, 1900. Mr. John J. Rooney, Secretary, No. 66 Beaver St., N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- I am in receipt of your invitation to attend the 116th Anniversary Dinner of the Society of the Friendly Sons of StPatrick and regret extremely that I will be unable to be present. I expect to be present at the Albany Society dinner of the Sons of St.Patrick. Trusting your dinner will be a most pleasant and successful occasion, I am, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt229 March 2nd, 1900. Messrs. Bullowa & Bullowa, #31 Nassau St., N.Y. City. Gentlemen:-- Replying to yours of the 1st inst, would say that Mr. McCann was in my regiment where he displayed great gallantry. I used him daily as my confidential secretary. When I assumed my present office I appointed him one of the Stenographers in the Executive Chamber, where he served acceptably and well. He left of his own accord, as he desired to secure employment where he could pursue his law studies. I have explicit confidence, as I have shown, in his integrity and would employ him on any confidential work myself. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 2nd, 1900. Mr. John B. Creighton, Regents Office, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Creighton:-- I thank you heartily. It was the greatest pleasure to me to be at your banquet. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt230 March 2nd, 1900. Hon. C. M. Depew, Senate Chamber, Washington, D.C. My dear Senator:-- Let me congratulate you upon your admirable speech. As a New Yorker no less than an American I was proud of it and of you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 2nd, 1900. Captain Richard Wainwright, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. My dear Wainwright:-- Just let me send a word of congratulation. I am so glad you are to be Superintendent of the Naval Academy. My dear fellow, you do not know how closely I follow your career and the pride and interest I take in you. Somehow if ever you get the chance I believe you will add another great name to the honor roll of our admirals! Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt231 March 2nd, 1900. Hon. Charles E. Johnson, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Johnson:-- Will you take lunch with me on Wednesday next the seventh inst at half past one oclock at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. L. H. Humphrey, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Will you take lunch with me on Wednesday next the seventh inst at half past one oclock at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt232 March 2nd, 1900. Hon. Horace White, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Will you take lunch with me on Wednesday next the seventh inst at half past one at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 2nd, 1900. Hon. N.N. Stranahan, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Will you take lunch with me on Wednesday next the seventh inst at half past one at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt233 March 2nd, 1900. Mr. E.H. Hooker, Deputy Supt. Public Works, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Hooker:-- Will you dine with me at half past seven oclock Wednesday next the 7th inst at the Executive mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 2nd, 1900. Mr. J.L. Heins, State Architect, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Heins:-- Will you dine with me at half past seven oclock Wednesday next the 7th inst at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 234 March 2nd, 1900. Hon. N.A. Elsberg, Senator Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Will you dine with me at half past seven oclock Wednesday next the 7th inst at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 2nd, 1900. Hon. Alford Warriner Cooley, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Cooley:-- Will you dine with me at half past seven oclock Wednesday next the 7th inst at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 235 March 2nd, 1900. Captain W. S. Cowles, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. Dear Will:-- I thank you for the suggestion about Wainwright. I wrote him at once. I quite agree with you that if we can get a big enough fleet, then fortifications, canals, and all the rest are of small importance. If we do not build a big fleet then we shall have the pleasure of a disastrous war against say Germany or some other big military and naval power. If Germany seizes South Brazil and puts a couple of hundred thousand men there, we of course could not touch her at all unless we could whip her fleet, and after we whipped her fleet, if she had retained mastery of the sea long enough to get her men down there, it would be a desperate task to develop an army capable of putting them out. Yes, I am glad the English are getting the upper hand in South Africa, but Heavens and earth how completely the Boers have outfought them! What a valiant resistance they have made! There is an element of comedy in the wild jubilation of the victory of Roberts 30,000 men over Cronje's 3,000, and of the relief of Ladysmith by Buller when the joint British armies were over 40,000 in number to the Boers under 20,000. Still I feel it would be better for the Boers themselves and for all civilization to have affairs managed as they have been managed by the English in Natal and the Cape rather than as they have been managed by the Boers in the Transvaal. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt236 Personal March 2nd, 1900. . Cecil Spring Rice, Esq., British Embassy, Teheran, Persia. Dear Cecil:-- I have written you two or three times during the dark hours, and now I must send you just a line when light has broken. The successes of Roberts and now of Buller mark I hope the beginning of the end. I earnestly hope in the interests of humanity that the end will come speedily so that further bloodshed will be stopped and all the land south of the Zambia held as the Cape is now held Most certainly the Boers are as fine fellows as one could wish to see, and now if peace could come quickly surely each side should have learned to respect the other, and we can hope that there will grow up in White Man's Africa a great commonwealth where the Dutch and the English shall mingle just as they have mingled here in New York. I am sure your people will do even handed justice, as they have done in the Cape for the last three or four decades. We have a [?] nice English governess of whom we are just as fond as we can be and who is exactly like one of the family. I wish you could see her face of delight over the news! Here I have been rather disturbed by the Nicaragua treaty. It seems to me to be one of those capital blunders that both our peoples occasionally make. As The Spectator said, it is really for England's interest that America should fortify the canal. Of course, from our standpoint I think that in the event of our having trouble with Germany or France it would be far better not to have the canal at all than to have it unfortified, and if we237 S. P. R. 2. give Germany and France the right to come in on the Canal, I fail to see how we could keep them out if the wanted to divide Brazil. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt238 [*Personal*] March 2nd, 1900. Col. Arthur H. Lee, British Embassy, Washington, D.C. My dear Lee:-- As I wrote you in the time of adversity (I hope you received my letter by the way) I must now write you just a line of congratulation in time of prosperity. I am glad that Buller had his share too. I know what a load must be off your mind. Now I only hope that the end will come soon and that there will be a stop to the bloodshed. I suppose that there will have to be one or two more fights, however, before the fina[l] collapse comes. Remember me warmly to Mrs. Lee. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt239 March 2nd, 1900. Morris K. Jesup, Esq., #44 Pine St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Jesup:-- I have yours of the 1st inst. Most emphatically you are welcome to show this letter, and any former letter which does not contain something obviously private, to whomever you see fit. It seems to me that what you are aiming at as expressed in your letter of March 1st exactly meets the case. All I desire is to secure the right of inspection so that there may be some power with the official right and duty of finding out if abuses exist. Not once in a hundred times will this power need to be so exercised as to correct abuses, and I am sure that its existence will have an excellent preventative effect. Do you want me to speak to the State Board of Charities in the matter? Now, let me ask you to treat this paragraph as confidential. I earnestly desire that you put yourself in immediate communication with Mr. Philbin. I have grown to have a great regard for his judgment and tact. I am sure he would appreciate your speaking frankly with him and I believe you will find that he will meet you half way. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt240 Personal March 2nd, 1900. Hon. Alex. E. Orr, C/o David Dows & Co., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Orr:-- I have yours of the 1st inst and return herewith copy of letter from Dr. Backus to Senator Raines as requested. As regards the concluding paragraph of your letter, it is evident that yo fail to understand how deeply outraged I have by the action of the friends of Dr. Backus. The attitude taken by your Board in publishing their protest was scandalous, and at once removed any doubt I might have had as to the wisdom of my previous action. As regards your own part, I need not comment upon your publication of my private letter to you announcing my intent to reappoint Dr. Backus. [?] suppressing what yet well may be the [?] the [?] up his appointment in accordance with my letter [?] out to send it in when I received the different protests which led me to alter my mind. I had so many things of infinitely greater importance before me that it entirely slipped my memory to write you in connection with the affair, and the failure to write you-- in itself entirely trivial-- is the only part of my conduct open to legitimate criticism. Against Mr. Bradish Johnson no one can say anything; his character and capacity are beyond question. It ought not to be necessary for me to point out the obvious and gross impropriety of a board of managers puclicly criticizing in extravagant terms the Governor's action, when in the exercise of his best judgment he deems it wise, from the standpoint of the public service, to make a change in their membership. You are kind enough to advise me to read the Prayer Book.241 [*personal*] March 2nd, 1900. Hon.Alex. E. Orr, C/o David Dows & Co., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Orr:-- I have yours of the 1st inst and return herewith copy of letter from Dr. Backus to Senator Raines as requested. As regards the concluding paragraph of your letter, it is evident that you fail to understand how deeply outraged I have been by the action of the friends of Dr. Backus. The attitude taken by your Board in publishing their protest was scandalous,and at once removed any doubt I might have had as to the wisdom of my previous action. As regards your own part, I need not comment upon your publication of my private letter to you announcing my intention to reappoint Dr. Backus, while suppressing what you well knew, the fact that I had drawn up his appointment in accordance with my letter, and was about to send it in when I received the different protests which led me to alter my mind. I had so many things of infinitely greater importance before me that it entirely slipped my memory to write you in connection with the affair; and this failure to write you-- in itself entirely trivial-- is the only part of my conduct open to legitimate criticism. Against Mr. Bradish Johnson no one can say anything; his character and capacity are beyond question. It ought not to be necessary for me to point out the obvious and gross impropriety of a board of managers publicly criticising in extravagant terms the Governor's action, when in the exercise of his best judgment he deems it wise, from the standpoint of the public service, to make a change in their membership. You are kind enough to advise me to read the Prayer Book.242 A. E. O. 2 Let me in return suggest to you that you consider well the fact that the recent conduct of you and your colleagues has been more detrimental to the public service than the failure to reappoint any human being could possibly be. Yours truly, Theodore Roosevelt243 March 2nd, 1900. Mr. C. Grant LaFarge, Temple Court, No. 7 Beekman St., N.Y. City. Dear Grant:-- I am to see Austin tomorrow. I wish to Heaven he had done anything else, save committing murder for instance, rather than shooting that quail! It is a fitting commentary on the difficulties under which we labor, that the man whom I have selected as being the ideal man for the position and whom I have finally drilled the Organization into accepting, should be the one man against whom anything serious can be alleged, - the one man whose nomination has jeopardized the confirmation of all the rest. One of Austin's fellow criminals on the quail case was George Bleistein of that Buffalo Democratic paper. I wish you would write him at once to try and use his influence for Austin. Odell is helping me as hard as he can to try to get the men confirmed. By the way, the 27th Dist. people are very difficult to deal with. They are in a white fury over my failure to appoint Backus, and yet announce to me perfectly calmly that they wanted it as a political appointment, because they want the district organization to get the benefit of this political recognition. Lord, how I wish some of the people who prattle about the higher standard of public administration could have a little experience in actually getting it! Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt244 March 3rd, 1900. Hon. Eugene A. Philbin, #111 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Philbin:-- I thank you for your letter of the 2nd inst in reference to the Bath Soldiers Home investigation. I am very glad to learn that I shall get the report in time to take into account its recommendations in making my nomination to the Senate. I was much amused at General Sickles letter to you. It showed the qualities which have ruined his usefulness as a Manager of the Institution. One fairly comic feature was his misunderstanding as to why I wished a preliminary report. He was actually unable to see that instead of it being a move in the interests of the trustees, it was to prevent such delay as would insure retention in office of the present trustees until after the meeting of the legislature in January next. With great regard and congratulations upon the way you have been performing your task, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt245 March 3rd, 1900. Hon. Eugene A. Philbin, #111 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Philbin:-- I have just received your characteristically kind and thoughtful letter of the 2nd inst about the Backus case. I am most genuinely touched by this further proof of your interest in me. But I fear matters have gone so far in the Long Island State Hospital that I could not reappoint Dr. Backus. I acted under a mistaken impression, but the conduct of his associates in the hospital and his friends outside since has been such as to render it impossible to reinstate him. I fear that to do so would result in grave damage to the hospital. It would, for instance, put a complete end to any supervision over it by the State Lunacy Commission, and would put a premium upon similar conduct every where else. I am awfully sorry. As soon as I get through my Forest, Fish and Game Commission fight, I shall send in Mr. McMahon's name. Every faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt246 March 3, 1900. Mr. Parker C. Ronan, and others, Committee, Albany Club, Albany, N.Y. Gentlemen:-- I accept with pleasure the invitation of The Sons of StPatrick of the Albany Club at dinner March 17th. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 3rd, 1900. Hon. J. P. Allds, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Allds:-- I have yours of the 2nd inst inclosing summary of legislation. It is splendid for quantity; but how about quality? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt247 March 3rd, 1900. Mr. W. Emlen Roosevelt, #33 Wall St., N.Y. City. Dear Emlen:-- Will you send back to me the inclosed letter after you have read it? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 3rd, 1900. Mrs. Henry T. Allen, Chesnut Hill, Mass. My dear Mrs. Allen:-- I have your note of the 2nd inst inclosing extract, for which I thank you very much. It will be the greatest pleasure for me to say or do anything I can on behalf of Major Allen when the time comes. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt248 March 3rd, 1900. Col. Theodore A. Dodge, C/o Waldorf-Astoria, N.Y. City. My dear Colonel:-- There are few letters I enjoy more giving than the inclosed. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 3rd, 1900. Mr. James MacNaughton, No. 1 West 30th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. MacNaughton:-- I thank you heartily for your letter of the 2nd inst. We have had a queer complication about Wadsworth which LaFarge can tell you about, but I think I can get the names through. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt249 March 3rd, 1900. General Horace Porter, U. S. Ambassador, Paris, France. My dear General:-- Permit me to introduce to you Colonel Theodore A. Dodge, a valued friend of mine, and a historian and writer on horsemanship. I need not tell you of him for you must be as familiar as I am with his writings. But in addition to being a gallant soldier and accomplished writer, he is as good a citizen as we have in the country. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt250 March 3rd, 1900. Rev. Endicott Peabody, Groton School, Groton, Mass. Dear Cotty:-- I have your circular letter of the 1st. Ted will enter next fall. He will pass the examination for the First Form this spring and possibly I may have him pass the examinations for the Second Form next fall. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 3rd, 1900. Melvil Dewey, Esq., State Library, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Dewey:-- I wish I could accept that invitation of the Municipal League of Philadelphia, but it is absolutely out of the question. I have hundreds of these engagements and I cannot at the moment accept another for outside of this State. It is simply impossible. I return the inclosures. Pray express my very real regret at my inability to be present. Very sincerely yours, 251 March 3rd, 1900. Mr. W.F. Clarke, St. Nicholas Editorial Rooms, 33 E. 17th St., N.Y. City My dear Mr. Clarke:-- I thank you for yours of the 1st inst. I send you by same mail a photograph. Will it answer your purpose? I am not entitled to the three hundred dollars. The agreement was at the rate of a hundred dollars a thousand words. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt252 March 3rd, 1900. Col. Thomas W. Bradley, Walden, N.Y. My dear Col. Bradley:-- I want through you to thanks the donors of the pocket knife, and to tell both them and the other gentlemen who proposed to present me with the hunting knife, how sincerely and deeply touched I was by the spirit which actuated them not less than by the gift itself. In particular convey my regards to my comrades, both those of the Orange Blossom and to him who fought in Meagher's Brigade, in which the father of my gallant Captain Bucky O'Neil also fought. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt253 March 3rd, 1900. Hon. William T. O'Neil, St.Regis Falls, Franklin Co., N.Y. Dear Billy:-- On reflection,I think I shall tell you of one thing which I had first thought I would not tell you. One of the things brought against your appointment was our past financial relations. Somehow or other some man had learned that you were in my debt, and they were prepared to state that I was appointing you in part for the reason that I wanted to get back my money. They evidently did not know the amount. As I say, at first I thought I would not tell you this, and then I came to the conclusion that I have seen so much trouble come from not telling all the facts, that I had better let you know. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt254 March 5th, 1900. Mr. Patrick A. Meehan, #250 W. 133rd St., N.Y. City. My dear Roundsman Meehan:-- I have yours of the 3rd inst. I do not know that there is anything whatever I can do, for I fear I have no influence with the present police Board. Nevertheless, in your case I will try. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. Mr. D. S. Lambert, C/o The Richelieu, Knoxville, Tenn. My dear sir:-- The address of Robert Roosevelt, is Sayville, Long Island, New York. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt255 March 5th, 1900. Mr. Marcus Braun, World Bldg., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Braun:-- I have yours of the 3rd inst. I cannot make a definite appointment now. It is not possible. The legislature will not adjourn until April 1st, or thereabouts. I shall then have the thirty day bills on hand. If you could have made the date the ninth or tenth of this month I could have gotten down all right, but as it is now I shall have to ask you to wait until I can make a definite date. I wish I could do as you request, but you have no conception of the multitude of these requests made to me. The Hungarian Association will be the only one to which I shall have gone twice in my term as Governor. But I hold the Hungarians in especial regard and esteem. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. Henry L. Stimson, Esq., 32 Liberty St., N.Y. City. My dear Stimson:-- I have your note of the 3rd. I shall expect both you and Perry to pass the night with me on Wednesday. Dinner is at half past seven. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt256 March 5th, 1900. Hon. Wm. N. Cohen, 19 W. 31st St., N.Y. City. My dear Judge:-- I have yours of the 4th inst. I am inclined to be against you on that bill, but of course I have not yet made up my mind. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. R. H. M. Ferguson, Esq., #55 Liberty St., N.Y. City. Dear Bob:-- Mrs. Selmes will probably be at the Netherlands Hotel next Saturday and you ought to see her. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt257 March 5th, 1900. John Proctor Clarke, Esq., #29 Bway, N.Y. City. Dear John:-- I have yours of the 4th inst and will have that done at once. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. Hon. Richard Olney, Boston, Mass. My dear Mr. Olney:-- It seems to me that every American who possesses both patriotism and common sense owes you much for your Atlantic Monthly article. I wish I could have it circulated as a tract among the anti-Imperialists on the one side, and the pure buncombe people on the other. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt258 March 5th, 1900. L. B. R. Briggs, Esq., Dean, Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass. My dear Dean Briggs:-- I have just finished reading your article in the March Atlantic Monthly, and I want to write you to thank you for it. It is so admirable that I feel under a personal obligation to you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. My dear Mr. Gibbons:-- Just a line to my old comrade of the Navy Department, to congratulate you most heartily on your striking success. I always knew you would do the trick if you got the chance. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt To Lt. Gibbons, C/o Navy Department, Washington, D.C.259 March 5th, 1900. Walter C. Witherbee, Esq., Port Henry, N.Y. My dear Mr. Witherbee:-- The fish were delightful. It was awfully thoughtful of you to send them to us. I only wish you could have been with us to enjoy them. With renewed thanks, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. Mr. Tilden R. Selmes, C/o Netherlands Hotel, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Selmes:-- I shall be down Saturday and shall call on you at the hotel. I am delighted that you are going abroad. I have notified Bob Ferguson whose address is 55 Liberty Street, N.Y. City, to call on you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt260 March 5th, 1900. Hon. Elon R. Brown, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- I have made full inquiries in the Wadsworth matter and it is a little different from what I supposed. The exact facts are these: It was in the open season when quail shooting was legal throughout the State, but under the objectionable system of legislation which has made different laws for different counties, the supervisors of the county in question had by resolution extended the close season for quail in that county. Mr. Wadsworth lives in Livingston County near the borders and quail shooting was going on in his immediate neighborhood. He was invited by Mr Marston, the Superintendent of the Lackawanna Road to come over and shoot on his place where Mr. Marston had just put down some hundreds of live quail imported from outside the State in crates. He went over there with Mr. George Bleistein, the editor of the Buffalo Courier and some other gentlemen. As it happened Wadsworth did not shoot any quail himself, but when the members of the party were brought up for what was a wholly unintentional violation of a local ordinance( for I wish again to point out that it was in the open season for quail throughout the State at large) Mr. Wadsworth who was then out of the State and in Florida directed that his fine should be paid with the others. Mr. Wadsworth's fault was in not knowing that the Board of Supervisors of the County in question had passed the ordinance referred to when he went over to shoot on his friend's private estate quail which 261 E. R. B. 2. that friend had just imported from outside the State. Although himself innocent( he not having shot a quail) as soon as he found out that there had been a violation of the ordinance, he promptly paid his share of the fine. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. C. F. Brusie, A. M., Mount Pleasant Military Academy, Sing Sing, N.Y. My dear sir:-- In reply to yours of the 2nd inst. I take great pleasure in sending you the inclosed. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt262 March 5th, 1900. Hon. William H. Taft, U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Will:-- I have yours of the 1st inst. Young McFie was an excellent soldier. I of course had no chance to test him in civic life, but he showed himself brave, orderly and obedient, and I liked the spirit that made him go in as a private soldier without trying to get a commission. I would myself employ him cheerfully. You may find it advantageous to have a Catholic. If so you will find one of my former Rough Riders, Lt. Sherrard Coleman, now of the 34th Infantry U. S. Vols. in the Philippines. He is from New Mexico and is an exceptionally competent man of the executive type. I think he knows Spanish. I had a number of Catholics under me from New Mexico who knew Spanish and who afterwards went into the army in the Philippines. One Captain Maxwell Keyes was killed by the Filipines and Lt. Maximilian Luna was drowned there. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt263 March 5th, 1900. General F. V. Greene, #11 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear General:-- I have been making inquiries up here and it is perfectly evident that the country republicans would for the most part decline to follow Platt and Odell if they went for the canal. This feeling not only exists in the interior counties but in counties like Wayne and Montgomery through which the canal runs. The countrymen feel that the cheapening of transportation from the West is a detriment, and there is much missionary work to be done yet. I shall see Odell tomorrow. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 264 March 5th, 1900. Mr. C. Grant LaFarge, #7 Beekman St., N.Y. City. Dear Grant:-- The inclosed is a copy of the letter from Will Osborn about which I spoke to you. You will see that in the body of the letter he simply states that two of them see no objection to the reappointment of Dr. Backus and one does, and that in the postscript he speaks of matters which have since arisen, in language that would imply that the new matter affected them all. The result was that when Commissioner Parkhurst came to me I took it for granted he was speaking for them all. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt 265 March 5th, 1900. Frederic Almy, Esq., Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Almy:-- I take particular pleasure in introducing my friend, Mr. Thomas Sturgis, who for my great good fortune has consented to serve as President of the Board of Managers of the Elmira Reformatory. Mr. Sturgis was a colleague of mine in the administration of Mayor Strong, and he is a very old and valued friend. He wants to ask you for some advice on matters relating to the reformatory, and I bespeak your courtesy for him. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt266 March 5th, 1900. John G. Milburn, Esq., Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. Milburn:-- I take particular pleasure in introducing my friend, Mr. Thomas Sturgis, who for my great good fortune has consented to serve as President of the Board of Managers of the Elmira Reformatory. Mr. Sturgis was a colleague of mine in the administration of Mayor Strong, and is a very old and valued friend. He wants to ask you for some advice on matters relating to the reformatory, and I bespeak your courtesy for him. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. Adelbert Moot, Esq., 45 Erie County Savings Bank Bldg., Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. Moot:-- I take particular pleasure in introducing my friend, Mr. Thomas Sturgis, who for my great good fortune has consented to serve as President of the Board of Managers of the Elmira Reformatory. Mr. Sturgis was a colleague of mine in the administration of Mayor Strong, and is a very old and valued friend. He wants to ask you for some advice in matters relating to the reformatory, and I bespeak your courtesy for him. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 267 March 5th, 1900. Hon. Jacob Hess, Police Commissioner, N.Y. City. My dear Commissioner Hess:-- The inclosed letter from Roundaman Patrick A. Meehan explains itself. I hesitate to write to the Board at all, but this man Meehan was not only an excellent Roundsman while I was in the Department, and performed many deeds of great gallantry, but he took a vacation to go into the Spanish-American war and served with honor on board the U.S.S. [Gloucester?] exactly as Roundsman Burke served with honor on the Eagle. Will you let me know if anything can properly be done for Meehan? Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. Archbishop John Ireland, St. Paul, Minn. My dear Archbishop:-- I thank you for your letter of the 1st inst. Archbishop Keane has presented the same arguments to me, and I told him that such being the case I would use all the influence I had for Bishop Burke in the very unlikely event of the legislature consulting me. As you know, my relations with the machine are not always of the closest, and in matters where I have no direct power I have to be extremely wary of interfering. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 268 March 5th, 1900. Hon. William R. Stewart, #31 Nassau St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Stewart:-- Referring to your note of the 3rd inst. There is much opposition to those bills from the republican side, as I found out immediately I began to stir in the matter. In the first place, I am sorry to say that many of the best men in the different charities have evidently resented some of the methods of the State Board in the past and do not feel that they have been treated with proper consideration and do not want to be put under its control. I have been surprised to find how general this feeling is among men who have no connection or sympathy with Mr. Gerry. In the first place, there is a strong feeling among some republicans that while the decision of the Court of Appeals stands which treats the societies for the prevention of cruelty to children as being part of the criminal machinery of the land, such societies should be put under the Attorney General rather than under the State Board of Charities. Undoubtedly this view takes its rise partly in the belief that the friction between yourself and Mr. Gerry is so acute that it will be well nigh impossible for you to work together. I will let you know what developments occur. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt269 March 5th, 1900. Hon.Henry D. Purroy, #320 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Purroy:-- I am just in receipt of your letter of the 26th inst. Yes, Mr. Blake was in to see me. I told him of the great regard I had for you, but I told him it was absolutely impossible for me to say what I should do on the Charter Commission appointes. You have no conception of the number of interests which deserve recognition in order to get a good charter commission. From the Borough of the Bronx I could hardly appoint more than one man, and as yet is is impossible for me to say what I could do. With best regards, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. Hon. H. P. Cheatham, Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Cheatham:-- I have yours of the 3rd inst. I have the heartiest sympathy with the work of Shaw University. I know Dr. Meserve and have great confidence in him. I am not sufficiently familiar with the exact facts to write more definitely, but I have the utmost respect for the purposes of the university and the utmost confidence in Dr. Meserve capacity to put these purposes into effect. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt270 March 5th, 1900. Mrs. Branhilde von S. Higgins, Warsaw, N.Y. My dear madam:-- I have your letter of the 2nd inst and am sorry to say that I hardly know how to advise you. No one but your own Congressman could get your son into Annapolis unless by the merest chance you happen to find some outside Congressman who had no applicants. I would not recommend a young fellow who is presumably of your son's social position to go in as an apprentice with the idea of making his profession permanently that of a sailor. I do not in the least mind the hardships he would have to undergo. I think it would do the boy good to go through them and through the discipline. I admire your desire to let him shape his life for himself so far as possible. If he would feel badly unless he went into the navy, it might do to let him try the experiment of a year or two work as an apprentice. But I could not give intelligent advice without knowing the boy himself and all the circumstances of his life and surroundings. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt271 March 5th, 1900. Hon. Frederic Storm, Chairman, Queens County Republican Committee, Bayside, Long Island, N.Y. My dear Mr. Storm:-- Pray present to the Quuens County Republican Committee my deep sense of the honor they have conferred upon me by their resolution of the 1st inst and how greatly I appreciate it. Will you assure them that I shall try by my actions to deserve their good will and support. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 5th, 1900. Mrs. Anne Day Storrs. 292 W. 92nd St., N.Y. City. My dear Mrs. Storrs:-- I thank you heartily for your note and I am so rejoiced over the good news. Give my Comrade my warmest regards and remembrance, and also remember me to the young writer if you see him. I am delighted at what I hear. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt272 March 5th, 1900. Hon. T. C. Platt, Senate Chamber, Washington, D.C. My dear Senator:-- After our last conversation I sent to inquire among some of the ship owning firms in reference to the Port Wardens and found that they were preparing a memorial on behalf of Calkins and also a protest which would have included not only a protest against Stiebling but a protest against some of the other Port Wardens who were on at present. I told them to do nothing for the time being, and one of them conveyed a hint that you had expressed to me a desire to see Calkins kept. With this they were immensely satisfied. Before sending in Stiebling's name I should want to see some more of them. I do not think we can afford to give the ship-owning interests an impression that we are not taking care of them, and evidently they have become very restive. Also, there is evidently a feeling that Stiebling is not a heavy enough weight, to put it mildly. I will see you next Saturday and go over the matter. Am I to take breakfast with you or are you to take breakfast with me at Douglas Robinson's. I earnestly hope that Mrs. Platt is getting better. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt273 March 5th, 1900. Hon. John D. Long, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Secretary:-- Recently in an obscure little paper published by Chapman and one or two other alleged reformers who can be excused for dishonesty only on the ground that they are of unsound mind, there appeared as I am informed a statement practically accusing me of the gravest official misconduct in connection with the purchase of the Merrimac. It also, as I am informed, reflected upon you, but less directly. Now, the paper in question is utterly unimportant, and unless the matter is taken up by more serious people, I shall do nothing with it, but I think it would be well to have a history of the case at hand. Would it be too much trouble for you to have such a history prepared? I remember the matter only in outline. But so far as it goes my memory is as follows: We were at the time straining every nerve to purchase colliers. The Merrimac had been offered to us for that purpose, but at an exorbitant price, so that we did not take it. Just then word was wired showing that Cevera's fleet might be about to put to sea, so that in consequence it became necessary that the flying squadron should be in trim to leave at 24 hours' notice. Captain Bradford reported that no other collier but the Merrimac could be obtained, and it was of course absolutely essential that some collier should go with the squadron. To refuse on account of the price to put the squadron in immediate shape would have been to incur the gravest risk for the nation. Under the circumstances I deemed, and so recommended to you, and274 2. you took the view, that, the collier be purchased at once, although we were entirely aware that advantage had been taken of the national needs to charge an excessive price. Can any papers that were signed in the matter be looked up, and if possible some statement from Captain Bradford or from others who recollect the transaction be obtained? I do not believe there will ever be any need of using the matter, but it is always possible that there may be such need. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt275 March 6, 1900. Hon. Edward H. Fallows, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Fallows:-- Here are two bills which the Civil Service Commission want. I think it is very important that they should be put through as soon as possible, especially in view of the Syracuse situation, although we shall very possibly need them in New York. If there is any information you would like about them, or as to the need of hurrying the matter I wish you would come and see me. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 6, 1900. Hon. N.A. Elsberg, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:- Here are two bills which the Civil Service Commission want. I think it is very important that they should be put through as soon as possible, especially in view of the Syracuse situation, although we shall very possibly need them in New York. If there is any information you would like about them, or as to the need of hurrying the matter, I wish you would come and see me. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt276 March 6th, 1900. Emile Cassi, [???], 64 Industria, Havana, Cuba. My dear Cassi:-- I have your letter of February 26th and am delighted to hear of your good fortune. I presume you will see General Food. Pray give him my regards. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 6th, 1900. James B. Ludlow, Esq., 45 Cedar St., N.Y. City. My dear Ludlow:-- I have yours of March 5th and inclose the letter for Van Rensselaer Townsend to General Wood with great pleasure. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt277 March 6th, 1900. Maj. Genl. Leonard Wood, Governor General, Havana, Cuba. My dear General:-- This is to introduce our fellow Harvard man, S. VanRensselaer Townsend '82, a very good fellow who is going to Havana on a visit and wants to pay his respects to you. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 6th, 1900. William P. Wilson, Esq., Director, The Philadelphia Commercial Museum, Philadelphia, Pa. My dear Mr. Wilson:-- I thank you for yours of the 5th inst. I very deeply appreciate the importance of the work which has been accomplished by your organization and I congratulate you upon it. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt278 March 6th 1900. Hon. L.E. Quigg, #100 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Quigg:-- I have a number of strong protests not merely against the appointment of Mr. Stiebling but against the failure to reappoint Calkins and am threatened with a memorial complaining of all of the present Port Wardens, save Calkins, if the latter is not reappointed. I therefore want to go slow in the Calkins matter. I shall try to see you about it on Saturday. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt279 March 6th, 1900. Mr. C. Grant LaFarge, #7 Beekman St., N.Y. City. Dear Grant:-- A very resolute effort is being made to beat my nominees. I think this is partly due to the lumber lobby and cold storage lobby which particularly object to the new men and want the old commission. There is also some sheer political objection. If The Sun would take a hand and point out that the lumber lobby and cold storage lobby should not be allowed to prevail, the help might be important. As for the accusations against Middleton, they have even less substance than the accusations against Austin Wadsworth. He has $500 in a pulp mill which if he is confirmed he will at once surrender. He has no interest whatever in Brown's dam bill. Moreover this dam bill is not to flood any lands at all or do anything save substitute a masonry dam for the already existing dam which must otherwise be patched up in some other way. By the way, what was that poem in which Chapman accused me of misconduct in connection with the Merrimac purchase? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt280 March 6th, 1900. Mr. Quan Yick Nam, 28 Henry St., N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- I want to thank you very heartily for the gift you so courteously sent Mrs. Roosevelt. It was most thoughtful of you and we greatly appreciate your kindness. Assuring you again of our thanks, I am, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 6th, 1900. Mr. Orrin Giddings Cocks, Union Theological Seminary, 41 East 69th St., N.Y. City. My dear sir-- Replying to yours of the 6th inst, I am extremely sorry to say I would not know where to get you those laws. How would it do for you to write or call on Mr. R. W. Gilder of the Century Magazine? He may be able to help you. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt281 March 6th, 1900. Hon. John Proctor Clarke, #29 Bway, N.Y. City. Dear John:-- As I have to attend the Gherardi Davis dinner after leaving yours, would you mind telling me what time I am to speak next Friday night? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 6th, 1900. M.E. Butler, Esq., #32 South St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Butler:-- I do not want anything published, but I would like to get all the names of the shipping firms whom you told me are so deeply interested in the retention of Mr. Galkins and who insist that the other members of the Board of Port Wardens do not perform their duties as efficiently and well as Mr. Calkins. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt282 March 6th, 1900. B. Aymar Sands, Esq., #31 Nassau St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Sands:-- I have yours of the 5th inst. I shall get to the dinner just as early as possible. I shall ask to speak first at the other dinner and shall leave immediately thereafter. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 6th, 1900. E.D. Brandegee, Esq., Utica, N.Y. Dear Ned:-- I have yours of the 4th inst. If I can get my new commission through I shall certainly endeavor to have Kernan put in. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt283 March 6th, 1900. Captain Anthony J. Allaire, 51 W. 91st St., N.Y. City. My dear Captain:-- I have yours of the 5th inst. I fear you know how little use I can be. I only wish I were able to be a more assistance, for I have grown to have a steadily increasing regard for you. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 6th, 1900. Erestus Wiman, Esq. 305 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Wiman:-- I thank you cordially for your letter of the 5th inst, and shall be very glad to see you next Saturday evening. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 284 March 6th, 1900. Governor George E. Lounsbury, Hartford, Conn. My dear Governor:-- I am just in receipt of yours of the 28th ult. Will you tell me what the object of the Cornelius S. Bushnell Memorial Association is? I want to do anything you desire, but I have rather a horror of putting my name down unless I feel I really ought to, and unless I feel I know what I am doing. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 6, 1900. Mr. George E. Matthews, 183 Washington Street, Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. Matthews:-- Hearty thanks for your letter. I guess I shall have to appoint Orr, but of course I don't wish to make a definite promise now. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt285 March 6th, 1900. Thomas A. Fulton, Esq., 42 E. 23rd St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Fulton:-- I thank you for your letter of the 5th inst. about the Charter Commission and the Ramapo matter. I have been doing my best to hurry action on both. As for Bradish Johnson and Dr. Backus, the trouble is not with me but with the friends of Dr. Backus and the utter dishonesty of The Evening Post style of critic. On the information I had I acted exactly right. Later information made me feel that I should have reappointed Dr. Backus had I known all the facts, but the intemperate folly of his colleagues on the Board, their utter lack of appreciation of their own position, and the dictatorial temper they have shown, has convinced me that from the standpoint of the welfare of the institution, I took exactly the right stand. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt286 March 7th, 1900. Mr. Montagu White, The Richmond, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. White:-- I have yours of the 6th inst and thank you very much for writing me. Mr. Selous has sent me a short line and told me he would write me more at length later. The point he makes in his letter to you about the independence of the Republics seems to me very important, as it presents a new view and one which I had not previously considered. I had supposed that South Africa would have to be all one way or the other. With hearty thanks, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 287 March 7th, 1900. D. Turner, Esq., #702 19th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Turner:-- I have yours of the 6th inst. I wish there was more I could do. I was glad to take the stand I did. It is not in my power to contribute any money with the thousand claims I have on me. With great regard, Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 7th, 1900. My dear Mrs. VanRensselaer:-- I will very gladly come to dinner on Sunday the Eighteenth inst at seven oclock, if that is convenient. You are awfully good to have asked me. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Wm. Bayard VanResselaer, #385 State St., Albany, N.Y.288 March 7th, 1900. Mr. J.B. Bishop, The Commercial Advertiser, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Bishop:-- Will you lunch with me at #422 Madison Avenue at 1.30 oclock on Saturday the 10th inst? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 7th, 1900. Rev. Dr. T.R. Slicer, #27 W. 76th St., N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Slicer:-- Will you lunch with me at 422 Madison Avenue at 1.30 on Saturday the 10th inst? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt289 March 7th, 1900. Hon. Seth Low, #30 E. 64th St., N.Y. City. My dear Low:-- I have yours of the 6th inst. I suppose I have got to begin to take an active part in that Ramapo business. As you know I put myself squarely on record in my annual message, and I have so many legitimate fights that I have been reluctant to thrust myself into another in which theoretically I ought not to be required to act save as I have already acted. But the theory and the practice of our Constitution do not always coincide, and if in the course of the next ten days definite action is not taken in the legislature, I suppose I shall have to try to help. I am heartily with you on the Comptroller's bills also. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt290 March 7th, 1900. Mrs. Mary L. Marshall, Box 153, Warrenton, Va. My dear Mrs. Marshall:-- Your letter of March 4th received. Will you give me all the particulars as to the papers in Marshall's case so that I can write to General Evans himself? What is the number of your claim? You see I must know what the papers are before I can do anything, because General Evans wont [sic] know anything about the case unless I am able to tell him what the number of your claim, &c. is? Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 7th, 1900. Gustav H. Schwab, Esq., #5 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Schwab:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 6th inst inclosing bax [i.e. box] ticket, for which I thank you most cordially. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt291 March 7th, 1900. C. Grant LaFarge, Esq., #7 Beekman St., N.Y. City. Dear Grant:-- I have your two letters of the 6th. I got the Cleveland paper all right, but I do not think the Senators will use it on account of the personal attacks upon the Senators themselves-- entirely proper personal attacks, by the way-- The lumber and cold storage lobbies have been strong against the new commission, but Platt and Odell kept faith admirably. I shall lose certain republicans, but I have been busy trying to make a flank movement and think I shall get certain democrats. Could you not have Col. Byrne help us with the Tammany men? Senator Grady whom I have never been able to help liking has said he would assist me in every way. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt292 March 7th, 1900. Hon. John Proctor Clarke, #29 Bway, N.Y. City. Dear John:-- I have yours of the 6th with inclosed clipping. You have scored, as when the conditions permit it, you always score. In the midst of my unending worries, it is such a pleasure to turn to you and to what you do. By the way, I suppose you are making reports of your doings down there to the Attorney General, as he is the officer that is primarily responsible for your office down there. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt293 March 7th, 1900. berty St., N.Y. City. Dear Douglas:-- I have yours of the 6th inst inclosing Mr. Wardwell's letter. I do not want to have half an hour's talk with any man about any bill while I am down in New York, for it will be perfectly useless. If a man wants to talk to me about legislation he ought, in the first place, to wait until the legislation passed, and in the next place, he ought to talk here in Albany where I can get any information that I want as to matters referred to. It is an utterly useless waste of my time to spend half an hour listening to what I certainly wont [sic] remember about a bill concerning which I am ignorant and which has not passed the legislature. I am continually having to give my attention to matters on which I must act, and in addition there are large numbers of people who want me to give my attention to matters about which I probably wont [sic] have to act, and where if I do have to act I shall have to hear them all over again. Tell Mr. Wardwell that he ought to see the legislators themselves-- not me. He should get a hearing before the committees to which the bill has been referred. I have very little to do with legislation until it comes to me after passage through the legislature. I enclose box ticket for Corinne for the dinner Saturday night. I will be down Friday at half past one. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt294 March 7th, 1900. J. Bayard Backus, Esq., Room C., #120 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Backus:-- Hearty thanks for yours of the 6th. Would you mind dropping a line to John Proctor Clarke to find out when I shall be able to leave his dinner? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 7th, 1900. Mrs. Lucy C. Whitridge, 16 E. 11th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mrs. Whitridge:-- I have yours of the 6th. You are more than kind and I wish I could come, but it is absolutely out of the question. On the 22nd the legislature will be nearing its close and I cannot leave Albany, especially on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. I am very sorry. With hearty thanks, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt295 March 7th, 1900. Mrs. Wilbur F. Hinman, #20 Market St., Alliance, Ohio. My dear Mrs. Hinman:-- It is a great pleasure to hear from the mother of my old associate in the Navy Department, but Mrs. Roosevelt has already left for Cuba. She can do but little in the way of inspection down there, for she will make but a hurried visit. Her duties here have been very arduous and I wanted her to get away and visit Cuba and Mrs. General Wood. With great regard, Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 7th, 1900. Rev. Lyman Abbott, Editor, The Outlook, 287 Fourth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Abbott:-- Here are two articles. I do not know whether you will think them the kind of thing The Outlook wants or not. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 2 inclosures.296 March 8th, 1900. Hon. Gherardi Davis, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Davis:-- I thought that Tribune article excellent. I laughed over it and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You may be amused to know that I have just received a letter from John Proctor Clarke saying that as I did not give him his Forest, Fish & Game Commissioner, he had at least hoped I would give him all the evening as I had promised to come to his dinner a year ago. However, I have been stony hearted! Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 8th, 1900. Mr. W. F. Clark, Editorial Rooms, St. Nicholas, 33 E. 17th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Clark:-- I have yours of the 7th inst inclosing proof which I return herewith. I want to compliment your proof reader on his excellent suggestions. He is a good man behind the gun! Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt297 March 8th, 1900. Governor George E. Lounsbury, Hartford, Conn. My dear Governor:-- I have yours of the 7th and take pleasure in becoming an Honorary Vice President of the Cornelius S. Bushnell National Memorial Association. I only wish I were able to be of financial assistance, but I have so many demands upon my purse that that is impossible. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 8th, 1900. Dear Cabot:-- This is to introduce to you one of my staunchest friends and supporters, Frederick W. Holls, Esq., the Secretary of the Peace Conference at The Hague last summer. He is sound on every question from expansion to honest government and is one of my right hand men in all my troubles here. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. H. C. Lodge, Washington, D.C.298 March 8th, 1900. Hon. Fredk. W. Holls, #120 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Holls:-- I have yours of the 7th inst. Can you lunch with me at 422 Madison Ave at 1.30 on Saturday the 10th inst? I should much like to see you. I inclose a brief note of introduction to Lodge. I shall also write him. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 8th, 1900. Prof. G. R. Carpenter, Columbia University, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Carpenter:-- I have yours of the 6th inst and am overjoyed with the good news. I shall propose Prof. Trent at once for membership in The Century. As I understand it I have got to write his name down and also send a letter for him. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt299 March 8th, 1900. To the Committee on Admissions of the Century Association, N.Y. City. Gentlemen:-- I have the honor to propose for Resident-Membership in The Century Association Prof. William Peterfield Trent, who is about to become Professor of English Literature at Barnard College. Prof. Trent is the author of books upon Milton, Southern Statesmen of the Old Regime, The Novelist Sims, &c. He is one of the most thoroughly patriotic men in the country and one of the best trained scholars in the South. He has done an immense amount of educational and literary work , and I most earnestly back him for membership. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt300 March 8th, 1900. Mr. Juan Felix Brandes, Waldorf-Astoria, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Brandes:-- I thank you for yours of the 7th. Yes, I had heard from Cassi himself and am delighted at the good news. It is most fortunate in every way. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 8th, 1900. Miss Mary Louise F. Stetson, 2323 DeLancey Place, Philadelphia, Pa. My dear Miss Stetson:-- I am really very much pleased at your having elected me an honorary member of the Independence Hall Society of the Children of the American Revolution. It is something that I appreciate and I thank you for your thoughtful remembrance of me. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt301 March 8th, 1900. Dr. John Morgan, 39 Huntington Ave., Boston, Mass. My dear Dr. Morgan:-- Ted has prospered wonderfully under your care and I am more than grateful for it. Will you let me know the amount for which I am indebted to you? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 8th, 1900. Hon. John Proctor Clarke, #29 Bway, N.Y. City. Dear John:-- I have yours of the 7th. Can you come for me at #422 Madison Avenue at a quarter to seven oclock [sic]? Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt302 March 8, 1900. Mr. Douglas Robinson, 55 Liberty St., New York City. My Dear Douglas: Please draw and send check for $828.25 to the order of William J. Youngs, charging the same to my account, and oblige, Yours very truly, T. Roosevelt303 March 8th, 1900. Dear Will:-- I am of course very much pleased that you should like my Cromwell. I was, as I think you can see, thoroughly interested in it when I wrote it. I think Cabot's speech by all odds the best thing he has done, and by all odds the best speech that has been made upon the Philippine problem. He strikes a very lofty note. It thrilled me even to read it. Poor fellow, he has been terriby [sic] cut up by his mother's death. I am just going to write him. I am sorry Watson is to come home. Remey I know little of. By the way, I see my old aide, Lt. Gibbons, has done well out there. Edith has written me that she saw you and Anna at the train and that you both look very well. I shall hope to be on to see you shortly after the first of May. I have had terrible hard work here. The professional independents carry their zeal for treason so far that they will pardon dishonesty even if it is traitorous, and will not pardon honesty if it is accompanied by loyalty. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Captain W. S. Cowles, #1733 N. St., Washington, D.C.304 March 8th, 1900. Mr. H. L. Nelson, New Rochelle, N.Y. My dear Mr. Nelson:-- I send you under separate cover report of the Civil Service Commission 1897 (the last printed report issued); also copy of the Civil Service Law and Rules as amended to Feby. 1st of this year. I am sorry I cannot send you a later edition of the report, but they are very much behind with the printing. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 8th, 1900. Rev. Dr. W. R. Huntington, Grace Church Rectory, N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Huntington:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 7th inst. Is President McKinley to be present without fail at that meeting? If he comes to New York, I suppose as the Executive of the State it may be imperative that I should come to greet him; but it is a very difficult thing for me to get away on that night and may prove to be impossible, even to meet the President. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt305 March 8th, 1900. Mr. Charles H. Chapman, 11 St. James Ave., Boston, Mass. My dear Mr. Chapman:-- I am happy to send you the inclosed letter which explains itself. Accept my heartiest congratulations. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 8th, 1900. Chauncey Argersinger, Esq., Postmaster, Albany, N.Y. My dear sir:-- One or two letters from Mrs. Roosevelt have come to me not as directed to the Executive Mansion, but here at the Chamber. Please see that all letters directed to the Mansion are sent there and not here. The enclosed envelope was, as you will see, directed to the "Executive Mansion", yet it was brought to the Executive Chamber. I do not wish this error to occur again on any account whatsoever. Very truly yours, 306 March 8th, 1900. Hon. W. R. Merriam, Census Director, Washington, D.C. My dear Governor:-- I am deeply indebted to you for what you have done for Chapman. I thank you most heartily. Believe me I appreciate your courtesy. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 8th, 1900. Hon. Whitelaw Reid, The Tribune, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Reid:-- Can you give me Mr. Smalley's address? I shall be very much obliged to you if you would. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt307 March 9th, 1900. Mr. H. M. Alden, Harper & Bros., Franklin Sq., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Alden:-- I have yours of the 8th inst. You are very kind and I wish I could accept, but it is a simply physical impossibility. I still have unwritten one or two article which I have promised to write brooding over me like night mares. If I can get them off I am certainly going to try to stop short in my writing while my present press of political and legislative work obtains. With real regret, I am, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt308 March 9th, 1900. Dear Grant:-- I have yours of the 8th with inclosed clippings. As regards the Backus matter I really do not see that it will pay to say anything more. It was not their regular correspondent who sent it from Albany and I think the article was manufactured in New York. The letter I sent you from Osborn came subsequent to my letter to Orr stating that I would make the reappointment, and to the interview with Osborn which made me first temporarily hold it up and prior to my interview with Parkhurst and my final action. The trouble is that there is no use whatever of my saying anything in explanation so far as The Post is concerned. It knows perfectly well what the facts are, but it chooses to disregard them. It is going to attack me any how, and all it is after is anything to hang an attack on. In the Forest, Fish & Game matter, I have been actively at work among the democrats, and thanks to the loyal support of Platt and Odell I think I can have the men confirmed next week, although I may lose half a dozen republican votes. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt C. Grant LaFarge, Esq., #7 Beekman St., N.Y. City.309 March 12th, 1900. Hon. Seth Low, 30 E. 64th St., N.Y. City. My dear Low:-- I have your note of the 11th. It [is] was entirely needless to write! I wish I could have seen you at the dinner though, to talk about Ramapo. I am going to get that bill through if it lies within my power. If possible I shall get it through without taking open ground myself in an abnormal way, but if necessary I shall go to any extreme. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt310 March 12th, 1900. General H. C. Evans, Commissioner, Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C. My dear General:-- I write you about a matter which touches me very closely. May I beg you out of your many duties to take time to look into the enclosed two letters which explain themselves. Marshall was a colored man who had served for ten years in the Ninth Cavalry. He had found that the hard life on the plains in his Indian campaigns weakened him so that he resigned and came into private life. When I was Assistant Secretary of the Navy he was the Coachman in the department, and he resigned that position to go with me as body servant to the war. When he started for the campaign he was still suffering from the effects of the sickness he had contracted in his previous service, although several years had elapsed. He served all through the campaign with me, but under the privations he grew constantly sicker and sicker. He was under fire continually and in every way he did as much service as the average soldier down there and came back to die from the diseases incurred while he was himself serving in the regular army and aggravated by his going to Santiago. His wife and children are in sore want. Is there any way we can help him? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt CLAIM NO.699,316.311 March 12th, 1900. Miss Alice R. Haas, 1526 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, La. My dear Miss Haas:-- I was very glad to hear from you and much pleased that you like the Cromwell. Some of the most gallant men I had in my regiment were from Louisiana, and one of them won a promotion to Lieutenant for his courage and good conduct. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 12, 1900. Maj. Genl. Leonard Wood, Governor General, Havana, Cuba. My dear Leonard:-- Permit me to introduce an old friend and one of your staunchest supporters, Mr. Frank E. Webb, who with his wife is travelling in the West Indies. Mr. Webb is not only a personal friend of mine but is one of our prominent New Yorkers. One of his brothers controls the New York Central Railroad and you may remember another, Major Creighton Webb who was on Shafter's staff. I take the utmost pleasure in introducing him to you. Faithfully yours, [Theodore R...]312 March 12th, 1900. Hon. Wm. H. Taft, U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Cincinnati, Ohio. My dear Will:-- I hear that Captain Frank A. Edwards of the 1st Cavalry is suggested for the position of aide to you. I take pleasure in writing in no perfunctory fashion to speak a word on his behalf. I have camped with him and known him in civilization. I have seen him in the field and in Washington. He is a gentleman, a man of great determination and capacity, and of marked intelligence. I feel he would be an agreeable companion, and what is of infinitely more importance, an exceedingly faithful and efficient assistant. It is a real pleasure to speak of him, for he is one of our soldiers for whom I have [cast?] genuine respect, a first class man in every way, an officer and a gentleman in every sense of the words. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt313 March 12, 1900. Cecil Spring Rice, Esq., British Embassy, Teheran, Persia. Dear Cecil:-- I send you herewith the articles in the present numbers of the North American Review and The Forum on the South African War as I thought they might interest you. I have written to Selous as I thought I would like to find out from him what there was to be said by an old South African hunter of high character who apparently takes the pro Boer side. It is evident that the English now have the upper hand and that only outside interference can avert the conquest of the two Republics within a few months, unless some terms of peace can be arranged. I do not know enough to say whether it is possible to arrange terms of peace which will be lasting, save by putting all South Africa on the same basis. I suppose Cape Colony [w]ould furnish model.. I am sure the change in the news has made you feel happier. I sympathize[d] very deeply with the way you felt. It has been a sad war, although glorious from the valor of the combatants; and the frenzy of England's continental critics has to my mind furnished a measure of the disaster which it would be to the civilized world and the progress of mankind if the British Empire were to lose its strength. Although your letters are said they give us great pleasure. You have lost none of your old charm of description and we can see the life you lead before our eyes. What a strange life it is? Even in their ultimate decay, which must inevitably come to all nations, the people of the West will differ from the hoary eastern nations. Well, nobody can tell when or how soon disaster will come. Death314 C. S. R. 2. is always and under all circumstances a tragedy, for if it is not, then it means that life itself has become one. But it is well to live bravely and joyously; and to face the inevitable end without flinching when we go to join the men and the tribes of immemorial old. Death is the one thing for certain for the nation as for the man, though from the loins of the one as from the loins of the other descendants may spring to carry on through the ages the work done by the dead. I hope and believe that for our peoples the end is yet many centuries distant; and though there are signs of senility here and there, or of gross vice and moral weakness, which is worse, yet I think all this is purely local and that as a whole we are still in the flush of our mighty manhood. Nevertheless, be this as it may, our duty is the same: to strive toward the light as it is given us to see the right, and take with [?] front [?] full [?]. We have had a picture taken of the six children, and I shall send it to you. They have two dogs and a guinea pig with them. The guinea pig is named "Admiral Dewey". There are twenty-one other guinea pigs, including "Bishop Doane", "Fighting Bob Evans"-- who has a tendency to bite--and Father O'Grady, who belies his name by being the mother of a large family. Among the young guinea pigs there is one of unusual size which Ted has christened the "Prodigal Son". I could not imagine why in the world he had given it such a name, until I found that he regarded prodigal as a synonym of prodigious--an adjective of immensity. Mrs. Roosevelt has just started off on a month's trip to Cuba and Porto Rico with her sister and John McIlhenny, a splendid young fellow, a Louisiana planter who was a Lieutenant in my regiment.[*315*] C. S. R. 3. She felt very homesick at leaving. As usual in her absence I act as a sort of vice-mother. I am reading Hereward the Wake to the four elder children. With Archie I either pillow fight or play bear, while Quentin the two year old rides piggy back and has me sing Trippa-Troppa-Tronjes, the only Dutch I know, and that by inheritance, not acquisition. Alice is sixteen now, a handsome, upstanding girl as tall as I am. Ted plays hocky and foot ball and studies really very well. Kermit will never be as strong as Ted or as athletic, (although Ted is small too) for kermit was set back by having water on the knee. But he is all right now and is a most faithful, loving little soul. He writes his mother every day now that she has gone away, and wrote me every day while I was in the war before Santiago. Ethel is a real little mother. Indeed I have been most happy. I am thoroughly enjoying my work here. Of course it is impossible to say when I will be thrown out, but whatever comes I shall not feel that I have a right to complain personally, for life has held so very much that was joyous for me. It has been so full of interest and delight. Remember me to the other members of the legation from the Chief down and wish them all well from me. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt316 March 12th, 1900. C. Grant LaFarge, Esq., #17 Beekman St., N.Y. City. Dear Grant:-- I have had some peculiar experiences. An effort has been made, originating on the democratic side, to hold up my Forest, Fish & Game appointes, until I would consent to abate something of my zeal in the Ramapo matter. Of course, I would rather loose them all then take a back track on that matter. I send you herewith Ray Tompkins letter about Van Duzer and the two last letters from O'Neil, all three purely for your own private information, and for return to me after you have read them. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt317 March 12th, 1900. Hon. H. C. Lodge, Senate Chamber, Washington, D.C. Dear Cabot:-- As soon as I had read the first sentences of your speech I realized that you had made your great hit. I am delighted at it. I am having ugly times here at present. Among all my woes the most vivid at the moment is the Ramapo water job. This was sneaked through a few years ago by a combination of republicans who controlled the legislature and democrats who controlled the city government. We ought to draw its fangs at this session of the legislature; but for the first time this year I have seen what the papers so often talk about; that is, the alliance between the republican and democratic machine leaders for personal and pecuniary objects. Some of Mr. Croker's lieutenants and possibly Mr. Croker, and some of those who have the ear of Senator Platt and are in the inner ring of the republican machine, are pecuniarily interested in the defeat of any anti-Ramapo legislation. They have tried to influence me in every way. They want to try that perfectly cheap trick of making believe to do something, and not do it; that is, they propose to pass the bill (which is and ought to be permissive in form) and put its execution in the hands of those whom they know favor Ramapo. Comptroller Coler is the only man surely against it and they want to cut him out of the bill; and try to influence me by saying that he may be my successful opponent for the Governorship on the democratic ticket if I now build him up. Very possibly they are right about this, but it is just one of those cases where we cannot afford to take such a possibility into318 H. C. L. 2. account; and as matter of fact, they are now building him up in the most effective fashion by convincing the people at large that both machines are down on him because he is in the people's interest. I am taking measures to see that he is left in. They also want to pass the bill so late that the Mayor can veto it after the legislature has adjourned, and thereby to shift the responsibility on him. As a matter of fact whatever they do as a sham will be recognized as such and will hurt them accordingly. But with their queer shortsightedness in great matters like this, they fail to understand the interest of the people. There has been an effort made to prevent my becoming active in the matter by holding up my Forest, Fish & Game Commission, whom I have headed with Austin Wadsworth. However, I of course cannot afford to have my Commission confirmed on any such terms. Heavens, how thankful I shall be when the session of the legislature is over; and still more thankful when sometime early in May I get down to see you! Warm love to Nannie. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt319 March 12th, 1900. James C. Carter, Esq., #54 Wall St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Carter:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 9th inst. Such a letter as you write makes me feel very much less alone than before, and I am sure I need not say how I thank you for it. Moreover, I think it has done me good. But first, let me explain. I sought to, and I hope I [made] daily make it plain that I wanted to distinguish between bad politicians and good politicians, and between reformers who however mistaken were sincere and upright, and reformers who were seeking to gratify their own thirst for notoriety. Of course we need reformers and outside critics. The very fact, for instance, that I have to work for results which can be accomplished only by marshalling a dozen different forces, makes me exceedingly reluctant to alienate any one of the forces; whereas an outsider who is not striving to accomplish anything in the sense that I am, can and ought to criticise with entire freedom. But I have been deeply outraged by the attitude of many of the so-called reformers,-- of the Evening Post people and Dr. Parkhurst, for instance-- The Evening Post habitually and continually says of me what it knows to be untrue. When one of the editorial writers had put in a favorable comment upon something I had done, he informs me that Mr. Villard told him to strike it out, as their policy was "to break down Roosevelt". When their correspondent in Albany gave them the facts in a certain case, he was rapped savagely over the knuckles in a letter which in effect told him that his reports were [was] to be adverse to me. Of course, although I have been told these facts by both of the men in question, I cannot make them public for their320 J. C. C. sakes. Again, Jack Chapman and his crowd repeatedly tell what they deliberately know to be absolute untruths. All this I really mind less for myself than for the cause I am championing. At this very moment I have been exerting every ounce of resolution and tact combined to make the machine-- Mr. Platt, Mr. Odell &c.-- put through legislation which will stop the Ramapo job. I do not want merely to denounce the job. I want to put through legislation which will stop it,-- a very different thing. I hope to succeed; yet Platt and Odell owe me for my course infinitely less than the reformers owe me, while they support me far more. I appreciate entirely what you say about my not being too sensitive to criticism. I am glad you said it, and it will do me good. Believe me, however, I have been speaking less for myself than because I thought the cause I championed was jeopardized. Then, about seeing Mr. Platt. You may be amused to know that at the meeting of the Republican State Committee the other day, the chief hostile comment was that I was altogether to free about consulting "visionary reformers", and always saw City Club men when I came to New York. This is true; because with all their irritating faults and shortcomings I recognize in these visionary reformers the vital spark which must be breathed into the machine body if it is to live to good purpose. As for Mr. Platt, I do not have to tell you the object of my visits, because you understand. If I were willing to do his bidding it would not be necessary for me to see him; but I have to consult him if I am going to accomplish things which, with his enormous321 J. C. C. 3. power in the party machinery, he is sure to oppose at the outset. If I am going to do anything that is disagreeable to him, I want him to know it from me first, and I want to keep showing him that the things I do of which he disapproves, are done because of a conception of duty on my part, and not either to build up a machine for myself or to humiliate him. I have always made a point of call- ing on him with absolute openness, and announced, as you know, be- fore election, just what I was going to do. I do not have to tell you that there is no agreement or understanding, express or implied, in reference to any matter, even the smallest, which I have ever had with him, [and] that I would not be delighted to put before you in its minutest details. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt322 March 10th, 1900. Hon. William T. O'Neil, St. Regis Falls, Franklin Co., N.Y. Dear Billy:-- I have yours of the 5th inst. Who started the rumor I dont [sic] know. I suspect it was some one in the interest of Weed. A newspaper man came to me, telling me he could not give his authority and that I must never use his own name, because he had obtained the matter under promise of strict secresy [sic], as it was intended to be sprung only when I sent in your name. The amount was not known and the newspaperman thought it a mere falsehood. The start and look he gave when I did not answer at once as he had expected, showed me the construction that even the staunchest friends of mine would be certain to put upon my action. Evidently the rumor got around, for two or three men-- good friends of mine in the Senate-- after much hesitation indirectly spoke to me about the matter. Have you the slightest idea how it could have gotten out? My own family have known it, but I doubt if one of them has spoken a word to me about it for ten years, and save when these rumors came up I certainly have not spoken a word to any one during that time. I have felt uneasy about this for a year and I often thought I ought to have told you that I felt uneasy, but you can well understand my shrinking from speaking to you of it. It was insupportable to me that I should say anything that you could by any chance misconstrue into an effort to make you pay me. I was as certain as I could be that you would not so misconstrue me, and yet I have seen such dreadful misunderstandings between the closest friends that I hated to run any risks. Now, let me thank you for having written me so frankly as you323 W. T. O'N. 2. have done. I had long ago put down my debt as dead loss, and I am sure you will believe me when I say that its repayment would do nothing compared with the knowledge that you were doing what I now find you have done. [Personal] Now, about poor Van. I am exceedingly sorry-- more sorry than I can say. I do not feel that he has your capacity, and though he would be a good man on the Commission, I did not feel that I could afford to make him my one personal representative. He has not nearly the capacity of Austin Wadsworth, and though I am personally fonder of him, I could not make this the controlling motive of my action. Moreover, I have a very hard fight over the confirmation, and it would help me greatly to succeed Babcock by a man near Rochester. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt324 PRIVATE. March 9th, 1900. Mr. A. J. Sage, 231 Elizabeth St., Melbourne, Victoria. My dear Mr. Sage:-- I was greatly pleased to receive your letter of the 5th of February and the copies of the Australasian. I have naturally taken especial interest in the Australian forces and their deeds, for the Australians have always seemed to me very much like Americans, and you Bushmen regiments are exactly like my Rough Riders. I had in my regiment a young Australian named Osborne, who is now a Lieutenant in Bethune's mounted infantry under Buller. The cowboy is no longer as picturesque as he was. I think on the average he now dresses just like the man in the picture you sent me. They are practically of almost the same stamp. It is a little hard to answer you as to the feeling here. There is a genuine friendly feeling towards England (a very different feeling from what there would have been before the Spanish-American war); but I am obliged to confess that probably the majority of Americans feel that the British are wrong in this war. I do not feel this way myself. I think the war very unfortunate, and I have very little doubt but that it was pushed to a head for reasons, some of which would not bear the light. But fundamentally it seems to me that though wisdom in the past might have made things more satisfactory, yet that as matters actually were last year, the struggle was inevitable, and now that it is on, it has to be fought to a finish. I am of Dutch blood myself, as you probably know, and have practically no English blood in me. But I feel that it has been an enormous advantage for us of Dutch blood here to become part of the great English325 A. J. S. 2. speaking race, and that in the same way it would be of great advantage for the Dutch themselves if in White Man's Africa South of the Zambesi all men became welded together in an English speaking nationality. But the man in the street naturally does not look as far ahead as this. All he sees is the two tiny little republics making an extraordinary fight against a great Empire. He admires the courage of the English soldier, the generalship of Lord Roberts, the organizing power of Kitchener, the gallantry of men like French and Hunter and the Highlanders and the Irish regiments and especially the bravery of the Australians and the Canadians. But he admires still more the extraordinary fighting capacity and courage show by the Boers, who cannot have more than fifty thousand men bearing arms, while there are already in South Afria [sic] more British troops than there are men, women and children all told among the Boers of the two Republics. In consequence you would find the feeling here rather mixed. If the British Empire had been pitted against a great nation, I am sure American sympathy would have been with her entirely. I earnestly hope that the end will come very quickly so as to avoid bloodshed as much as possible and to leave as little bitterness as possible. The Boer and the British Afrikander [sic] are such fine fellows that I want to see the two stocks unite into a great race, just as the Dutch and the English have united here-- just as the Irish and English have united and are uniting in Australia. Present my warm regards to Mrs. Sage. I congratulate you both on the birth of the new child. My own children still remember326 3. you with delight and your tales of bush fires and poisonous snakes. I am sure I need not tell you how I enjoyed the glimpse I had of you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt327 March 12th, 1900. Mr. Frederick A. Davis, 93 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear Mr. Davis:-- I have yours of the 12th inst and am very much interested in that wooden horse you are going to send me. You are extremely kind to have thought of me and I assure you I shall appreciate the gift very greatly. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 12th, 1900. Wm. Bailey Fracon, Esq., Asst. Secy. Committee on Admissions, The Century Asso', N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- Prof. Trent's residence will be Columbia University, City of New York. It may be some weeks before I am able to get down to New York on account of my official business. Would you be able to put down my name for me in the book? If so, I should be glad to have you do it. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt328 March 12th, 1900. Mr. T. St. John Gaffney, #41 Riverside Drive, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Gaffney:-- I thank you heartily for that very interesting clipping. You may have noticed that at the dinner the other night I looked over at you when I described my ancestry. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 12th, 1900. Mr. Geo. Bird Grinnell, Forest & Stream Pub. Co., #346 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Grinnell:-- The enclosed note explains itself. Do you think we can help Mr. Lowther who is a very good fellow, get the informa- tion he wishes. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Please return Mr. Lowther's letter with your reply.329 March 12th, 1900. Col. Arthur H. Lee, British Embassy, Washington, D.C. My dear Lee:-- I have taken the liberty of writing to Geo. Bird Grinnell of the Forest & Stream inclosing Mr. Lowther's note, to see if I cannot get him some information. If I can I will send it right on. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 12th, 1900. Mrs. Mary L. Marshall, Box 153, Warrenton, Va. My dear Mrs. Marshall:-- I have your letter of the 10th with inclosure. I will do my best with General Evans. Whether I will succeed or not I of course cant [sic] say, but I will try. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt330 March 12th, 1900. Frank Moss, Esq., 9 Nassau St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Moss:-- I have yours of the 10th inst. I thank you for writing me. If I can I shall do all I am able to to help you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 12th, 1900. E. O. Stanard, Esq., Chamber of Commerce, St. Louis, Mo. My dear Mr. Stanard -- I thank you for yours of the 8th inst, but I cannot even get out to visit the Methodists in Chicago. I am very sorry. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt331 March 12th, 1900. Captain Frank A. Edwards, 1st Cav. U. S. A., The Army & Navy Club, Washington, D.C. My dear Captain:-- I have yours of the 11th inst. Few letters have given me more pleasure to write than the one of which I inclose you a copy herewith. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 12th, 1900. Prof. Nicholas Murray Butler, 119 E. 30th St., N.Y. City. My dear Butler:-- I have yours of the 11th inst and return the inclos- ure. It was very interesting. Of course I need not tell you that it is out of the question for me to take part in such a fight as this. It would open an endless vista of trouble, and indeed would be entirely improper. I think that when you have received this letter you will have seen in the papers that I have acted on your "unanimous" sug- gestion in the Ramapo matter. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt332 March 12th, 1900. Mr. Frank E. Webb, Buckingham Hotel, 5th Ave & 50th St., N.Y. City. My dear Frank:-- Replying to your note of the 11th inst, It gives me the utmost pleasure to send you the inclosed. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 12th, 1900. George W. Smalley, Esq., The Renaissance, #2 West 43rd St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Smalley:-- Could you come up here Tuesday or Wednesday of next week for a night? I should greatly like to have you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt333 March 12th, 1900. Mr. H. I. Cleveland, Editorial Dept., Times-Herald, Chicago, Ill. My dear Mr. Clveland:-- I have yours of March 9th. I was genuinely interested in that clipping and I thank you for it. I thank you still more for your remembrance of me. I hope I will see you when I go out to Oklahoma City this year July 1-4. With warm regards, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 12, 1900. Mr. Jules Guthridge, Room 30, Corcoran Bldg., Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Guthridge:-- I have yours of the 8th inst. The article to which you refer was one of the last chapters in my little book called "American Ideals", published by Putnam Sons, 27 W. 23rd St., N.Y. City. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt334 March 12th, 1900. Rev. Dr. W. R. Huntington, Grace Church Rectory, N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Huntington:-- I have yours of the 9th inst. If President McKinley comes I suppose I must go to meet him, and while I am reluctant to make another engagement,there is no meeting to which I would rather come than this. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 12th, 1900. Captain F. Norton Goddard, #100 Bleecker St., N.Y. City. My dear Captain:-- I have yours of the 10th and am sorry to hear of your illness. I wish I could have seen you when in New York last week. I have talked with various of the parties in interest. It would be long to write you all that was said. Is there any chance of your getting up here soon? You will understand the extreme reluctance I have to interfere in a local fight of this nature. Faithfully335 March 12th, 1900. C. G. Washburn, Esq., 314 Main St., Worcester, Mass. Dear Charlie:-- I thank you for yours of the 9th inst and wish I could accept the invitation of the Board of Trade, but it is absolutely out of the question. I cannot do it. I cannot make another engagement outside the State. You do not realize the multitude of invitations I receive and the impossibility of my leaving my work, even for you, old fellow. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 12th, 1900. Hon. Horace White, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Do you think Judge Hiscock could come and spend the night with me on Thursday next? Will you be here then? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt336 March 12th, 1900. Major J. G. Booth, President, Texas Rangers Association, Austin, Texas. My dear sir:-- There is no honorary membership which gratifies me as much as membership in the famous Texas Rangers. I have always had a profound admiration for your body, and in raising my regiment I tried to get every Texas Ranger I could into it, and to model it so far as might be on Ranger lines. Pray accept the assurances of my profound appreciation of the honor you have conferred upon me. With heartiest thanks, believe me, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt337 March 12th, 1900. Mr. L. W. Vieman, The Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee, Wis. My dear Mr. Vieman:-- I most earnestly hope that Mr. Payne will be re-elected member of the National Republican Committee and cordially endorse every word that Senator Spooner has said about him. I believe that every republican who has the welfare of the party sincerely at heart feels that it would be little short of a calamity if Mr. Payne were not to continue to take part in directing the national interests of the party. It has been my good fortune to be thrown with him somewhat intimately. I have felt a constantly increasing respect for him, not only for his keen ability and insight, but for his sense of the real national needs-- of his intense appreciation that only by serving these real national needs can any party really deserve success. Faithfully yours Theodore Roosevelt338 March 12th, 1900. My dear Mr. Perry:-- I inclose you some recommendations for one man who is a candidate for that place of Port Warden. You see he is backed up by the Maritime Exchange which I regard as an important thing. I sent Gunner to you the other day. I do not want to make a slip up in this business and I want to find out how genuine the sentiment is among the steamship lines back of Calkins, and how much of it is fictitious. I do not want to put any one in with whom the merchants and ship-owners will not feel entirely content. I am very much indebted to you for your kindness in going into this matter. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt James W Perry 32 Nassau St. NY339 March 13th, 1900. President Benj. Ide Wheeler, Berkeley, Cal. My dear President Wheeler:-- Replying to yours of March 6th, I only wish I could come out to you in May, for I wish very much to see the Pacific coast and the University, particularly under your auspices, but it is not possible to do so. I am awfully sorry. With great regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 13th, 1900. Mr. Chas. E. Hogdon, Prescott, Arizona. My dear Jack:-- I sent the letter on at once to Santiago where I understand Dr. Church is, and have put on to it to return it to me in case it is undelivered. Am sorry to learn that you are under the weather. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt340 March 13th, 1900. Mrs. V. Van Rensselaer, #3 McPherson Terrace, Albany, N.Y. My dear madam:-- Replying to yours of the 8th inst, would say that it is more difficult than you can imagine for me to see any one at the house, for now during the closing days of the session every working hour is spent at the capitol. Would it not be possible for you to write me what it is that you wish to see me about? Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 13th, 1900. Mr. Ira L. Wood, Jr., 33 Union Sq., N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 10th inst, You are most welcome to use my photograph. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt341 March 13th, 1900. Rev. John C. York, Huntington, N.Y. My dear Father York:-- I thank you very much for your letter of the 10th inst. You may be sure I will not forget Father Belford. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 13th, 1900. Mr. J. W. Abernethy, 3903 Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. My dear sir:-- I thank you very heartily for your kindness. My ambitions at the present time lie in the direction to trying to do good work here in New York. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt342 March 13th, 1900. Rev. H. C. Jennings, 57 Wash. St., Chicago, Ill. My dear Sir:-- Mr. Lincoln has handed me your letter of the 6th inst. I wish it were possible for me to accept but it is simply out of the question. I cannot make another engagement. I think I have spoken many more times to Methodist bodies than to any other organization in the country, lay or clerical, and if I could come to your meeting I would, for it seems to me that the Methodist Church is peculiarly and pre-eminently characteristic of our people. With great regret, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 13th, 1900. Jacob A. Riis, Esq., #301 Mulberry St., N.Y. City. Dear Jake:-- Just as soon as I get that picture I will send it as you request. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt343 March 13th, 1900. Hon. C. C. Shayne, 124 W. 42nd St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Shayne:-- I thank you heartily for your letter of the 12th inst and that from your friend which I re-inclose. I was amused at the misconception as to what I said about the presidency. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 13th, 1900. Mr. Howard A. Cooper, Military Prison, Bilibid, Manila, P. I. My dear sir:-- I have your letter of February 6th and am sorry to say that in a matter like the one you refer to I would have no possible influence or power whatever. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt344 March 12th, 1900. Col. R. W. Leonard, Hdqrs. 28th Inf. U. S. V., Las Marinas, Luzon, P.I. My dear Colonel:-- I was immensely interested with your letter of February 5th. Of course I will help Col. Birkhimer if I get the chance, but I do not know that I shall. What you tell me about the Filipinos is very interesting. Still more, my dear Colonel, am I interested in your own success. I knew you would achieve it. With warm regards, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 13th, 1900. Joseph F. Roche, Esq., 606 S. Nicholas Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Roche:-- I have your letter of 12th inst in reference to Mr. Webb and will write to Secretary Gage in his behalf at once. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt345 March 13th, 1900. Mr. Philip K. Sweet, 1st Lt. Co. F., 46th Inf. Hdqrs. 2nd Bat. Indon, P. I. My dear Lt. Sweet: - I am just in receipt of your letter of the 8th of Feby. and am delighted to hear from you. You need not thank me. The fact that your Major has recommended you for a brevet for good conduct in action is more than a reward to me. All that I ask is that the men I recommend shall do justice to my judgment. I congratulate you heartily. I am more than proud whenever I hear of a man of the old regiment conferring additional credit upon himself. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 13th, 1900. Rev. Dr. Lyman Abbott, 287 Fourth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Abbott:-- I have yours of the 12th inst inclosing advance proof of editorial on the Porto Rico question which I shall read with the greatest interest. I have been very much worried over the Porto Rican question myself. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt346 March 13th, 1900. W. Emlen Roosevelt, Esq., #33 Wall St., N.Y. City. Dear Emlen:-- I have yours of the 12th inst. Barnes is a Harvard fellow. He has a handsome wife and they are both regular Albany people. They would I think be very pleasant neighbors. Now, as to the charity bills. In their present form all the charity people who originally opposed them have written to me most enthusiastically commending them. They do not give any additional power whatever to the State Board of Charities. They simply confirm the power the Board has been exercising for a number of years, cutting it down somewhat. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt347 March 13th, 1900. Hon. J. S. VanDuzer, Horeseheads [sic], N.Y. My dear Van:-- I have yours of the 10th inst inclosing your letter of the 3rd inst. I remember John Hay telling me that Lincoln throughout his term of service grew constantly more and more sad because he found that his old friends fell off from him and he could make no new friends, from the fact that almost every one honestly thought that he could, the government service in some particular post in which Lincoln rarely saw his way to put the man. I knew you would feel bitterly, and that it was inevitable that you should feel bitterly. At the same time, I want to be perfectly frank now even at the cost of saying something to hurt your feelings, and I must add that though inevitable it was not justifiable. As you say that I could not think Austin Wadsworth a better man for the position than you, I have to answer that I did. I am not as fond of him as I am of you. I do think that for this particular position under the peculiar circumstances he is distinctly the better man. There are plenty of other positions where I should think you a better man that he. [is.] There are even other circumstances under which I should think you a better man for this place than he is; and I may be mistaken in my judgment of things as they now are. But at any rate I have acted on what is deliberately my best judgment, after most painful thought. It will be no comfort to you for me to say this, but I want you to remembe [sic] that there are among the present Commissioners and the disappointed applicants probably fifty men each one of whom348 J.S.V. 2. honestly feels as badly as you do. Babcock and Holden both feel worse. For Holden I have the most genuine sympathy as he has not tried to keep himself in the position. For Babcock I now have no sympathy as it is in the highest degree discreditable to a man to do as he is [????] letting his friends [do and] try to force his retention when it is no longer desired. But both undoubtedly honestly meant to serve the State well, and will always feel that they have been badly treated. If I had put you on it would have been in Babcock's place, so that in any event you could only have gone on in the place of a man who would have felt his displacement by you to the full as badly as you do the fact that you did not displace him. From New York City I had three men who were applicants, all personal friends and all with strong political backing, none of whom I could appoint, and in the case of one of them I had to hurt not only the feelings of the men but of a number of men who were closest to me politically and socially. With most sincere regret, Theodore Roosevelt 349 March 12th, 1900. Mr. Dean Sage, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Sage:-- I have your note of the 12th inst and am really very much touched by your kindness, but I would not like to be away from the children [????] now unless I absolutely had to. For my sins I had to go to New York for two days last week, and now I hope not to be away again until Mrs. Roosevelt comes home. Moreover I never get back to the Mansion from the office until between six and seven oclock, so that it really is not possible for me to get away with any comfort now that the legislature is nearing its close. You are awfully kind. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt350 March 13th, 1900. Prof. Woodrow Wilson, Princeton, N.J. My dear Mr. Wilson:-- I need hardly say that that is peculiarly a position in which I take the greatest interest. I think I know exactly the type of man that you want, but I am not at all sure that I know the man. Indeed at the moment I cannot think of one. He must be a scholar, a man of broad culture-- emphatically an academic man in the sense of having received a thorough training and being in hearty sympathy with the men who know that, from the days of the Federalists down and up, the theorist is the safe guide for the practical man; and yet he must also be thoroughly practical in the sense that he must understand the theories have to be proved in practice. Now to combine these traits with the capacity to teach would be a rather difficult problem. I shall try my best to think over some man and to let you know. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt351 March 13th, 1900. Hon. Lyman J. Gage, Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Secretary:-- Mr. Walter Webb of No. 439 West 49th Street, New York City, is an applicant for a position in the Secret Service. He has been employed for sometime in the office of the State Superintendent of Elections at New York City. Under date of January 11th 1900, Superintendent John McCullagh wrote me as follows: "In reference to Mr. Walter Webb I beg to state that he has been "employed in the office since his appointment early last fall and "has been a very faithful and efficient man. His term of service "under the law terminated on December 31st, but I propose to continue "his services in this office when they are needed which I anticipate "will be very soon". Deputy Attorney General Rogers of Watertown, N.Y. sends me a letter of which the inclosed is a copy. I also inclose you a letter from Hon. George D. Stone to the President in Mr. Webb's behalf and by the President referred to me. Mr. Webb earnestly desires to get into the Secret Service and I cordially commend him to you. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 3 inclosures.352 March 13th, 1900. Frederick B. DeBerard, Esq., Merchants Asso', N.Y. Life Bldg., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. DeBerard:-- I have been over your letter of the 6th inst with Senator Elsberg. Both he and I are inclined to take your views; but I find that there is a wide and entirely honest difference of opinion about the actual repeal of the Ramapo charter. Men like Mr. Delafield of New York, for instance, and a number of others feel that it would be a dangerous precedent. At any rate, the one impor- tant matter is to prevent the consummation of the Ramapo deal until the Charter Commission can have time to go over the whole question. No disastrous result whatever can come if this is prevented, whereas there is nothing the Ramapo people so want as to make the issue, not upon that single point, but upon the general question of repealing the charter. It is playing into their hands to confuse the point upon which we wish to fight. It seems to me that the Fallows bill is of the first importance; next to that the Morgan bill if [?]; and that then the others can wait for the Charter Commission as indeed the Morgan bill can if necessary. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt353 March 13th, 1900. Lucius B. Swift, Esq., #2 Hubbard Block, Indianapolis, Ind. My dear Mr. Swift:-- I [entirely] appreciate the great importance of the Porto Rico question; but really just at present I do not think I have any right to complicate the more than sufficiently arduous work I am in by an outside fight where I probably would not have any influence and where what I did would certainly hurt my capacity to accomplish anything here where I ha[ve] influence. I have to strain every nerve to get the party in New York State up to what I consider the proper standard of decency. Now if I take on an additional burden I fear I shall stagger and wont be able to carry either. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt354 March 12th, 1900. Mr. Fritz Morris, 169 W. 81st St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Morris:-- I have your note of the 11th inst and it gives me the greatest pleasure to sign the photograph. Faithfully yours, March 13th, 1900. Wm. S. Harris, Esq., West Chester, Pa. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 12th inst, it is true that I am of Scotch-Irish blood, partly Pennsylvanian and partly Georgian. Dunwoody is a family name of ours, but I am sorry to say that I have no conception of exactly where it comes in in our ancestry. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt355 March 13th, 1900. Edward H. Butler, Esq., The News, Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. Butler:-- Comptroller Morgan says that you sent a letter to me recommending Dr. Howard. No such letter has been received here. It would have been filed away with the recommendation sent for Dr. Howard which are quite numerous. I am very sorry, for I should at once have acknowledged the receipt of any such letter from you. I have been doing all I can to help your man Newton get placed with the Pan American. I am so sorry I could not have seen you in person when I was in Buffalo. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt356 March 14th, 1900. Mrs. J. P. Johnston, 444 Manhattan Ave., New York City. My dear Mrs. Johnston:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 10th inst, but I would not know how to give you any anecdotes of my childhood. I have never given any, and I do not think I particularly care to have them published. I do not claim to be a distinguished man. At present I am trying to be a middling good Governor and I find that takes about all my time. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 14th, 1900. Wm. P. Rudd, Esq., Tweddle Bldg., Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Rudd:-- Replying to yours of the 13th inst I regret to say that just at the moment until I find when the legislature is going to adjourn I simply cannot make another appointment. You must not think me churlish, but I find these dinners in reality the heaviest tax upon me that there is. They are more heavy than any of my regular duties and I cannot go into another one until I find out what the legislature is going to do. Very truly yours,357 March 14th, 1900. Col. S. M. Welch, Jr., Hdqrs., 65th Reg. Armory, Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Col. Welch:-- Herewith I return corrected report of my remarks. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 14th, 1900. G. W. Hissong, Esq., LaGrange, Indiana. My dear sir:-- I am in receipt of your very kind invitation of the 12th inst. I am exceedingly sorry, as there is no invitation I should rather accept than yours, but it is a simple impossibility for me to make another engagement of any kind or sort outside of my State at this time. I have more on my hands than I can attend to as it is, and it simply is not possible for me to do anything else. With very real regret, Faithfully yours,358 March 13th, 1900. James J. Higginson, Esq., 16 E. 41th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Higginson:-- I have yours of the 12th inst. Indeed, I thought that dinner most enjoyable. I return herewith the corrected proof of my remakrs and I shall be glad to have you publish them. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 14th, 1900. Hon. Horace White, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Next Tuesday night I am going to have Mr. George W. Smalley, the Correspondent of the London Times, to dine with me at half past seven oclock. Can you not come to the dinner? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt359 March 14th, 1900. Hon. N.N. Stranahan, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Next Tuesday night I am going to have Mr. George W. Smalley, the Correspondent of the London Times to dine with me at half past seven oclock. Can you not come to the dinner? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 14, 1900. Col. John N. Partridge, Capitol. My dear Colonel:-- Next Tuesday night I am going to have Mr. George W. Smalley, the Correspondent of the London Times, at dinner. There will be but three or four Senators and it will be purely what might be called a private official dinner. The hour will be 7.30. Can you not come? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt360 March 14th, 1900. John E. Roosevelt, Esq., 44 Wall St., N.Y. City. Dear Jack:-- I have yours of the 13th inst in reference to the employment of women nurses in the hospitals of the army. I thank that is a pretty good bill, though I do not know very much about it. However, there is nothing I can do in the matter. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 14th, 1900. Capt. P. Norton Goddard, #100 Bleecker St., N.Y. City. My dear Captain:-- I am awfully sorry to hear about your being sick. I hope that the attack will be very slight and that you will soon be on your feet again. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt361 March 14th, 1900. Rev. Dr. W. R. Huntington, Grace Church Rectory, N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Huntington:-- I have yours of the 13th inst. Remember that I cannot say positively that I will come. If the President comes I will do my best also to be present. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 14th, 1900. George W. Smalley, Esq., The Renaissance, #2 W. 43rd St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Smalley:-- I have yours of the 13th inst and am delighted that you can come. I shall expect you Tuesday. If possible come up by the Empire State Express so that I may let you see the legis- lature. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt362 March 14th, 1900. Douglas Robinson, Esq., #55 Liberty St., N.Y. City. Dear Douglas:-- I inclose the signed certificate; and yet to think that I am actually trying to put through the anti-policy bill! Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Inclosure. March 13,1900 Miss Lilian J. Vail, Superintendent Nurses, Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital, 103 Park Avenue, New York City. Dear Madam:-- Miss Cameron nursed my wife in dangerous illness. She was entirely satisfactory. I endorse her heartily. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt363 March 14th, 1900. Col. H. H. Treadwell, C/o Tiffany & Co., Union Sq., N.Y. City. My dear Colonel:-- I wish I could have spoken to you more definitely today. I had hoped to be present to review the Military Athletic League on the 26th inst. As it now seems likely that that will be the last week of the legislative session, it may be simply impossible for me to attend. I wish you would explain to Col. Luscomb, and to Major Wilson, the latter of whom has just sent me an invitation for the Annual Tournament dinner at the Waldorf on Sunday evening the 25th inst. I could not attend both in any event. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 14th, 1900. Mr. G. L. Heins, State Architect, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Heins:-- Next Tuesday night I am going to have Mr. George W. Smalley, the correspondent of the London Times, at dinner. There will be but three of four Senators and it will be purely what might be called a private official dinner. The hour will be 7.30. Can you not come? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt364 March 14th, 1900. Darling Bye:-- A doctor, a young Yale fellow, who was very much interested in the last war, has called upon me about that nurses' bill. He says the Surgeon General and Nita Magee are fighting it tooth and nail, but that it is a good bill. I will trust to you as the keeper of my conscience about that bill and will take whatever attitude you indicate. Tell Will. that I see the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Senate have come to my way of thinking on the Nicaragua Canal treaty. What a splendid speech Cabot made on the Philippine question! It was awfully good of you and Will. to go down and see Edith on her way through. I have heard from her on board the steamer. John McIlhenny has joined her. Meanwhile I am taking care of the children. I am reading them Hereward the Wake every evening for about an hour, unless I take fifteen minutes off for a preliminary romp with Kermit, Ethel and Archie-- Ted now being too dignified to "play bear"-- They are really very cunning. I am immersed in my usual parochial troubles. Really down at bottom getting good government is more dependent upon doing the work I am doing now and what I was doing in the Police Department than upon doing the things such as being in the Navy Department which really intensely interested me. But though this work is of vital importance and interests me immensely when I am in it, it is nothing about which one can call upon outside sympathy, for in its essence it consists of nothing but an endless variety of obscure and involved365 Mrs. W. S. C. 2. volved presentations of what ought to be the entirely simple problem of securing upright and efficient administration in connection with the ordinary hum drum governmental functions. However, just at present it looks as though I should get about what I wanted; but we are not out of the woods by any means. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. W. S. Cowles, #1733 E. St., Washington, D.C.366 March 14th, 1900. Mrs. Mary Hatch Willard, Chairman, Rooms 1317-18, #320 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mrs. Willard:-- I have just received your request and in the absence of Mrs. Roosevelt answer. I know she has the very heartiest sympathy with the purposes of your League. She is, however, engaged in so many matters that neither her purse nor her time is available for any other cause. Under the circumstances, dont [sic] you think you had better get some other honorary chairman? If you still think that her name would be of service, then I shall take the responsibility of authorizing its use, with the distinct understanding that she cannot do more than to permit its use. I only wish it were in my power to give you more substantial aid. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt367 March 14th, 1900. James MacNaughton, Esq., #1 West 30th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. MacNaughton:-- I thank you heartily for your letter of the 12th inst. You are in error about the single headed commission bill. Whatever may have been said to you I happened to know from first hand up here that I could not get the Tammany support and that I should have had but about a dozen or less of the republican members of the Senate. I have had a hard enough fight to confirm the new board, although I now see daylight and believe I shall undoubtedly get them confirmed, having at last secured the necessary number of democratic votes to more than offset republican disaffection. As soon as I get 26 votes sure I shall get others in abundance. If Austin Wadsworth will take hold of the matter we can have everything done that is possible in the forestry [matter] concerns. Of course, the first thing that he will find is the limitations under which he works and the impossibility of accomplishing what ought to be accomplished under the present system; but he will accomplish something, and when the next legislature meets we will have the report of a really capable commission as to our needs in forestry matters, and this report will give us something tangible to go on. I am very much obliged to you for the part you have taken in the work. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt368 March 14th, 1900. Dr. P. M. Wise, #1 Madison Ave., N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 18th inst with inclosed clipping. I regret that in your communication to the Post you did not state exactly what the letter of January 9th from Mr. Osborn said. It seems [is] by no means as strongly put as you phrase it, and you have conveyed an erroneous impression by what you have written. This letter stated that two of the members of the Commission saw no objection to the reappointment of Dr. Backus, and then it stated in a postscript that since writing it matters had come to the Commission's [your] attention which made it [you] feel that the appointment should be held up for the present. If you thought it worth while to write to the Post at all it is to be regretted that you did not state the exact facts. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt369 March 14th, 1900. W. Emlen Roosevelt, Esq., #33 Wall St., N.Y. City. Dear Emlen:-- I have yours of the 13th inst. When I was in the Police Department and a member of the Health Board I took part in presenting several medals to the members of the Volunteer Life Saving Corps and at that time it seemed to me a very good thing. I do not know anything about it since, and am rather disturbed by what you say about it. Will you let me know if you find out anything against it? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt370 March 14th, 1900. Dear Cabot:-- You and Davis did yourselves proud on the Nicaragua canal treaty. Give that good Minnesota gentleman my love. You probably saw that I too some interest in the treaty in its original form. Just at the moment I seem to have things rather my way here. I finally got the Organization all straight on the Ramapo business, but it took blood to do it, and of course I have some of the extremely irreconcilable fellows on the other side to reckon with yet. I have heard two or three times from Edith, but she has not reached Havana yet. Meanwhile I am combining the functions of a statesman with those of a mother in Israel. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. H. C. Lodge, Senate Chamber, Washington, D.C.371 March 14th, 1900. Hon. Whitelaw Reid, The Tribune, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Reid:-- Just a line to say what an admirable address I think you made before the Massachusetts Club. It seems to me that you have treated the matter in the best possible shape. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt372 March 14th, 1900. Captain J. W. Miller, Naval Battalion, Ft. W. 23rd St., N.Y. City. My dear Captain:-- I have been doing everything I could for the armory. I have not been able to accomplish what I had hoped. The trouble is that so much is asked for that I simply found it impossible to get through at least six or eight of the matters in which I was specially interested. I cannot even get from Mr. Allds a ten thousand dollar appropriation for the Tenement House Commission, and that will give you some idea of the difficulties I have to contend with when I try for a substantial appropriation. You have doubtless seen the fight I have to make on Ramapo and kindred matters, and even here it has been all I can do to accomplish results. I am awfully sorry. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt373 March 14th, 1900. George L. Weeks, Esq., Department of Public Buildings, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Weeks:-- I cannot tell you how much pleased I am with the really wonderful sloop you have sent. The Olympia is a perfect marvel. I grudge giving her to the boys. I thank you for it most heartily, and appreciate all the more its coming from a fellow Long Islander. You must not be put to any expense in the matter. Let me know what expense you have been to. Your work and your time is enough and you have made me your debtor by that alone. Believe me, with renewed thanks, Very faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt374 March 14th, 1900. Mr. Wm. F. King, Merchants Asso', N.Y. City. My dear Mr. King:-- I have gone all over that Morgan bill business with those of the Committee who were up. I think they can tell you about it. The Ramapo people have done their best for some time to get me to take up the Morgan bill with an idea of beating the Fallows bill. Of the two the Fallows bill is at this time the most important, for the Morgan bill does not and would not stop the contract at all, and the vital thing is to stop that contract until we can get proper legislation through. I have tried my best to get the Morgan bill through and I have been utterly unable to unless I would agree to substitute it for the Fallows bill, in which case I would have had the support of all the Ramapo jobbers. This, of course, I would not do. Mr. Dresser can give you full particulars in the matter. You understand, of course, that I am backing up the Morgan bill most gladly and have done so again and again though it is not in good state. The men closest to me in my party will back it up in the future as they have backed it up in the past; but the opposition to it is entirely honest, whereas the effort to substitute it for the Fallows bill has been simply a trick of the men interested in the Ramapo Company and its success. I hope we can get the Morgan bill through but I am doubtful about it and it is not in any way as important to pass it as it is to pass the Fallows bill. It ought simply to be amended to apply to the particular district; there should not be a roving commission to go over the [?] Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt375 March 14th, 1900. Mr. Geo. Bird Grinnell, #346 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Grinnell:-- Today I found the issue of your paper of March 10th being actively circulated by the men who are here in the interest of the lumber lobby and cold storage lobby to defeat my nominees for the Forest, Fish & Game Commission, the argument being that as the men interested in forest, fish and game preservation cared so little for the new nominees, and as every political and financial interest was enlisted against them, there was no possible object in making the change. Of course, every man appointed had political backing. It has been a two weeks' doubtful fight to get them confirmed, do what I could, and to appoint them without reference to political backing would have been simply silly. If Senator Humphrey had not been willing to champion Austin Wadsworth as a republican in good standing he could not have been nominated. Middleton and Wood, for instance, were nominated no more and no less for political reasons than Austin. Austin was a candidate for political office against Senator Humphrey and was turned down by the nominating convention. Delos Mackey was vouched for by various members of the State Game & Fish Protective League, and from the Catskill region he was the only man I could find among the men who could get any political backing, who seemed really to take an interest in the subject. Percy Lansdowne is not an old man, but among the young men he is probably as good a man as we could find. The Buffalo Society of Natural Science, The Erie County Game & Fish Protective Association (whose Secretary376 2. he is) and the Buffalo Audubon Club, all joined in recommending him. Wood has been the counsel for the Jamaica oystermen and knows the oyster business well, and his passion has been the woods, he having for years spent all his vacations camping in the Adirondacks and having made a study of forest preservation, water supply and the like. Middleton is a republican politician of Watertown just exactly as I am a republican politician of Oyster Bay, and as every man worth his salt ought to be a politician. He is not President of the Black River Water Power Company; and not excepting Austin Wadsworth, he is I think the best man on the Commission, as any one who knows any thing of Watertown and its people can tell you. He is devoted to the forests and is giving up a more lucrative position because of his interest in this. I have always found that I was more apt to get good public servants out of politicians-- men who had been active in politics-- than out of any one else, and Middleton is the type of politician who is especially apt to do well, for I can depend absolutely upon his integrity and efficiency. The chief difficulty I have had as regards confirmation has been with Austin Wadsworth. The quail incident referred to is this: It was in the open season for quail, but by one of our noxious special laws Livingston County had been exempted from the operations of the act. Austin knew nothing of this special law and knew that it was the open season, and accepted an invitation to shoot on the private game preserve of a friend who had imported quail in crates from the outside. He had no conception that he had violated the law until he was down in Florida and received notice that the charge had been brought against him.377 3. I chose the men the way I did because my business was to improve the Commission-- not to issue a manifesto about them. As I said before, I am having the utmost difficulty in getting the men confirmed at all. To have chosen them without reference to political considerations would have been an amusing, or in other words, a ridiculous, and a wholly useless piece of gymnastics. There was not the slightest popular demand one way or the other about this Commission, and no effective popular feeling one way or the other about the forests or the preservation of fish and game, save that there is a real pressure on behalf of the lumber and cold storage people &c. Every politician in the State, even including men like Lucius Littauer and the like endeavored to get me to keep the old Commission, saying (quite rightly) that I would offend many people and interests by making the change, and that the very few people who were interested in the betterment of conditions knew too little of the facts and of what could and could not be done, to appreciate any possible change. However, I decided I was going to make the change anyhow, and the new Commission if it is confirmed will be far and away the best Commission New York has ever had, and the very best which it was possible under actual conditions to get. I think I will get it confirmed, though every [?] argument, from your [?] down, had been appealed to by the wood pulp men, cold storage men, and others who wish the old Commission [?], and who has taken the trouble -- as they alas say, do take the trouble -- to find out the real facts about the new Commissioners. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt378 March 15th, 1900. Messrs Jones & Govin, #45 Cedar St., N.Y. City. Gentlemen:-- Replying to yours of the 14th inst, I am sorry to say I have no recollection whatever of witnessing such an occurrence as that to which you refer. I believe I was in Albany at the time. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Mr. F. C. Travers, #16 Thomas St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Travers:-- I thank you heartily for sending me the Major's letter which I return herewith, and I thank you doubly for the suggestion about him. I was particularly pleased to have the chance of meeting both him and Mr. MacMahon the other night at the dinner. With renewed thanks, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt379 March 15th, 1900. Genl. H. C. Corbin, Adjutant General, War Dept., Washington, D.C. My dear General:-- Will you have some one look through the attached letter from an old trooper of mine, and see whether or not the man is entitled to a prompt discharge as he requests, and then return his letter to me? Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Captain W. Atwood French, 366 Greene Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear Captain French:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 28th ult with inclosures which I return. I am sorry to say I do not know the details as to who took charge of the wounded or to what hospital they were sent. They were in various field hospitals. I saw doctors and also some nurses whom I think were Red Cross nurses in attendance upon the wounded when I visited them. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt380 March 15th, 1900. Mr. Jesse D. Langdon, Ward 12, General Hospital, Presidio, California. My dear Mr. Langdon:-- I have received your letter and will see what I can do for you. I do not know whether the War Department will pay any heed to my request, but I will try. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Mr. Clarence A. Fleming, Dougherty, I. T. My dear Mr. Fleming:-- I have yours of the 10th inst. I am sorry to say there is no way whatever I can help you. I have not the slightest idea how you could get to the Philippines, but I know I cannot get you free transportation there for any purpose, for I have tried and failed in other cases. I do not believe they would enlist you for so short a time. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt381 March 15th, 1900. Hon. James R. Sheffield, 120 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Sheffield:-- I thank you for yours of the 14th inst. I got a copy of that poem. It proves to be over a year old and written in such a loose style that I do not think any libel could be made out of it. The charge is in effect that to gratify Platt and Tracy I paid five times the worth of the Merrimac. The whole poem is really such utter drivel that I think it would be paying it an unwarranted compliment to rake it up now. I am awfully obliged to you for your kindness. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Dr. Newton M. Shaffer, #28 E. 38th St., N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Shaffer:-- I have yours of the 13th inst. Mr. Odell and I have been doing everything possible for that bill and I think we shall get it through, though unfortunately the bulk of the profession is against it, and there were one or two features of the bill that had to be struck out. By all means go away for your holiday. We can arrange matters all right. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt382 March 15th, 1900. Hon. B. B. Odell, JR., Chairman, Fifth Ave Hotel, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Odell:-- I have your two favors of the 13th inst. In reference to the recommendation of ex-Senator Lexow that J. DuPratt White be appointed one of the Palisades Commission, would say that as soon as the bill comes before me I will look into those appointments and I have no doubt I will be able to meet Senator Lexow's desires. In reference to the Senator's suggestion of George H. Roberts Jr. and David S. Stewart for members of the State Board of Charities, I am sorry to say there will be no vacancies on that board until next year. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Mr. C. Grant LaFarge, 17 Beekman St., N.Y. City. Dear Grant:-- I have yours of the 14th inst returning the O'Neil and VanDuzer letters and inclosing Mr. Martin's letter which I send you back herewith. Have you sent me the copy of Osborn's letter I telegraphed you for yesterday? I wish to use it and the original has been mis- laid for the time being. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt383 March 15th, 1900. Hon. John Raines, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Will you not give me the pleasure of dining with me on Wednesday next, the 21st inst, at half past seven oclock at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Hon. Hobart Krum, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Will you not give me the pleasure of dining with me on Wednesday next, the 21st inst, at half past seven oclock at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt384 March 15th, 1900. Hon. J. P. Allds, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Allds:-- Will you not give me the pleasure of dining with me on Wednesday next the 21st inst at half past seven oclock at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Hon. S. F. Nixon, Speaker, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Speaker:-- Will you not give me the pleasure of dining with me on Wednesday next the 21st inst at half past seven oclock at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt385 March 15th, 1900. Hon. T. E. Ellsworth, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Will you not give me the pleasure of dining with me on Wednesday next the 21st inst at half past seven oclock at the Executive Mansion? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Hon. Thomas F. Grady, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Will you give me the pleasure of dining with me on Tuesday next the 20th inst at half past seven oclock at the Executive Mansion, to meet Mr. George W. Smalley, the American Correspondent of the London Times? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt386 March 15th, 1900. Hon. Alton B. Parker, Chief Judge, Court of Appeals, Albany, N.Y. My dear Judge:-- Will you give me the pleasure of dining with me on Tuesday next the 20th inst at half past seven oclock at the Executive mansion, to meet Mr. George W. Smalley, the American Correspondent of the London Times? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Hon. Edgar M. Cullen, Court of Appeals, Albany, N.Y. My dear Judge:-- Will you give me the pleasure of dining with me on Tuesday next the 20th inst at half past seven oclock at the Executive Mansion, to meet Mr. George W. Smalley, the American Correspondent of the London Times? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt387 March 15th, 1900. Hon. Lester H. Humphrey, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Will you give me the pleasure of dining with me on Tuesday next at half past seven oclock at the Executive Mansion, to meet Mr. George W. Smalley, the American correspondent of the London Times? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Col. Arthur H. Lee, British Embassy, Eashington, D.C. My dear Lee:-- I return herewith Mr. Lowther's letter and send you one from Geo. Bird Grinnell. The copies of the Forest & Stream he sent me I forward to you under a separate cover. I would have sent the above direct to Mr. Lowther but he gave no address on his letter. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt388 March 15th, 1900. Hon. John W. Goff, Recorder, N.Y. City. My dear Recorder Goff:-- Is it proper for me to ask what the rights are in the case of a Mrs. Keeler, the wife of a lawyer, who has an action involving an award of alimony before you? I have been written to, to know what the facts of the case are. I know nothing about her except it is claimed the woman has suffered great hardship and that the husband is about to go abroad to escape the payment of the amount awarded to her, pending the delay of the certification of the papers from the Corporation Counsel's office to you. I do not know whether the case is in such shape that you are at liberty to say anything about the matter or not. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 389 PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL. March 15th, 1900. Mr. Harry Lincoln, #1001 Stevenson Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind. My dear Mr. Lincoln:-- I have your letter of the 18th inst and am really very much touched at your interest in me, but I think you altogether exaggerate the feeling about me. I am having a hard enough struggle to keep things straight here in New York. I will not take the vice presidency for I do not think it offers sufficient opportunity for work. If things go right I should like to be Governor once more and try to carry out the policies I have inaugurated. And because my hands are full in fighting for those policies here where I do have weight, I have avoid commenting upon outside matters even where I have very strong convictions, for while I could do me good for them, I would really harm my influence here where I can do good. For instance, one measure I should like to see adopted is a perfectly modest bill to mark the beginning of the publicity remedy for the trusts. I have been utterly unable to get it passed this winter, because the professional anti-trust howlers really do not care for any practical measure and instead advocate measures that would either be absurd or disastrous. On the other hand, the big corporations that would be affected recognize in such a measure as I am advocating the real danger; whereas they are perfectly willing to let the ordinary populist or anti-trust bill go through, as it would be inoperative, they strenuously oppose even an initial effort for genuine reform such as I have been advocating. I guess I have enough to do with jest the Governorship!390 a. With many thanks, I am, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 391 March 15th, 1900. Hon. Justin McCarthy, Ashleydene, Roxburgh Road, Westgate on Sea, Kent, England. My dear Mr. McCarthy:-- I have your letter of March 6th and you are very kind to write me. Of course, I was struck at once by your nephew's name and I took a great fancy to him. By the way, one of his friends, also a correspondent here, Lawrence Grahame is a descendant of Montrose. I shall send you a copy of my Cromwell as soon as it comes out which will be in June. Indeed I am under great obligations to you. I have always been very fond of your books. It has always amused me to have people fighting over the relative merits of Freeman and Froude. I have admired Froude; but after all it is an absolute disqualification for a [the] historian when it is once settled beyond doubt that he deliberately perverts the truth. As regards Freeman, next to truth telling, the essential attribute of a book is that one shall be able to read it; otherwise it might as well be written in cuniform [sic]. Now you are both influential and interesting. While your books are in the first place very interesting, they are, in the next place, written with such studied and evident impartiality as to be a lesson to any young writer. In anything I have had to say officially, whether in making a report of a fight by my regiment, or here as Governor, you may be amused to know that I have always kept in mind that sentence of your's [sic], in which you, with entire good nature, but plainly, pointed out the ridiculous effect produced by Seward's inflated language as to Union victories and the like in his official communications with United States representatives392 a. abroad. With great regard, believe me, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 393 March 15th, 1900. Hon. John E. Redmond, M. P., Dublin, Ireland. My dear Mr. Redmond:-- Thank you very much for the shamrock which I shall wear at the dinner of the Sons of St.Patrick at the Albany Club the day after tomorrow. I have been busily reading the book you sent me. It is more than interesting, not only in itself, but in view of present political conditions. You have conferred a real favor upon me by sending it. Be sure to let me know if ever you come on this side again. By the way, let me congratulate you upon your leadership of the United Irish Party. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt394 March 15th, 1900. Honorable Daniel Tallon, Lord Mayor, Dublin, Ireland. My dear Mayor Tallon:-- I thank you very much for the shamrock which has come just time for St.Patrick's day, and which I shall wear the day after tomorrow at the dinner of the Sons of St.Patrick at the Albany Club. I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt395 March 15th, 1900. Mr. Mark O. Shriver, Baltimore, Md. My dear sir:-- I am in receipt of your mem. of the 14th inst on letter of Wm. H. Pope and also inclosing letter from Genl. Johnson to Mr. Pope which I return herewith. I do not quite understand what it is you want me to do. Will you please explain? Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 15th, 1900. Genl. Bradley T. Johnson, Amelia Court House, Virginia. My dear General:-- I want to thank you very warmly for the article that appeared in the Baltimore Sun. I deeply appreciate it. By the way, I thought you might possibly care for a photograph of the six children, which I have accordingly this day sent you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt396 March 16th, 1900. Mr. Arthur L. Robertson, No. 11 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Robertson:-- Replying to yours of the 15th inst I am sorry to say I am pledged many deep for any commission I could get, and moreover I could not get a commission at all. I have tried in vain. With regret, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March, 16th, 1900. Mr. B. R. Corwin, Supt. of Agencies, 1 Madison Ave., N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 14th inst, would say that you have my permission to use the letter among your agents, but not in any sense as an advertisement. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt397 March, 16th, 1900. Hon. George E. Green, Binghamton, N.Y. My dear Mayor:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 15th inst in referance to the dinner of the Young Men's Republican Club of Broome County. I earnestly wish I could accept their very kind invitation, but I have got more on my hands now than I can attend to, and I cannot go into anything else, much though I should like to go to Binghamton where I have always been received so cordially. I had promised the West Side Republican Club a year ago, but I found it very difficult to keep my promise. With real regret that I cannot write you more favorably, and warm personal regards, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt398 March 16th, 1900. Messrs G. P. Putnam Sons, 27 W. 23rd St., N.Y. City. Gentlemen:-- Will you get for me the London Field for February 17th 1900 and February 24th 1900, and oblige, Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 16th, 1900. John Proctor Clarke, Esq., #29 Bway, N.Y. City. Dear John:-- I have yours of the 15th inst. All right. I wish I could get that bill passed. I do not know whether I can or not. As for Judge Scott, I think just as highly of him as you do, but I do not want to declare myself definitely as yet. I will consult the judges before finally acting. though I will not necessarily do what they say. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt399 March 16th,1900. L. F. Fish, Esq., Fultonville, N.Y. My dear Mr. Fish:-- I have yours of the 15th inst in reference to the case of Tecarus Brookman, and would say that unless I knew some-thing of the case it would be useless for me to write. I do not believe the War Department will pay any heed to a letter any how, but I know that they wont unless there is a good reason of some kind given. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 16th, 1900. Mr. Joseph H. Proctor, 1906 South 10th St., Omaha, Neb. My dear Mr. Proctor:-- I thank you heartily. Give my warm regards to Mrs. Proctor. I send you a photograph for my small namesake. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt400 March 16th, 1900. Hon. John W. Keller, Commissioner of Charities, Ft. E. 26th St., N.Y City. My dear Mr. Keller:-- I thank you for yours of the 15th in reference to young Hackett. I very much appreciate your kindness. I receive countless letters of the same type as that to which you refer and I ordinarily pay no heed to them whatever, although every now and then an appeal will be made to me which seems to me to have some subsyance in it, and then I forward it if I can. I thank you cordially. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 16th, 1900. Morris K. Jesup, Esq., President, Am. Museum Nat. History, Central Park, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Jesup:-- I have yours of the 15th inst and of course will sign the bill to which you refer at once. But by the way, the only opposition I have had to it was on the ground that the Superintendent of the Museum gave Senator Plunkitt the control of the appointments. I told my informant that I was sure this was not so, and that I should like any facts if he could produce them. I have no idea, however, that he can produce them.401 March 16th, 1900. Alfred L. M. Bullowa, Esq., #31 Nassan St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Bullowa:-- I thank you heartily for your kind letter of the 15th inst and wish I could accept but it is a simple impossibility. I cannot make another engagement now of any kind or sort. The legislature is in its closing days and all during the month of April I shall be busy with the thirty day bills. Believe me I am awfully sorry for I should much like to come to that dinner. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 16th, 1900. J. Bayard Backus, Esq., Room 2., 120 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr.Backus:-- It is very good of you to have sent the chart. In view of Mrs. Roosevelt's descent from William the Conquerer as shown by this chart, I think I shall have to enter into an agreement that my own plebian origin must not be thrown up against me. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt402 March 16th, 1900. Mr. Chester Addison Jayne, 214 Macon St., Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 14th inst, I am a great believer in boxing, but I would not venture to make any suggestion as to what can be done in your school. That ought to be for the Superintendent to say. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 16th, 1900. Rev. Lyman Abbott, #287 Fourth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Abbott:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 15th inst. The situation looks to me exactly as you put it. I only hesitate to express myself because I really have not had the time to go over the matter with my multitude of engagements here. I have had an awful fight over the Ramapo business, but have won out finally. Faithfully yours,403 March 16th, 1900. Jacob A. Riis, Esq., #301 Mulberry St., N.Y. City. Dear Jake:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 14th inst and will have the case of Samuels looked into at once. By the way, that photo mentioned in your letter of the 12th inst has not as yet com to hand. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 16th, 1900. Dear Cabot:-- I send you herewith a letter from Rev. Dr. Lyman Abbott. On this Porto Rico question I am bound to say that the chief sentiment seems to be much the way Dr. Abbott puts it. I have not answered him because I shall keep out of the matter until I know more about it; and not go in there unless you say so! Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon H. C. Lodge, Senate Chamber, Washington, D.C.404 March 16th, 1900. Hon. W. V. Sullivan, Senate chamber, Washington, D.C. My dear Senator:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 15th inst. The legislature here is nearing its end, and I regret to say it is a physical impossibility for me to promise to be in New York on any given evening until the end comes. I do not know whether I can get away. Any time you hold the banquet I shall do my best to be present, and if General Wheeler will honor me by being my guest at the Executive Mansion here in Albany I shall be more than flattered. But it would be idle for me to try to appoint an evening when I can be in New York City, because I cannot be sure that I can get away from Albany on that evening. Where is the General and how can I write to him? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt405 March 15th, 1900. CONFIDENTIAL. Hon. Wm. Church Osborn, #71 Bway, N.Y. City. Dear Will:-- I have just seen your letter in last Saturday's Evening Post, and I want to thank you very much for it. I most warmly appreciate your having written it. By the way, now that the incident is over, (the course of the Board has made me heartily glad that I did not reappoint Backus, and I only wish I had had the chance to refuse to reappoint all of his colleagues), I send you a copy of your letter. It was of course entirely my fault for not having a full understanding in the matter, but I had an enormous amount of work on hand at the time-- matters of infinitely more importance than this,-- and you will notice in your letter that the expression is merely, there is no objection to the reappointment of Dr. Backus, and in the postscript you stated that since writing it facts had come to your knowledge which made you recommend me to hold up the appointment for the time being. When Parkhurst came along he either failed to make it clear, or I failed to understand, that he was speaking purely for himself, and I jumped to the conclusion that the facts he told me were those you spoke of as having come up since you had written stating that there was no objection to Mr. Backus's reappointment. Hearing nothing more from Dr. Wise or yourself I supposed that it was meant at any rate that you did not feel that you cared to take any side for or against the reappointment, while Parkhurst was strongly against it, and I made the change, being also influenced partly by the assurance given that I could not have Backus confirmed. As I say, I should have gone more carefully into the matter, but my work was so pressing at the time that it was almost impossible to go into it. Again thanking you, I am, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt406 March 16th, 1900. Mr. Karl Beunz, Imperial German Consul General, P. O. Box 658, N.Y. City. Sir:-- I very deeply appreciate the two really splendid volumes which you have sent me in reference to the opening of the Dortmund- Ems Canal. This is of peculiar interest to me just at the present time. I trust you will accept my heartiest thanks for your kindness. With assurances of my distinguished consideration, believe me, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 16th, 1900. Col. Wm. A. Gavett, New Hotel Duval, Jacksonville, Fla. My dear Colonel:-- I thank you for your letter of the 11th inst and note what you say in reference to Judge Lee. I shall be very glad to see him at Philadelphia, particularly as you say he is a fellow Harvard man. With warm regards, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt407 March 16th, 1900. Dear Frank:-- I want to say in all sincerity that yours is far and away the best statement of the boss question that I have seen. Indeed I think it is the first thoroughly adequate though brief explanation of the boss system. The article is of permanent value. I like it just as I like Lawrence's studies of representative government in continental Europe. The part about Carl Schurz is admirable; infinitely better not only that I could have put it, but than I could have formulated it to myself. Again, you have formulated better than I could have done, my exact reason for trying to work with Platt, to better governmental conditions, instead of abandoning all attempt to work a practical betterment and confining myself simply to fighting a boss-- that is, a master of the machine; with the absolute certainty that either I would put in his place a democratic boss, or what was very much less probable, succeed in replacing him by some master of the machine of my own. The only criticism I should make is that I do not think the last couple of pages-- the conclusion-- quite as strong as what went before. Civil Service Reform will do a great deal, but by no means everything. The trouble really is fundamental, that in the character of the electorate. The boss does not develop in a community thoroughly fit for self government, because in such a community the relative importance of political machinery is not very great. As you have well pointed out, there are corrupt bosses, and corrupt politicians who are not bosses. There are a half a dozen counties in New York, overwhelmingly republican, counties made up of country408 F. C. L. 2. and small towns which politically are more like Massachusetts than, for instance, like any county along the lower Hudson River. I allude to such counties as St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Franklin, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Alleghany. I have seen plenty of corruption in [from] these counties or among their representatives; but the boss system is very imperfectly developed among them. They do not at all adopt the metropolitan Goo-Goo attitude. They are quite apt to be friendly with Platt. But his influence depends upon the bulk of the voters, from prejudice, or reason, or any other cause, believing in him; for the actual machinery plays but a very small part in the control of the county. For instance, when this winter I made my fight against Lou Payn, every one of these counties stood by me at once, and their Senators and Assemblymen had to take the stand with me immediately wholly, without regard to what Platt said; and this though one or two of the representatives from them are really bad men as far as they dare to be, or are men whom both Platt and I distrust where big financial interests are involved. In these counties there really cannot be a boss in the sense that Croker is a boss, or that Platt is a boss of the republican organization as a whole, because in these counties the people really are entirely fit for self-government. In England I believe that the boss system has not developed partly for the reason that you point out, viz: that the men who go into politics are normally men of great wealth, and who are therefore independent; exactly as I have had Tammany men tell me that Hewitt could be independent because he occupied a "free" district, ? that is because he paid for his409 F. C. L. 3. [district], and the local organization regarded accounts as squared when they got the twenty or thirty or thousand dollars or whatever it was, and left him entire liberty of action. But there is one other cause. Political activity is largely a matter of habit and partly of tradition. In England the upper and middle classes are the only ones that have the political habit. The lower classes have not gotten accustomed to exercise their privileges under universal suffrage in any way as ours do. Little attempt has as yet been made to exploit them. The government is still in a sense really aristocratic. In consequence it is managed as the government is in our genuine democracies, as they exist in certain States and in certain counties of other States; and utterly unlike the way it is managed in our big cities, and in our States of the type of Pennsylvania and New York as a whole. In New York City the great trouble is fundamentally with the sodden misery and ignorance of an immense portion of the population, joined with the fact that their local leaders have the political habit and have thoroughly learned how to exploit them. That creates [over] ideal conditions for the excessive relative development of the importance of the machine, and therefore of the importance of the man who manages it. On the other hand, we have ever a large body of men whose interest is so spasmodic, or who take so little part in the practical work of politics, that they in their turn have completely lost the political habit. These range all the way from the man who goes quail shooting on election day to the Jack Chapman type, whose chief political characteristics are morbid vanity and unreasoning incapacity to see political problems straight. These people, unlike the others, do not themselves give bad government, but they procure its being given.410 F. C. L. 4. In short, the conditions that make the boss system perfect in New York City & in Pennsylvania, and almost perfect in New York State, are fundamentally the characteristics of the voters. I think these characteristics can be changed, but they can only be changed slowly. When the bulk of the voters are such as they are in Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine, there will be no boss. On the other hand, in New York City and in New York State the boss will be normal until the present conditions alter. In New York City I fear we can only keep the[m] boss in order by the perpetual threat, and occasional perfromance [sic], of revolution-- that is, of an insurrection of virtue, when for the moment we are able to unite all the discordant anti- Tammany elements. In New York State, at least in the republican party, the power of the boss is much less, but is still very formidable, and there the only healthy and permanent reform is precisely the reform I am trying to introduce; that is, accepting the boss as powerful, but not as all-powerful; [or] not going into destroying the [qua] boss, which is quite pointless, but [of] making him understand that no wrong doing, not even the slightest, will be tolerated. Of course, if this line of conduct could only be persisted in, it would mean that the boss would atrophy. I am much more powerful relative to the boss now than I was even a year ago, because in the republican party under my administration the relative importance of the machine is less that it was a year ago, as independent men are being educated by degrees to a knowledge of their rights and powers; so that I have a much larger body of effortless public opinion on my side. I do not know that this will continue. Very possibly-- in fact, in all human probability, and there will be a big set-back, but411 F. C. L. 5. I do know that I have been working along the right lines. I am so glad that Mrs. Lowell is better. Give her my warm regards. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt To Judge Francis C. Lowell, 111 P. O. Bldg., Boston, Mass. P.S. How I wish you were in this state! Let me in closing say again how much I admire your ???; it is so ????, so ?????, ??? and deep and clear? ?????? with ???? conditions.412 March 16th, 1900. H. L. Nelson, Esq. , New Rochelle, N.Y. My dear Mr. Nelson:-- I am in receipt of your note of the 13th inst with inclosure which I return herewith. I have been greatly interested and pleased with your article-- all the more so because it represents your own point of view and not mine. I have a couple of minor suggestions to make. As a preliminary, I am sorry you should couple Chapman and myself together even for purposes of contrast. I am perfectly willing to be coupled with a man in my class, but not with a man below it or above me For instance, in military matters, I am perfectly willing to be compared with any other Colonel of a regiment, especially any colonel of a volunteer regiment, whether in the British army or otherwise, but I should be the first to say that it was ridiculous to compare me in any way with Buller or Roberts, no matter how good they are or how bad, because they are in a different class. Now, I could be legitimately compared with Billy Russell or Cabot Lodge, or Wilson of West Virginia or David B. Hill-- but not with Chapman or Erving Winslow. It is all right to compare me with Grover Cleveland as Governor-- with Cleveland up to the time that he was president; but not with Cleveland during the 12 years that he was the central figure in the nation. However, this is to one side. The two trivial points that I would mention are; first, I rather wish you would not use the word "fool"reformer. I am delighted to use that in conversation with you where I can make all the qualifications and explain to whom I mean to apply it; but if used in public I have found that entirely good men to whom I do not mean to apply the term think413 H.L.N. 2. that I do mean to apply it to them and feel hurt in consequence; so I would prefer that you do not use it as from me. I believe in the reformer with all my heart; I think we can do nothing without him; but I believe in the sane reformer-- in the man who does the kind of work that you have been doing. Second, About strike bills. There is one form of strike bill which has still been in use although to a very small extent. I can stop any bad legislation and I have been able to put through some very good legislation against most powerful corrupt influences-- notably in the case of the franchise tax bill and this Ramapo matter; but there has been some strike legislation aimed at existent abuses in corporations which are either not very prominent or are mixed with good. A bill, for instance, will be introduced hitting something which is probably rather bad but not scandalous in the public eye, and the existence of which is important to a particular moneyed interest. There is no great popular feeling on behalf of the bill, and on the other hand I would probably sign it if it was passed. Therefore money can be extorted as the price of not putting it through I do not think this has often been done, but I think it has some-times been done. I have greatly enjoyed your article, and I enjoyed even more having you up here. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt414 March 26th, 1900. Hon. B. B. Odell, Jr., Chairman, Fifth Avenue Hotel, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Odell:-- There is the greatest possible outcry against that mortgage tax bill. I doubt if it would be a popular bill even as originally introduced; but in ????? the information that I have received on all sides convinces me that it ought not to be passed with the amendment exempting mortgages below four per cent. The impression is I fear ineradicable that this amendment was put in merely to favor certain wealthy people, and we should meet it on every hand on the stump. Moreover, it does not seem to be to be just. I be-lieve this is the general feeling. What about the Pure Beer bill that they are fighting over in the Senate? I never heard of it until today. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt415 March 17th, 1900. R. U. Johnson, Esq., The Century Co., Union Sq., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Johnson:-- Do not forget that I want to see the galley proofs of my article on Latitude and Longitude in Reform. I have a quotation from MacCauley which I particularly wish to insert. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 17th, 1900. Hon. William D. Washburn, Minneapolis, Minn. My dear Senator:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 14th inst and wish it were possible for me to accept to invitation to the banquet of your Board of Trade, but it is absolutely out of the question. In the middle of July I am to speak at the League of Republican Clubs at Minneapolis and I cannot get out there before that time. I cordially take your view of the Porto Rico tariff business, but I not wish to say anything about it in public, for I have enough to do in managing my own affairs here in New York without mingling with anything that is outside. With warm regards, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 416 March 17th, 1900. Mr. Frederick A. Davis, 93 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, N.Y. My dear Mr. Davis:-- It will be a great pleasure to see you. Hand this card at the door to procure your admission to me at once. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 17th, 1900. Hon. William H. Taft, U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Cincinnati, Ohio. My dear Will:-- I have yours of the 15th inst and am deeply concerned to hear of the sickness of your baby boy. I know exactly how Mrs. Taft and you feel. I earnestly hope that by this time everything is all right. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt417 March 17th, 1900. Hon. Robert J. Gamble, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Gamble:-- I wish it were possible to accept the invitation of Mr. Burke and yourself to attend your State Convention, but it is simply out of the question. You know I pretty nearly feel myself a citizen of South Dakota, and I know all about the two regiments you raised in the last war. I feel in touch with you in every way and I should particular like to be present, but I simply cannot accept, having in view the other engagements to which I am already pledged. It is hard enough work being Governor of New York, and when my outside labors are added to as they have been recently, I find myself absolutely unable to accept even the most attractive invitation. I am awfully sorry. Will you show this letter to Mr. Burke? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 17th, 1900. The Outlook Company, #287 Fourth Ave., N.Y. City. Gentlemen:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 16th inst inclosing check for $200. in payment of my articles on "Character" and "The Eighth and Ninth Commandments", for which please accept my thanks. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt418 March 17th, 1900. Mr. George Buckler, Paymaster General's Office, War Dept., Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Buckler:-- I have yours of the 16th inst. I heartily sympathize with your undertaking, but I must beg you not to name the proposed institution after me. I would greatly prefer that it were not done. In fact, I must positively request that you do not do it. As you know, I have my hands more than full, and I would not be con- tent to have an institution named after me in which I did not take an active interest, and that interest I could not take. With regret, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 17th, 1900. Mr. Charles de Kay, Secretary, National Arts Club, 37 W. 34th St., N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- I am in receipt of notice of March 15th of the dinner to discuss the Hirsch monument and site on the evening of March 28th, and regret that I cannot attend because of the pressure of my duties here, inasmuch as at that time the legislature will be in its closing hours. Very truly yours,419 March 17th, 1900. Genl. E. V. Sumner, The Waldorf Astoria, N.Y. City. My dear General:-- I have yours of the 16th. It will be a pleasure for me to see you at any time. I am now absorbed in work here and shall be until the end of the session of the legislature and so I cannot get to New York. But if you can come up here and take lunch with me I shall be very glad. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 17th, 1900. Hon. F. W. Holls, #120 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Holls:-- I thank you for yours of the 16th inst. I have to send in the names for confirmation by the Senate. Come up here Wednesday and spend the night. I shall have Ellsworth, Nixon, Allds and Odell to dinner that evening and we may be able to accomplish something. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt420 March 17th, 1900. Prof. Nicholas Murray Butler, Columbia University, N.Y. City. My dear Butler:-- I think your is the most valuable letter I have had about the charter. I am going to go over it very carefully and write you again in a few days. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 17th, 1900. Ervin Wardman, Esq., Editor, The Press, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Wardman:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 15th inst. You are more than kind, but I do not see how I could possibly do as you request. You have no conception of the number of calls made upon me to write and I simply cannot make another engagement. I with I could; but I have not been able to keep two or three engagements I made some time ago. I fear that with the work I have as Governor it is out of the question for me to try to combine the functions of an editor. With many thanks, I am, Sincerely yours, [Theodore Roosevelt]421 March 17th, 1900. Mr. Michael F. Donnelly, 105 E. 110th St., N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- I am in receipt of your letter of the 15th inst and wish I could help you, but I am utterly powerless. I have no position to give, and am constantly flooded with applications of all kinds. You have no conception of the number who apply to me. I am very sorry. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt422 March 17th, 1900. Hon. Louis A. Lehmaier, 904 West End Avenue, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Lehmaier:-- Replying to yours of the 16th inst, I would say that I do not think it would be well to send that letter. I have had no proof of the attitude you speak of, although I have been assured of its existence. Mr. Gruber has always protested to me his friendship, in private and public. So if any one wrote me I could make no other answer than that I am making to you now. Let me thank you very heartily for your unvarying kindness and courtesy. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt423 March 17th, 1900. Prof. Woodrow Wilson, Preinceton, N.J. My dear Prof. Wilson:-- I am perfectly ashamed to say that I have been unable to think of a single man to give you. If I was not in such a whirl with Ramapo, taxation of franchises, forestry, fish & game commission appointees, and the machine and everything else, with the legislature in its death throes, I might be able to think of someone, but as it is I simply cannot. You see that for the last five years I have been in such very active political life that I have not had a chance of associating with scholars and students, save for the must hurried glimpses, and I simply do not know who the new men are. I am awfully sorry. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt424 March 17, 1900. Exile John J. McBride, 49 West Senaca St., Buffalo, N.Y. My dear Mr. McBride:-- I thank you heartily for the shamrocks. I very much appreciate your rememberance of me. I shall wear one of them to the dinner of the Sons of St.Patrick at the Albany Club this evening. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 17th, 1900. Hon. Edward A. Bond, State Engineer & Surveyor, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Bond:-- I have yours of the 17th inclosing letter from Mr. Magone. Will you tell him that of course I will help him in any way that I can. just let me know how I can and I will gladly do it. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt425 March 17th, 1900. Darling Bye:- I understand the bill thoroughly now. I do not suppose I shall be able to do anything, but if the chance comes I will try my best. Edith has written three letters from Havana where she is evidently having a perfectly splendid time and is seeing it under the best best auspices, as she is staying at the Palace. As Root is there every kind of function is going on. By this time she must have nearly reached Santiago, to which place she was going by steamer. I only hope she can get from there to Porto Rico. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt To Mrs. W. S. Cowles, #1733 N. St., Washington, D.C.426 March 17th, 1900. Mr. C. Grant LaFarge, #17 Beekman St., N.Y. City. Dear Grant:-- I have yours of the 16th and have written Col. Fox at once for private information about that dam bill of Senator Brown. I believe I shall get my men confirmed the coming week. I was rather amused to find that Grinnell's Forest & Stream article was being circulated by the lumber and cold storage lobbies to defeat the confirmation of my appointees. The more I see of the old commission the more I do not wonder at the desire of these interests to keep them in power. This forestry business is just an instance. I doubt whether I can accomplish anything in the matter so late in the session, because the good men are thoroughly discontented with the outgoing commission and the bad men with the incoming commission; and it may be that we will have to stumble along the best way we can this summer, trust to my being re-elected, and next year [?], make a savage fight for really adequate measures, asked for in the strongest terms by a commission which by the time ought to have proved its honesty and capacity. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt427 March 17th, 1900. To the Honorable, The Chairman of the Committee on Pensions, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. Sir:-- It was my good fortune to be an eye-witness to some of Col. Miley's services on the day of the July 1st fight and to hear at first hand on that day of what else he did. I most earnestly and heartily endorse every word that General Kent says. Col. Miley was one of two or three officers who in my opinion deserve most credit for what was done on July 1st. I very earnestly hope that the pension bill for his widow may be passed. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt428 March 17th, 1900. Lt. John Greenway, Presbyterian Hospital, 70th St. & Madison Ave., N.Y. City. Dear John:-- I hope you are now getting on all right. I only wish I could have been in to see you and your brother again, but of course I have been unable to leave Albany and have had my hands full. The children were all greatly concerned when they heard you were sick and sent you some flowers which I trust arrived safely. They inclosed divers notes in the box. Remember me to your brother. It was such a pleasure to have caught a glimpse of your mother. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt429 March 19th, 1900. Hon. James C. Carter, #54 Wall St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Carter:-- I thank you very much for your letter of the 17th inst. The other day I came across something in Macaulay about Scotland in 1690 which runs as follows: "It is a remarkable circumstance that the same country "should have produced in the same age the most wonderful specimens "of both extremes of human nature. Even in things indifferent the "Scotch Puritan would hear of no compromise; and he was but too ready "to consider all who recommended prudence and charity as traitors "to the cause of truth. On the other hand the Scotchmen of that "generation who made a figure in Parliament were the most dishonest "and unblushing time servers that the world has ever seen. Perhaps "it is natural that the most callous and impudent vice should be found "in the near neighborhood of unreasonable and impracticable virtue. "Where enthusiasts are ready to destroy or be destroyed for trifles "magnified into importance by a squeamish conscience, it is not "strange that the very name of conscience should become a byword of "contempt to cool and shrewd men of business." It seems to me that this paragraph portrays pretty well the conditions which made self government so difficult in New York City. On the other hand we have the sodden masses of poor ignorant and sometimes vicious people who are the ready-made tools for Tammany or any other machine. on the other, we have good men, or at least well meaning men, who have permitted the practical capacity for self430 J. C. C. 2. government to atrophy. In Scotland in the last quarter of the 17th century, the existence of the unreasonable Puritan did not tend to make public life better, but, for the reasons given by Macaulay, to make it worse; and it was not until he lost some of the very qualities of which I complain in many reformers of today, that he became a practical force for righteousness. Heaven knows I appreciate the need of disinterestedness, of public spirit, of all that we associate with the name of reform; and it is because I do appreciate the need that I hate to see men in New York who ought to be forces on the right side, not only decline to go with decent men who are striving practically for decency, but by their course alienate shrewd and sensible men from all reform movements. Let me speak confidentially. General Brayton Ives, whom I so hearily respect, is an example of a number of men who have have become so irritated with the very name of reform that I no longer can rely upon them to help me even when I move against Lou Payn, for instance, because they distryst anything that is backed by the extremeists. Sometime I want to have a chance to see you and tell you a few of my personal experiences with Dr. Parkhurst. I wont say anything about Mr. Godkin because I know you are fond of him. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt431 March 19th, 1900. Mr. R.U. Johnson, Associate Editor, The Century, Union Sq., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Johnson:-- I told you I had a quotation from Macaulay I wanted to put in that article "Latitude and Longitude Among Reformers". Do you think you can send the Ms back to me, so that I can put it in? You see in that article I say a good many things which represent special hobbies of mine! Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt432 PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL. March 19th, 1900. F. C. Selous, Esq., Alpine Lodge, Worplesdon, Surrey, Englan. My dear Mr. Selous:-- I appreciate very deeply the trouble you have taken in writing to me; although in a way you letter has made me feel melancholy. My idea of the question at issue has mainly derived from The Spectator, [the] a paper that I take and always like, and which impresses me as being honestly desirous of getting at the true facts in any given case. I paid especial heed to what it said because of its entire disapproval of Cecil Rhodes and the capitalist gang. Moreover, a friend of mine, Ferdinand Becker, who was in the Transvaal and who saw very clearly the rights and wrongs of each side, and for whose judgment I have great respect, insists that as things actually were, (although he does not like the attitude of Chamberlain or of Milner), that there had to be a fight, and that one ore the other race had to be supreme in South Africa. By the way, [the most] most of the pro-Boer feeling here is really anti-English, and as I have a very warm remembrance of England's attitude to us two years ago, I have of course no sympathy with such manifestations. So I though after Montague White's visit to me that I should like to hear the other side from some one whom I could thoroughly trust, and I appealed to you. It is largely an academic curiosity on my part, so to speak, for the answer of the English Premier to the communication of the transmissal sent by President McKinley with the letters from the Presidents of the two Republics shows that any mediation will promptly rejected. I do not suppose that the end can be very far distant now, unless there is a formidable uprising in the Cape Colony, for it would look as if there had never been [more than] fifty thousand Boers under arms, and [that] Roberts has four times that number of troops in South Africa. Evidently the Boers are most gallant fighters, and quite as efficient as they are gallant. I had been inclined to look at the war as analagous to the struggle which put the Americans in possession of Texas, New Mexico and California. I suppose the technical rights are about the same in one case as in the other; but of course there is an enormous difference in the quality of the invading people; for the Boers have shown that they have no kinship with the Mexicans. In Texas the Americans first went in to settle and become citizens, making an Outlander population. This Outlander population, [?] rose, and was helped by raids from the United States, which in point of morality did not differ in the least from the Jameson raid-- although there was back of [it] the no capitalist intrigue, but simply a love of adventure and a feeling of arrogant and domineering race superiority. The Americans at last succeeded in wresting Texas from the Mexicans and making it an independent republic. This republic tried to conquer New Mexico but failed. Then we annexed it, made its quarrels our own, and did conquer both New Mexico and California. From the standpoint of technical right and wrong, it is impossible to justify the American action in these cases, and in the case of Texas there was the dark blot of slavery which rested upon the victors; for they turned Texas from a free province into a slave republic. Nevertheless, it was of course ultimately the great advantage of433 F. C. S. 2. civilization that the Anglo-American should supplant the Indo-Spaniard. It has been ultimately to the advantage of the Indo-Spaniard himself-- or at any rate to the advantage of the best men in his ranks. In my regiment which was raised in the South-west I had forty or fity[sic] men of part Indian blood and perhaps half as many of part Spanish blood, and among my captains was one of the former and one of the latter--both being as good Americans in every sense of the word as were to be found in our ranks. If the two races, Dutch and English, are not riven asunder by too intense antagonism, surely they ought to amalgamate in South Africa as they have done here in North America, where I and all my fellows of Dutch blood are now mixed with are indistinguishable from our fellow Americans, not only of English, but of German, Scandanavian[sic] and other ancestry. The doubtful, and to my mind the most melancholy, element in the problem is what you bring out about the Englishman no longer colonizing the way that the Boer does. This is a feature due I suppose to the enormous development of urban life and the radical revolution in the social and industrial conditions of the English-speaking peoples during the past century. In our Pacific States, and even more in Australia we see the same tendency to the foundation of enormous cities instead of the settlement of the country districts by pioneer farmers. Luckily America north of the Rio Grande and Australia definitely belong to our peoples already and there is enough of the pastoral and farming element among us to colonize the already thinly settled waste places which now belong to our people. But the old movement which filled the Mississippi valley at the beginning of this century with masterful dogged frontier farmers, each skilled in the use of the rifle and axe, each almost independent of outside assistance, and each with a swarm of tow-headed children, has nearly come to an end. When Kentucky at the close of the 18th Century was as populous as Oregon 100 years later, Kentucky did not have one-tenth of the urban population that Oregon had when she reached the same stage. Now, urban people are too civilized, have too many wants and too much social ambition, to take up their abode permanently in the wilderness and marry the kind of women who alone could be contented or indeed could live in the wilderness. On the great plains of the West when I was in the cattle business I saw many young Easterners and young Englishmen of good families who came out there; but not one in twenty, whether from the Atlantic States or from England married and grew up as a permanent settler in the country; and the twentieth was usually a declasse. The other nineteen were always working to make money and then go home, or some where else, and they did not have their women kind with them. The "younger son" of whom Kipling sings is a picturesque man always and can do very useful work as a hunter and explorer or even a miner, but he is not a settler and does not have any permanent mark upon any true frontier community with which I am acquainted. After the frontier has been pushed back, when the ranchman and the cowboy and the frontier granger who are fitted for the actual conditions have come in, then the "younger son" and the struggling gentleman adventurer may make their appearance in the towns. Of[*434*] F. C. S. 3. course, there are exceptions to all of this, but as a rule what I have pointed out is true. I have seen scores,-- perhaps hundreds-- of men from Oxford, and Cambridge, Harvard and Yale, who went into cattle growing on the Great Plains, but they did just as I did; that is, worked with greater or less success at the business, gained an immense amount of good from it personally, especially in the way of strength and gratifying a taste for healthy adventure, leaned much of human nature from associating with the men round about, and then went back to their own homes in England or New York or Boston, largely because when it came to marrying and bringing up children they could not well face the conditions; and so the real population of the future in the valleys of the upper Missouri, the Platte and the Rio Grande, will be composed of the sons of their companions who were themselves descendants of small farmers in Texas, Missouri and Illinois, or of workingmen from Scandanavia or Germany. Pardon this long letter, which has wandered aside from the thesis with which it started. I hope that the language of the more highly civilized people will, in spite of the evil influences of today, gradually oust the "Tal" or whatever you call Boer Dutch in South Africa, and that when the conquest of the two Republics is succeeded by the full liberty which I understand the Cape Dutch enjoy, there will come a union in blood as well as intent between the two peoples who are so fundamentally alike. I am looking forward to the receipt of the three books you have been so very kind as to send me. I do know a certain amount about the Boers from the time of their great trek onward, for it has always seemed to me to be one of the most fascinating bits of modern history. Is there any chance of your coming over here again? Wont you be my guest if you do come? I am so anxious to see you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt435 March 19th, 1900. W.M. Christy, Esq., The Valley Bank, Phoenix, Arizona. My dear Mr. Christy:-- I thank you very much for your letter of the 13th inst. I certainly shall not become the Vice Presidential nominee under any circumstances. As for the Presidency in the [???] future, my dear sir, that is a mere matter of where lightning strikes, and no man of good sense will bother his head about such a contingency. I shall be very glad if I can be renominated and re-elected as Governor; but if I am not I shall accept the result with perfect equanimity, for I can say with all sincerity that I have done all that in me lies to do things not only in practical shape but decently and honestly. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt436 March 19th, 1900. Morris K. Jesup, Esq., President, Am. Museum of Natural History, Central Park, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Jesup:-- Many thanks for your letter of the 17th inst., which was exactly what I expected. My informant was a democratic politician who is in a factional fight with Plunkitt, and who actually came to me and asked me to veto the bill on the ground that it was in Plunkitt's interest. I told him that in the first place I should write and inform you at once, but that I could tell in advance what your answer would be, and that unless he furnished me with definite and written statements to back up his assertion I should pay no further heed to them. Unless he makes further accusations I hardly think it worth while to give his name. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 19th, 1900. General James H. Wilson, Matanzas, Cuba. My dear General:-- I have yours of the 13th inst. you are more than kind. I have no question but that the rum will be an improvement on black coffee. Mrs. Roosevelt has written me how very much she enjoyed seeing you. I wish to Heaven I could see you! There is any amount I have to talk over with you. With warm regards and many thanks, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt437 March 19th, 1900. A. F. Shauffler, D.D., Room 405, United Charities Bldg., 105 E. 22nd St., N.Y. City. Dear sir:-- Mrs. Roosevelt is absent in Cuba, and in her absence I have been directed to state that so many requests of all kinds are made of her for worthy charitable purposes that she is unable to go into anything more than she already has on hand. Wm J Youngs, Secretary. March 19th, 1900. Mr. T. B. West, Glidden, Texas. My dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 15th inst, would say that for bear and lion a 30-40, but for bear I would be inclined to take the 45-70 and that is good enough for deer too. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt438 March 19th, 1900. Dr. Josiah Strong, United Charities Bldg., N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Strong:-- I have yours of the 17th inst. You are more than kind, and I very deeply appreciate your offer. I hate to put you to the trouble of coming up here to give such an exhibition-- the more so as in the last two weeks of the legislature it is almost an impossibility for me to guarantee what will happen at any moment. Still if next Tuesday or Wednesday would suit you for such an exhibition, and if you really think it could be of the slightest service to you to have the exhibition, I could arrange to have it in the big Executive Chamber room here in the Capital, or perhaps at the Historical Society rooms. I might get some of the legislators Interested in the matter by having them in to see it. With hearty thanks, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 19th, 1900. Thos. T. Ohave, Esq., Tomahawk, Wis. My dear sir:-- I have your letter of the 16th inst. You are more thank kind, but I think you altogether overestimate the feeling in reference to myself. I find my present place gives me about all the occupation I can attend to, and sometimes rather more, and I feel that the best service I can do just at present is to go ahead and try to give a square and decent government here. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt439 March 19th, 1900. Mr. J. B. Bishop, The Commercial Advertiser, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Bishop:-- I have your note of the 18th inst. Of course, there is nothing I should like more than to have you give me just such a list, and it is not necessary to say that before I come to any conclusion I shall see you and Wright and go over the whole matter. I do not believe I can be down this week. I won a big triumph on the Ramapo business. The Tribune and Evening Post of course as soon as we took and jumped the Fallows bill along thought it was the Morgan bill they really wanted. As a matter of fact the Lauterbach and Dutcher representatives acting through the machine, did everything in their power to persuade me to take the Morgan bill and drop the Fallows bill. The Morgan bill would not interfere in any way with the Ramapo job, save wholly indirectly. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 19th, 1900. Hon. Francis C. Lowell, U. S. Court, Boston, Mass. Dear Frank:-- When is that article on the Boss to be published and where? I want to get some copies. It is a kind of article I want to distribute broadcast. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt440 March 19th, 1900. George M. Baxter, Esq., 24 World Bldg., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Baxter:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 17th inst. It would give me great pleasure to meet the gentlemen at any time. Of course, I should be delighted to help forward the exhibition. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 19th, 1900. Miss Jessie B. Landwar, 48 S. 11th St., Richmond, Ind. My dear Miss Landwar:-- Naturally I am very much touched and pleased at your letter of the 16th inst and the copy of your oration. Believe me that what you say is a new incentive to good conduct on my part. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt441 March 19th, 1900. Dr. Henry B. Carpenter, 85 East Ave., Rochester, N.Y. My dear sir:-- I have yours of the 17th inst. Senator Armstrong has spoken to me about that case already, but I am sure that on consideration you will see that it is out of the question for me to interfere in reference to a libel suit. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 19th, 1900. Mr. W. I. Tyler Brigham, 6034 Ingleside Ave., Chicago, Ill. My dear Mr. Brigham:-- I have yours of the 16th inst with inclosure which I have signed and forwarded to Mr. Hitchcock. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt442 March 19th, 1900. Mrs. Robert L. Howze, Davids Island, N.Y. My dear Mrs. Howze:-- I thank you heartily for your suggestion. I will see General Greene as soon as I can and then sound him to see whether he would resent such a suggestion from me. Meanwhile you know that it is never anything but a pleasure to hear from you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 19th, 1900. William E. Dodge, Esq., 262 Madison Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Dodge:-- I am very glad to have received your letter of the 18th inst. Could I not make your Chairman of the Palisaed Commission? I am so glad you liked my article in the Churchman. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 443 March 19th, 1900. Geo. Bird Grinnell, Esq., Forest & Stream, #346 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Grinnell:-- I have yours of the 17th inst. What is it you hear about Wood? If it is anything of the slightest importance, pray let me know at once. Of course it is always a possibility for me to be mistaken about any man, even Austin-- I suppose I may say after the quail shooting. So if there is anything about Wood, pray let me know immediately. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 19th, 1900. Mr. Charles Knoblauch, N.Y. Stock Exchange, N.Y. City. Dear Knoblauch:-- Were you up here a week ago? Why in the name of all that is sacred didn't you let me know and spend the night at the Executive Chamber? I am so anxious to see you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt444 March 20th, 1900. Mr. John Striebling, 13 Willett St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Striebling:-- If you can come up here on Friday of this week at 12 oclock I shall be pleased to see you. Present this letter so that you may gain admission to me. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 20th, 1900. Mr. Thomas H. McCarrick, #362 W. 116th St., N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- Replying to your letter of the 19th inst, I think you will recognize the impossibility of my taking any part in the contest in question. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt 445 March 20th, 1900. Mrs. Robert Hall Wiles, 5737 Washington St., Chicago, Ill. My dear Mrs. Wiles:-- I have your letter of the 18th inst. As yet I am not able to any whether I shall be able to stop in Chicago at all. I have a dozen requests to speak there on my way out or back, and it may be simply impossible for me to do it. Believe me I deeply appreciate your courtesy and wish I could take advantage of it, but as yet I cannot answer definitely, and it hardly seems likely that I shall be able to speak in Chicago at all. With regret, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt446 March 20th, 1900. Rev. Dr. Lyman Abbott, 287 Fourth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Dr. Abbott:-- I have yours of the 19th inst with inclosed article which I have read with the utmost interest. It seems to me emphatically right. My feeling about the Porto Rico matter is exactly yours. I would give the Island exactly what is best for it, and I would no more discriminate against it than I would against Alaska or Arizona. Now, about your son. Of course I will write for him with the utmost pleasure, but I do not know whom to write to. Will he find out the man to whom he desires me to write, and I will do so at once. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt447 March 20th, 1900. Hon. Job E. Hedges, 141 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Hedges:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 19th inst inclosing invitation to dedicate the soldiers monument at Dansville. I wish I could accept but it is not possible. I cannot enter into another engagement now. It is simply not in my power, much though I should like to do as you request. Will you convey to the gentlemen who requested my presence my very sincere regret, my appreciation of the courtesy conferred and my feeling that it would have been an honor to me to have spoken, and that only my absolute inability to make another engagement prevents my acceptance of their very kind invitation. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 448 March 20th, 1900. Walter S. Hubbell, Esq., #604 Wilder Bldg., Rochester, N.Y. My dear Mr. Hubbell:-- I have yours of the 19th inst and will communicate with Senator Armstrong. If I can, I will come. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 20th, 1900. Hon. William McAdoo, #210 W. 57th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. McAdoo:-- Replying to yours of the 18th inst, I fear I may not be down to New York until after the legislature adjourns. Then I will gladly let you know. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt449 March 20th, 1900. Mr. James F. Carroll, #334 East 58th St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Carroll:-- I have yours of the 19th inst. I do not know that I can accomplish anything for you, but I will write to Collector Bidwell instantly, as you will note from the inclosed copy of letter. Of course, anything I can do to help one of my comrades who was wounded before Santiago I shall be only too happy to do. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 20th, 1900. G.P. Putnam Sons, 27 W. 23rd St., N.Y. City. Gentlemen:-- Will you please procure for me the following: Capetown to Ladysmith by G.W. Steevens, published by Blackwood & Sons. Bullet & Shot in Indian Forest, Plain & Hill by C.E. Russell, published by W. Thacker & Co. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt450 March 20th, 1900. John Brisbin Walker, Esq., Irvington-on-Hudson, N.Y. My dear Mr. Walker:-- I thank you heartily for your invitation to be present at the dinner of the Automobile Club on April 2nd, but I am sorry to say that it is an absolute impossibility for me to accept. I have got more on my hands now than I can attend to, and I simply cannot go into anything more. I am awfully sorry. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 20th, 1900. Miss Louisa Lee Schuyler, 135 East 21st St., N.Y. City. My dear Miss Schuyler:-- I am in receipt of your letter of the 19th inst. I understand about those bills perfectly. I am doing my best to get both of them through, but above all to get the one that does not affect the Gerry Society passed. What the secret of Mr. Gerry's influence is I do not know. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*451*] March 20th, 1900. Robert C. Day, Esq., Waldorf-Astoria, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Day:-- I thank you heartily for your letter of the 19th inst. I wish I could accept your invitation to speak before the St. Louis Republican Club, but it is a simple physical impossibility for me to make another address. I would particularly like to speak to the St. Louis republicans, but I am to speak at Galena, Illinois April 27th (Grant's Birthday); July 1st I have to be at the reunion of the Rough Riders and some of the Philippine regiments at [Oklahoma] and July 17th I speak to the National League of Republi[cans...?] at Minneapolis. I cannot make another engagement [...?] awfully sorry. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt452 March 20, 1900. Mr. A. G. Wallihan, Lay, Colo. My dear Mr. Wallihan:-- I have just received your letter of the 13th inst and am glad to hear from you. I am sure it was not your fault but Mr. Thayer's, that those fake pictures were put in. I am very glad I now understand the matter. Pray remember me to Mrs. Wallihan. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 20th, 1900. Mr. J. McK. Cattell, Columbia University, N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- I wish extremely I could be with you on the 25th of June, but I address the Regents Convocation here in Albany on that day in accordance with a long standing engagement and I simply am unable to break it. I am awfully sorry. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt453 March 20th, 1900. Mr. George Buckler, Paymaster General's Office, War Department, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Buckler:-- I have your letter of the 19th inst. I do not wish you to refer to me publicly because of course I have no knowledge about your school. In reference to you privately of course I would be delighted at any time to say all I know about you. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 20th, 1900. Rt. Rev. Thomas M. A. Burke, Albany, N.Y. My dear Bishop:-- I am just in receipt of your note. I think you are probably right. I have just been speaking to Mr. McDonough about the Regent matter. He and I agree. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt454 March 20th, 1900. Hon. George Bidwell, Collector of the Port, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Bidwell:-- Mr. James F. Carroll of 334 East 58th St., N.Y. City, formerly a member of the 71st Regiment who was wounded at San Juan while behaving with great gallantry, has taken the examination for Opener & Packer and passed with a percentage of 85. I believe him to be a most worthy young fellow, fit in every way, and I would certainly appoint him myself if I had the chance. He left a good position to go to the front during the war, and this is the reason I write to see if there is anything I can properly do to aid him. Will you let me know what his chances of appointment are? Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt455 March 20th, 1900. Prof. Nicholas Murray Butler, Columbia University, N.Y. City. My dear Butler:-- Many thanks for the additional suggestions contained in your letter of the 19th inst. As for the Morgan bill, the trouble is that it is not in proper form. I should sign it if it passed and advocate it, but merely because I deem the crisis sufficiently strong to warrant its passage. There should be no roving commission given to New York. The New York people should make up their minds what watershed they wish and try to have that condemned.. The trouble of course comes from the New York City authorities. But unfortunately the very people who clamor for home rule now turn and clamor against the legislature because it does not off-hand do what the City has palpably failed in not providing for. Most of the feeling against the legislature on the matter is due to the absolutely dishonest leadership of the Tribune, Post &c., whose editors lie according to their custom and simply because they want to gratify their own spite. Most of the remaining feeling is due to sheer ignorance. There remains the residuum that is justifiable. As for ending up with two or three spectacular things, it seems to me it is impossible to do much better than we have been doing. We have put through the Charter Commission, the only really important Ramapo bill, the Confession of Judgment bill, and a number of others. Absolutely the only thing that has not been done is to pass this Morgan bill which is of doubtful propriety, although on the whole I wish it could be passed. While the trouble is wholly with the legislature, the trouble is ten fold over in the minds of the critics, and the difficulty raised by the latter is therefore456 N. M. B. 2. impossible to meet. My charter commission will have to work at this Ramapo business,--by preference in conjunction with the city authorities. As a matter of fact they will doubtless report a far better bill than could be reported by the Morgan bill people at present, and I am inclined to think that the delay would be an advantage rather than a hurt. Nevertheless, I agree with you that in view of the condition of public opinion something ought to be done. And of course, there is this justification for public opinion, viz: that the opposition of the up-country people would not amount to anything if there were not a sinister added element of opposition due to the Ramapo Company themselves. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt457 March 20th, 1900. Prof. Woodrow Wilson, Princeton, N. J. My dear Mr. Wilson:-- I have yours of the 19th inst. I hardly know enough of Mr. Homer Folks to answer you without qualification, but he seems to me to be an excellent man, and is certainly well worth considering. He has through his work in the State Charities Aid Association and his experience in local politics gained the information that it seems to be advisable, where it is possible, for a man to have in such a position as that which you are seeing to fill. I wish he could have been elected to the legislature last fall, and he would have been, if there had not occurred one of those exasperating hitches due in part to the base misconduct of the machine politicians, and in part to the equally exasperating folly and vanity of the professional reformers---which could make[s] it so difficult for us to accomplish results in New York City. I do not know whether he has looked at national policies with the breadth of vision, and [?] insight, that you would require. In municipal politics I would think he was well qualified. If you say so I will make a point of seeing him to discuss some of our matters here, not making the slightest allusion to you or the professorship, and then I will let you know my [feelings] judgment. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt458 March 20th, 1900. Rev. O. A. Houghton, Cortland, N.Y. My dear Bro.Houghton:-- Yes I am a D. K. E. as well as [?]. B. K. man. It was a real pleasure to meet you the other day. If you will pardon my saying so, as soon as you came in I took a fancy to your face and wanted to hear you! You upset me very much about that charter. I did not quite see how I was justified in refusing to sign it in view of the attitude of the City authorities and the fact that never under any circumstances had a similar request been refused, and that I should be establishing a precedent that might be of serious import. Yet I entirely agree with you that there should be a provision permitting the citizens to vote whether or not they should have license. I did not know until you spoke that this was refused to cities of the third class, and I do not think it ought to be. I will most gladly back a bill giving the power. With great regard, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt459 March 20th, 1900. Mr. Maurice E. Gilmore, c/o Dawes Commission, Muscogee, Ind. Ter. My dear Mr. Gilmore:-- I have your letter of the 14th inst. I very much fear that the only way you can get into West Point is through your Delegate. I inclose a letter to the President. However, I should advise its being used through Mr. Bixby of the Dawes Commission. The President has invariably made his appointments to West Point from the sons of army officers, and I think it is unlikely that he will deviate from his rule in this case. Still he may. I only wish that I could hold out more hope. As you may notice, I have put in an alternative bid for you to get you into the army any how, if that is possible. Wishing you all luck, I am, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt460 March 20th, 1900. To President William McKinley, Washington, D.C. Sir:-- I have the honor to write on behalf of Mr. Maurice E. Gilmore of Muscogee, Indian Territory, a member of my regiment who did great credit to himself before Santiago. Mr. Gilmore is partly of Indian blood and he stood among the best of the men of his blood in my regiment, -- and I had no better men in all the regiment. One of my best men, Captain Richard C. Day who is now serving as a First Lieutenant in the Philippines belonged to the Indian Territory contingent and had Cherokee blood in his veins like Mr. Gilmore. I believe if Mr. Gilmore were given the chance he would do the utmost credit to the army. He is very desirous of entering West Point, as I proved unable to get him a commission in the army itself. I earnestly hope this can be arranged. The Indian Territory has never had any one in West Point, and it would be a good thing to have so excellent a soldier as Mr. Gilmore, a man who has shown how good a man he is, and one who like Mr. Gilmore unites the best strains of White and Indian blood, given a chance in our great national military institute. With great respect, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt461 March 19th, 1900. Master Thomas W. Symons, Jr., Buffalo, N.Y. My dear young friend:-- I was delighted to receive your letter of the 17th inst, and I take great pleasure in sending you a copy of the letter I rote to Secretary Root about your father. I am sure from your letter that you will grow up to be the same honorable and useful American that he is. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21, 1900. John Hays Hammond, Esq., Laurel in Pines, Lakewood, N.J. Dear Mr. Hammond:-- You are exceedingly kind to have asked Mrs. Roosevelt and myself. Unfortunately as I wired you Mrs. Roosevelt is in Cuba and I cannot possibly get away from Albany. Will you give the enclosed note to Lord Minto, and present to both Lady Minto and himself my warm regards? Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt462 March 21, 1900. My dear Lord Minto:-- Mrs. Roosevelt is down in Cuba. I suppose you will be taking Lady Minto straight through to Canada. But if you could manage to stop off here and stay with us at the Executive Mansion for twenty-four hours I should be overjoyed, if you are coming through any time before Wednesday. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt To Earl Minto, C/o John Hays Hammond, Esq., Laurel in Pines, Lakewood, N.J. March 21, 1900. Darling Corinne:-- I am more sorry than I can say to be unable to come on to dear Aunt Laura's funeral. I would not for anything give the idea, especially to Aunt Lizzie, that I was lacking in respect, but it is simply impossible to leave tomorrow unless on a life and death matter. I could have come on Monday, or Saturday or Friday evening, but Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the closing days of the session I am literally driven from morning until night, and Thursday more than any other day as it is the last working day of the week. There will be tomorrow some seventeen delegations on to see me from all parts of the State and Senators and Assemblymen meet me with each one. It would cause a serious dislocation of public business if I left here tomorrow. I had earnestly hoped to get down next Monday so I could see Bye, but I find that will in all probability be impossible. As an entirely minor thing, Archie has had the grippe so badly that we have had to have a trained nurse for him, and Miss Young is away not to come back until tomorrow. I could, however, as Archie is on the mend, leave him with the trained nurse, and should do so if it were not for the governmental work. Poor Aunt Laura! She was as sweet and kind and true a woman as I ever met, and it is very said [sic] having no one to whom specially to express my sympathy at her loss, for I suppose her sister and nieces are not here. In great haste. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt462 March 21, 1900. My dear Lord Minto:-- Mrs. Roosevelt is down in Cuba. I suppose you will be taking Lady Minto straight through to Canada. But if you could manage to stop off here and stay with us at the Executive Mansion for twenty-four hours I should be overjoyed, if you are coming through any time before Wednesday. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt To Earl Minto, C/o John Hays Hammond, Esq., Laurel in Pines, Lakewood, N.J. March 21, 1900. Darling Corinne:-- I am more sorry than I can say to be unable to come on to dear Aunt Laura's funeral. I would not for anything give the idea, especially to Aunt Lizzie, that I was lacking in respect, but it is simply impossible to leave tomorrow unless on a life and death matter. I could have come on Monday, or Saturday or Friday evening, but Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the closing days of the session I am literally driven from morning until night, and Thursday more than any other day as it is the last working day of the week. There will be tomorrow some seventeen delegations on to see me from all parts of the State and Senators and Assemblymen meet me with each one. It would cause a serious dislocation of public business if I left here tomorrow. I had earnestly hoped to get down next Monday so I could see Bye, but I find that will in all probability be impossible. As an entirely minor thing, Archie has had the grippe so badly that we have had to have a trained nurse for him, and Miss Young is away not to come back until tomorrow. I could, however, as Archie is on the mend, leave him with the trained nurse, and should do so if it were not for the governmental work. Poor Aunt Laura! She was as sweet and kind and true a woman as I ever met, and it is very said [sic] having no one to whom specially to express my sympathy at her loss, for I suppose her sister and nieces are not here. In great haste. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt463 March 21st, 1900. Hon. Elon R. Brown, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator Brown:-- I was talking with Col. Partridge over your bill last night. I find he feels as Col. Fox does that the law should be so framed that the dam should be no higher that it is now--no higher than to permit the water flow which the present dams does.[sic] Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Dear Aunt Lizzie:-- I write to explain to you and through you to Christine and Lelia the utter impossibility of my being down tomorrow. I was greatly shocked and grieved at the news of Aunt Laura's death, and there is no personal business of mine which I would not instantly leave to come down to the funeral. But in the closing days of the session, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and above all Thursday, are days which it is an absolute impossibility for me to leave here without causing the most serious dislocation of the public business. I should probably have to throw over the whole business of the government twenty- four hours if I went down, and things are so ticklish here any how that I ought not to go away if by any possibility I can avoid it. I write you because I want you to know exactly my reasons. Will you ask Emlen to tell Uncle Rob and Johnnie. I have had rather a worrying time with Archie who had the grippe so seriously that I had to have a trained nurse for him, but I think the little fellow is on the mend now. In great haste, Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt463 March 21st, 1900. Hon. Elon R. Brown, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator Brown:-- I was talking with Col. Partridge over your bill last night. I find he feels as Col. Fox does that the law should be so framed that the dam should be no higher than it is now--- no higher than to permit water flow which the present dams does. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Dear Aunt Lizzie:-- I write to explain to you and through you to Christine and Lelia the utter impossibility of my being down tomorrow. I was greatly shocked and grieved at the news of Aunt Laura's death, and there is no personal business of mine which I would not instantly leave to come down to the funeral. But in the closing days of the session, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and above all Thursday, are days which it is an absolute impossibility for me to leave here without causing the most serious dislocation of the public business. I should probably have to throw over the whole business of the government twenty-four hours if I went down, and things are so ticklish here any how that I ought not to go away if by any possibility I can avoid it. I write you because I want you to know exactly my reasons. Will you ask Emlen to tell Uncle Rob and Johnnie. I have had rather a worrying time with Archie who had the grippe so seriously that I had to have a trained nurse for him, but I think the little fellow is on the mend now. In great haste, Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt464 March 21st, 1900. Hon. Gherardi Davis, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N. Y. My dear Davis:-- Mr. Nelson wants to put the photos of some of my prime backers here at Albany in an article he is to publish. Can you give me one of yours for that purpose? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Hon. F. W. Higgins, Senate Chamber, Albany, N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Mr. Nelson wants to put the photos of some of my prime backers here at Albany in an article he is to publish. Can you give me one of yours for that purpose? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt465 March 21st, 1900. Hon. N. N. Stranahan, Senate Chamber, Albany N.Y. My dear Senator:-- Mr. Nelson wants to put the photos of some of my prime backers up here at Albany in an article he is to publish. Can you give me one of yours for that purpose? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Mr. E. H. Hooker, Dept. Public Works, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Hooker:-- Mr Nelson wants to put the photos of some of my prime backers up here at Albany in an article he is to publish. Can you give me one of yours for that purpose. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt466 March 21st, 1900. Mr. H. L. Nelson, New Rochelle, N.Y. My dear Mr. Nelson:-- I will try to get you those photographs at once. I have no photograph that I think good save those that have been copy-righted, so I send you one of those. I will write to the gentlemen named and see if they can get the photographs for you and forward them instantly. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Mr. G. L. Heins, State Architect, Albany, N.Y. My dear Mr. Heins:-- Mr. Nelson wants to put the photographs of some of my prime backers up here at Albany in an article he is to publish. Can you give me one of yours for that purpose? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt467 March 21st, 1900. W. A. Wadsworth, Esq., Metropolitan Club, Washington, D.C. My dear Austin:-- I have your letter of the 19th inst. You were confirmed yesterday. Could you get here April 19th and spend the night with me? I think that will be time enough. I want to put you on the Forest Preserve Board. I hope you will have a delightful holiday for the next month. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt468 March 21st, 1900. Rev. Arthur J. Brown, D.D., 156 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Brown:-- I thank you heartily for your invitation of the 19th inst. I wish I could accept but it is an absolute impossibility. I have more on my hands now than I can well attend to and I cannot go into anything additional, even when the request is so attractive as yours. With regret, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Wm. A. Bancroft, Esq., 101 Milk St., Boston, Mass. My dear Mr. Bancroft:-- I have yours of the 19th inst. I know nothing about the matter to which you refer, but on looking it up I find that there is no law of this State applied to the wearing of the rosette of either of the Orders you mention, but a bill, a copy of which I inclose you herewith, has been introduced in the Assembly. Whether it will pass or not I do not know; but if it does pass and become a law you would not be affected in the wearing of your rosette. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt469 March 21st, 1900. Mr. J. B. Bishop, N.Y. Commercial Advertiser, N.Y. City. My dear Bishop:-- You have given me exactly the information I want and I thank you very much. I shall keep absolutely quiet about your list. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. R. Floyd Clarke, Esq., #80 Bway, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Clarke:-- Hearty thanks for the book you have so kindly sent me. No doubt I shall find it of much value. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt470 March 21st, 1900. Joseph Thornton, Esq., C/o James Langan, Esq., No. 50 Fulton St., Middletown, N.Y. My dear sir:-- In the absence of Mrs. Roosevelt I write to thank you most heartily and am sure she will much appreciate your poem when she returns. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Mr. J. C. Sherwood, New England Flag & Regalia Co., Stamford, Conn. My dear sir:-- Replying to your favor of the 20th inst, would say that the Rough Riders' flag was the regular U. S. Cavalry standard. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt471 R. P. O'Grady, Esq., Editor, National Republican, 804, 91 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill. My dear sir:-- I thank you heartily for your letter of the 19th inst but I most certainly do not wish to be put in as a possible candidate for the vice presidency. It is a position which I emphatically do not want. I take pleasure in sending you one of my photographs. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Hon. George E. Green, Binghamton N.Y. My dear Mayor Green:-- I have yours of the 20th inst. I fear it is no use of my trying to come. I have got more on my hands now than I can attend to. I wish I could, but it is not possible for me to undertake another engagement, much as I should like to speak to your Young Men's Republican Club. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt472 March 21st, 1900. John Q. Flynn, Esq., Kenible Bldg., 15-25 Whitehall St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Flynn:-- I greatly appreciate your letter of the 19th inst and it gives m the greatest pleasure. I assure you I shall try to continue your good will. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Rev. Paul B. Jenkins, 3101 Harrison St., Kansas City, Mo. My dear Mr. Jenkins:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 19th inst with inclosure from Mr. Colton, and thank you heartily. It will be utterly impossible for me to make such an engagement as the one you propose. I cannot do it. I have more on my hands than I can begin to attend to as it is. I am awfully sorry. Believe me I appreciate you asking me. Give my warm regards to Mr. Colton. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 473 March 21st, 1900. Mr. James H. Goodwin, 317 W. 33rd St., N.Y. City. My dear sir:--Replying to your letter of the 19th inst, I am sorry to say I have no ranch now. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Mrs. Isabel B. Hamilton, 427 South 12th St., Lincoln, Neb. My dear Mrs. Hamilton:-- I have your letter of the 19th inst. I have written twice to Mr. Loudenslager and they have simply mislaid the letters. I shall, however, write again to him at once, and inclose you copy. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt474 March 21st, 1900. Hon. H. C. Loudenslager, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Loudenslager:-- I have already written you two or three times about a pension for Mrs. Isabel B. Hamilton, the wife of gallant Colonel Hamilton who was killed by me on Kettle Hill. I learn, however, that the letters are not on file with the Pension Committee. Colonel Hamilton was one of the most gallant men in the cavalry brigade. He rendered most distinguished services. His widow and children sorely need the pension and I earnestly hope the same can be granted. With great regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt475 March 21st, 1900. Walter E. Gardner, Esq., The Post Standard Co., Syracuse, N.Y. My dear Mr. Gardner:-- I thank you for yours of the 20th inst, but dont you think I have got enough on my hands now of my own proper business in this State? It seems to me that I have got about all I can carry here. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Frederick Peck, Esq., Bensonhurst by the Sea, N.Y. My dear sir:-- I thank you heartily for your letter of the 20th inst and I shall try to continue to deserve your good will. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt476 March 21st, 1900. Mrs. Rosa Semple, 292 West End Ave., N.Y. City. My dear madam:-- I thank you cordially, but I am sorry to say I cannot allow my name to be used as a reference unless I know every detail of whatever I recommend. To follow any other course would be to nullify the worth of whatever I did in the way of endorsing those that I knew. With regret, Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. Mrs. Frederic Schoff, 3418 Baring St., Philadelphia, Pa. My dear madam:-- Mrs. Roosevelt is still in Cuba. As she is making a very hasty visit to that Island I fear it would be totally out of the question for her to write such a letter as you request. Her study would be entirely too superficial. With regret, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*477*] March 21st, 1900. Hon. Levi P. Morton, #681 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Governor:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 20th inst in reference to the amendment to the banking law. I have just had a request for a hearing on behalf of parties opposed to the bill. I cannot imagine, however, that anything will be brought forward which will prevent my signing it and shall wire you as soon as I affix my signature to the measure. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. The Century Company, E. A. Flanders, Cashier, 33 E. 17th St., N.Y. City. Dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 20th inst, would say that I have no record of the check for $56.82 ever having been received by me. On the 20th of July 1899 I was at my country place at Oyster Bay and in all likelihood in forwarding the check to Albany or in the reforwarding from Albany to Oyster Bay the check has become lost. Would you therefore, in accordance with you suggestion, kindly have duplicate check made out and sent to me? Thanking you, I am Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt477 March 21st, 1900. Hon. Levi P. Morton, #681 Fifth Ave., N.Y. City. My dear Governor:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 20th inst in reference to the amendment to the banking law. I have just had a request for a hearing on behalf of parties opposed to the bill. I cannot imagine, however, that anything will be brought forward which will prevent my signing it and shall wire you as soon as I affix my signature to the measure. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 21st, 1900. The Century Company, E. A. Flanders, Cashier, 33 E. 17th St., N.Y. City. Dear sir:-- Replying to yours of the 20th inst, would say that I have no record of the check for $56.82 ever having been received by me. On the 20th of July 1899 I was at my country place at Oyster Bay and in all likelihood in forwarding the check to Albany or in the reforwarding from Albany to Oyster Bay the check has become lost. Would you therefore, in accordance with you suggestion, kindly have duplicate check made out and sent to me? Thanking you, I am, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt478 March 20th, 1900. Thos. M. Osborne, Esq., Auburn, N.Y. My dear Mr. Osborne:-- Prof. Jenks has just called on me. He tells me you are going to Boston about April 4th. If so, couldn't you stop over and spend the night here. It will always be a pleasure to see you. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 20th, 1900. T. H. Crawford, Esq., Acting Secretary, The Naval & Military Order of the Spanish-American War, C/o T. C. Zerega, 67 Madison Ave., N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- I am in receipt of yours of the 19th inst in reference to the annual meeting of the Order to be held April 21st. I shall try to be present but it is absolutely impossible for me to promise definitely. My duties are so onerous that I really wish you would get someone else to act as Commander in my place. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*479*] March 21st, 1900. Jacob A. Riis, Esq., #301 Mulberry St., N.Y. City. Dear Jake:-- I have signed the picture and sent it to Schultheis today. Thimme who is a crook [an utterly dishonest scoundrel] is in with Tammany to beat that Drug Clerks Shorter Hours bill. Tammany has frankly announced its desire to put some amendment on that would make some republicans vote against it and thus with the democrats kill it. I have stricken out the fourth section entirely so that we can get the law on the statute books. Thimme is deliberately, in my opinion, trying to kill the legislation. Faithfilly yours, Theodore Roosevelt PS I'll communicate with Mrs. Roosevelt as soon as she comes home about the pigeons; as for the children, they of course would be overjoyed at such a regal gift.[*480*] March 21st, 1900. General Bradley T. Johnson, Amelia Court House, Va. My dear General:-- Many thanks for yours of the 19th. I am glad you like that Churchman article. The other day in reading Macaulay I came across the following about Scotland in 1690: "It is a remarkable circumstance that the same country "should have produced in the same age the most wonderful specimens "of both extremes of human nature. Even in things indifferent "the Scotch Puritan would hear of no compromise; and he "was but too ready to consider all who recommended prudence and "charity as traitors to the cause of truth. On the other hand "the Scotchmen of that generation who made a figure in Parliamnet "were the most dishonest and unblushing time servers that the "world has ever seen. Perhaps it is natural that the most "callous and impudent vice should be found in the near neighborhood "of unreasonable and impracticable virtue. Where enthusiasts "are ready to destroy or be destroyed for trifles magnified into "importance by a squeamish conscience, it is not strange that "the very name of conscience should become a byword of contempt "to cool and shrewd men of business." Don't you think there is some pretty good sense in this? It is just as you say. A man must be practical and yet not be base. I am very much interested in what you speak of your father saying to you about Clay. In utmost haste Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt481 March 21st, 1900. To Mr. & Mrs. James H. Kane, 111 1/2 East 83rd St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. & Mrs. Kane:-- I congratulate you most heartily. I send you herewith a photograph for my little namesake which I have autographed. I shall always remember you both, and I am very much touched and pleased that you should have thought of me. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt482 March 222nd,[sic] 1900. My dear Mr. Carnegie::-- This is to introduce the Rev. Michael Clune of Syracuse, N.Y. Father Clune is a man who has done singularly good work among the poor of Syracuse and who is entitled to and receives the respect of all his neighbors, wholly regardless of creed. I take pleasure in introducing him to you. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Andrew Carnegie, Esq., New York City. March 21st, 1900. Hon. Francis Hendricks, Supt. of Insurance, Albany, N.Y. My dear Supt. Hendricks:-- When you can make it convenient I wish you would see Senator Ford about the matter in reference to which I spoke to you the other day. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt 483 March 22nd, 1900. Mr. George McAneny, #54 William St., N.Y. City. My dear Mr. McAneny:-- I have your letter of the 21st inst and have been going carefully over the matter. From my experience on the National Commission I have always felt that the central State Commission should have power over the local boards. As you know, I am not very much of a home-ruler in the sense that the word is used in this State. The constitution question, however, is a very grave one and that I shall look up most carefully. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt 484 March 22nd, 1900. M. M. Hall, Esq., No. 1818 Filbert St., San Francisco, Cal. My dear sir:-- Replying to your letter of the 17th inst, I am sorry to say there was no Captain Bigelow in my regiment and no man named Biegelow in Troop A. or in Captain Muller's troop, nor indeed so far as I know in the regiment, although the man might have been there under another name. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt485 March 22nd, 1900. Mr. George M. Baxter, No. 24 World Bldg., N.Y. City. My dear sir:-- Further replying to your request of the 19th inst, Unfortunately I have so many demands made upon me that it is a simple impossibility to go into anything more. Otherwise I should gladly secede to your request to be patron of the exhibition, but I cannot undertake any new obligation just at present. With regret, I am, Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt486 March 22nd, 1900. Hon. George R. Bidwell, Collector of the Fort, N.Y. City. My dear Mr. Bidwell:-- Mrs. Roosevelt comes from Santiago by the War Line Steamer which leaves there Saturday the 24th inst. She reaches New York the 28th or 29th. Would you mind seeing to it that whatever courtesy can properly be extended to her, is? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt487 March 22nd, 1900. Dr. A. H. Doty, Health Officer, Port of New York, N. Y. City. My dear Dr. Doty:-- I am in receipt of your telegram. What I can do I will do, but whether I can accomplish anything I do not know. You know the difficulties under which I work. Mrs. Roosevelt comes from Santiago by the Ward Line steamer which leaves there Saturday, the 24th inst. She reaches New York the 28th or 29th. Will you, if convenient, do whatever may be necessary for her, if the need arises? Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt488 March 22nd, 1900. Dr. N. M. Shaffer, Skyuka, North Carolina. My dear Doctor:-- I have yours of the 20th inst. I guess the bill will get through all right. I think that an admirable Board which you have named. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 22nd, 1900. E. A. Hammond, Esq., 2411 Penna. Ave., Washington, D.C. My dear Mr. Hammond:-- I thank you heartily for yours of the 21st inst. That is an amusing clipping. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt489 Mr. Grant Hill, Robinson, Ill. My dear Mr. Hill:-- I have your letter of the 20th inst and was glad to hear from you. If I can help you in that pension matter I gladly will. I am afraid that about that hospital corps I can only send a letter from you on to Dr. Church. That I will also very gladly do. If you want to stir up the pension business, get letters from Captain Muller and from the Doctor. Then if I can help you I gladly will. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*490*] March 22nd, 1900. J. B. Bishop, Esq., Commercial Advertiser, 29 Park Row, N.Y. City. My dear Bishop:-- I want to thank you again for that Charter Commission list. I also want to send you a line as I shall probably not see you until the session is over. The vital anti-Ramapo bill (the Fallows bill) we got through. The Morgan bill we may possibly get through; but here we have to face the honest opposition of the country republicans plus the machines of both parties and the combination bids fair to be too strong. It can be overcome if the democrats stand solid, but I doubt if they will. Moreover I have had a deep rift with the machine on the mortgage tax bill. I have not liked the bill at all, but I am not an expert on taxation. Finally, to use the exact phraseology of the bearer of the communication: "Orders were brought here from Senator Platt to pass the bill with an amendment which would exempt the New York Central and Erie". Now this makes the bill to my mind a monstrosity. If it is defensible, it is defensible upon the ground of taxing all, rich and poor alike; and I told them that while I would (though with some grave misgivings) consent to the bill if it hit all, I could not consent to it if it exempted the biggest corporations-- the biggest financiers. The exemption was of course put in at the request of Pierrepont Morgan. Now I like Pierrepont Morgan, and his partner Bacon is my classmate and close friend, but of course I cannot consider that in connection with this bill. What the outcome will be I do not know. Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt491 March 22nd, 1900. Hon. T. C. Platt, Senate Chamber, Washington, D. C. My dear Senator:-- I am in receipt of your letter of the 20th inst in reference to the retention of Mr. H. S. Finch on the Board of Trustees of the Bath Soldiers & Sailors Home. I am exceedingly sorry, but I have pledged myself again and again to appoint only veterans on the Board. Moreover I ought to say that the report of the Committee of the State Board of Charities after a very exhaustive investigation, is more strongly against Mr. Finch than against almost any other man connected with the institution, except Mr. Campbell. I am very sorry indeed. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt492 March 22, 1900. Col. George W. Dunn, Railroad Commissioner, Albany, N.Y. My dear Colonel Dunn: I should like very much to see you as soon as possible about the Bath Soldiers' Home. I am finding a great deal of trouble in arranging my appointments and I want to consult you. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt March 22, 1900 General Edward M. Hoffman, Adjutant General, Albany, N.Y. My dear General Hoffman: It has been alleged to me that on the major general's staff there are a salaried quartermaster and commissary who should not be paid, as their predecessors were not paid. Will you kindly give me the facts in this matter? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt493 March 22nd, 1900. Jeremiah Curtin, Esq., Bristol, Vt. My dear Mr. Curtin:-- I thank you very much for the volume of Creation Myths. I shall read it with the utmost interest. Mrs. Roosevelt has just gone to Cuba taking the first volume of your last translation, and she likes it (as I do) as much as your famous [?] "Trilogy." You know I do not myself care much for Quo Vadis. But the fighting against the Teutonic knights seems to me about as good as the fighting against the Swedes and Tartars. With renewed thanks, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt[*494*] March 22nd, 1900. Hon. George H. Lyman, Collector of Customs, Boston, Mass. Dear George:-- I have yours of the 20th inst. I have had some ugly fights here and I suppose the Senator is a little hot. In particular I had difficulty over the Mortgage Tax bill and the Anti-Ramapo bill. He wanted the mortgage tax bill put through exempting the mortgages of the New York Central and Erir Railroads. This at the request of Pierrepont Morgan. Of course it would be simply impossible for me to stand for this. I am very sorry, but it was one of those things that could not be helped. On the Ramapo business again I could not stand for the machine. I succeeded in getting through one bill which was absolutely necessary, and the Machine in defeating another which was less necessary, but important. Still I think we are on good terms, or will be. But oh Heavens, what work this is! Is there any chance of my seeing you here for a night? I do wish you would come on. I would like to introduce you to some of my right hand men here. Always yours, Theodore RooseveltA B A Abbott Lyman 295, 345, 402 446 Abernethy J W. 341 E I Allds J P 126, 246, 384 Allen Wm C. 140, 182, 215, Allen Chas H. 188 Allen Mrs H T 194, 247 Almy Frdk . 265 Allaire A J. 283 Alden H. M. 307 O Armstrong W W 118 Arkell W J 217 Argersinger C. 305 U Y Ayres C. G. 159A B A Bacon Robt 33 Barnes J F 65 Barrows Edwin 123 Bates Chas F. 134, 226 Barton F. M. 223 Bates Chas F. 226 Backus J Bayard 294, 401 Baxter Geo M. 440 Bancroft Wm A. 468 Baxter Geo M. 485 E Belden J J 91 Beckman F. W. 196 Belford J L 213 I Bishop J B 40, 96, 288, 439, 469 490 Blythe S G. 124 Bidwell Geo. 454, 486 O Braun Marcus 63, 115, 184, 255 Brodie A. O. 130 Brown E. R. 208, 260, 463 Bridgman O. B. 225 Bradley Thos W. 252 Briggs L. B. R. 258 Brusie C F 261 Brandegee E. D. 282 Brandes Juan Felix 300 Booth J G. 336 Bond Edw A. 424 Brigham W. I. Tyler 441 Brown A. J. Rev 468 U Butler N. M. 57, 82, 116, 331, 420, 455 Burlingame E. L. 60 Burlingham Chas C. 156, 197, Butler M. E. 202, 281, Bullowa & Bullowa 229 Butler Edw H 355 Bullowa Alfred L. M. 401 Buenz Karl 406 Buckler Geo 418, 453, Burke Thos M A 453 YC D A Cantor J.A. 26 Carter Mrs N M. 102 Carr J. A. 141 Carey Robt 184 Cahoon Geo A. 203 Carter J. C. 204, 319, 429 Cassi Emil 276 Carpenter G R 298 Carpenter Henry B. 441 Carroll James F 449 Cattell J. McK. 452 Carnegie Andrew 482 E Chetlain A L 37 Chapman C H 51, 305 Charles A. N. 98, 136 Chapin A C. 137 Cheatham H P 269 Century Asso Com. on ad. 299 Christy W M 435 Chave Thos T. 438 Century Co. 477 I Clarke J. P. 18, 257, 281, 292, 301 398 Clarke R H 38 Civil Service Com. 190 Clarke W. F. 251, Clark W.F. 296 Cleveland H I. 333 Clarke R Floyd 469 O Cooley A. W. 7 Cornell Robt C. 64 Cowles W S 71, 169, 235, 303 Coates & Co 81 Corwine W R 87 Cox W V. 100 Cowles Mrs W S 133, 196, 364, 425 Craven Ina 153 Corbin H C. 165, 379 Cohen W N. 211, 256 Creighton John P. 229 Cooley A. W. 234 Cocks Orrin Giddings 280 Cooper H A. 343 Corwin B R. 396 Crawford T H. 478 U Cullen Edgar M. 386 Curtin Jeremiah 493 YC D A Dawes Chas G. 10 Davis Gherardi 296, 464 Davis Fredk A. 327, 416, Day Robt C. 451 E Denney Geo 13 Depew C M. 230 Dewey Melvil 250 DeBerard F.B. 352 DeKay Chas 418 I Dixwell John 153 O Doane W. C. 23, 206 Dodge Mrs M M. 25 Douglas W. A. 50, 86, Doty J J. 125 Douglas C. N 150 Dodge Thos A. 248 Donnelly Mich F 421 Dodge Wm E. 442 Doty A H. 487 U Dunlap J R. 112 Dunn Geo W 492 YEF A Eaton J N. 19 Edwards FA. 331 E I Ellsworth Th. 126, 385 Eliot Chas. 137 Elsberg NA. 234, 295 O Ervin Jules G. 138 Evans HC. 310 U Evans HC. 17 Everett W W. 90 YA Fallows Edw H. 275 E Ferguson R. H. M. 256 I Finn P J 33 Flanagan W L. 66 Fletcher H. P. 219 Filben Rev Thos 224 Fleming C. A. 380 Fish L F. 399 Flynn John Q 472 Flanders E. A. 477 O Freeman Wm R 49, 96 French Amos T. 86 Fracon Wm B. 327 French W. Atwood 379 U Fullerton H B 186 Fulton Thos A. 285 YG H A Gaffney T StJ 38, 328 Garrett Philip C. 123 Gavett Wm A 148, 406 Gage Lyman J 351 Gamble Robt J. 417 Gardner Walter E. 475 E I Gilder R W. 7 Gibbons Lt. 258 Gilmore Maurice E. 459 O Greene F V 2, 32, 35, 68, 162, 263 Gooding Mrs H B. 19 Goddard F. N. 45, 48, 70, 85, 94 191, 334, 360, Goff E W. 48 Grinnell Geo Bird 121, 328, 395, 443 Golding Louis T. 125 Grady Thos F 385 Goff J. W. 388 Green Geo E 397, 471 Greenway John 428 Goodwin James H. 473 U Guthridge Jules 333, YG H A Hastings Wash. 1, Hayes F P. 4, 187 Harrison A. O. 20, 89 Hassler Isaac 37 Harvey C. M. 41 Hammond E. A. 45, 488 Hazard Alex S. 61 Hazel J R 89 Harvey A M. 97 Hamilton Mrs Isabel B. 129, 473 Hall G. B. 147 Hale Irving 157 Hawes F W. 159 Haas Alice R. 311 Harris Wm S. 354 Hammond John Hays 461 Hall M M. 484 E Heins J L. 233, 363, 466 Hess Jacob 267 Hedges Job E. 447 Hendricks Francis 482 I Hitt Robt R. 98 Himes Geo H. 114 Higbie Rich. 173 Higgins Mrs. B von S. 270 Hinman Mrs. Wilbur F 295 Hissong G. W. 357 Higginson J J. 358 Higgins F W. 464 Hill Grant 489 O Holmes C. H. 47 Hotchkiss W H. 50, 87 Holls F W 56, 144, 298, 419 Howell Wm 124 Hoffman E. M. 149, 492 Hooker E H. 233, 465 Hogdon Chas E. 339 Howze Mrs Robt L. 442 Houghton O. A. 458 U Hutcheson Mrs. M. 24 Hutton E. H. 30 Hurlbert A B. 155 Humphrey L. H. 231, 387 Huntington Rev W R. 304, 334, 361 Hubbell W. S. 448 YIJ A E I O Irwin May 221 Leland John 267 U YI J A Jaeckel John P 104 Janvrin D. A. 183 Jayne C. A. 402 E Jesup C. M. 80 Jenkins M J 167 Jenks J W 175, 215 Jesup M K. 239, 400, 436 Jennings H C. 342 Jenkins Rev Paul B. 472 I O Johnson E. P. 11 Jones F. H. 16, Jordan Miss M. A. 20 Jones Mrs. Ja. Duane 21 Johnson B T. 31, 170, 395, 480 Johnson Chas. 93 Johnson W. W. 99 Jones T. M. 156 Johnson Chas E. 231 Johnston Mrs J P. 356 Jones & Govin 378 Johnson R U. 415, 431, U YK L A Kay Jos W 228 Kane Mr & Mrs J H 481 E Keane John J. 104 Kerney Chas 139 Kelley Geo M. 148 Kellogg S. Laflin 214 Kenyon J. S. 218 Keller John W. 400 I Kline Wm J. 10 Kimball W W 112 King W. F 374 Knoblauch Chas. 443 O Kraus J A 69 Krum Hobart 383 U YK L A Layman A E 46 LaFarge C. G. 52, 75, 207, 243 264, 279, 291, 308, 316, 382, 426, Lamy Chas 58 Langley S. P 211 Lacey Halbert 223 Lambert D. S. 254 Langdon Jesse D. 380 Landwer Miss Jessie B. 440 E Lee J. F. 39 Lester T. W. 102 Leaycraft J. E. 205 Lee Arthur H 238, 329, 387 Leonard R. W. 344 Lehmaier Louis A. 422 I Lincoln Henry 389 O Lovell Edw C. 14 Lounsbury F. R. 15 Lowell J. S. Mrs. 34, 106, 178, 213 Lovejoy O B 43 Long J. D. 59, 273 Lothrop Mrs H M 69 Locke F. D. 92 Loudonslager H C 128 Lounsbury Geo E. 284, 297 Low Seth 289, 309, Lodge H. C. 297, 317, 370, 403 Lowell F. C. 407, 439 U Ludlow James B. 276 Y Lyman Geo H. 494Mc M A MacClintock Jas H. 61 MacNaughton James 90, 248, 367 McAneny Geo 142, 219, 483 MacBee Silas 205 McCarthy Justin 391 McBride Exile J. J. 424 McCarrick Thos H. 444 McAdoo Wm 448 E McGuire Edw J. 2, 6, I McKinney J. 43 Mac Minn E. 44 McKinley Wm 164, 460 McIlhenny Jno 180 O U YMc M A Mahan A T. 42 March J E. 111 Matthews Geo E. 161, 284, Marsh Valentine 220 Marshall Mary L. 290, 329 E Merriam Wm R 77, 129, 306 Meiklejohn Geo D. 193 Meehan Patk A. 254 I Milburn Jno. G. 266 Miller J W 372 Minto Earl 462 O Moore Chas. 15 Moss Frank 42, 330 Monroe Mrs. H E. 68 Moran F. J. Clay 149 Mongin J H B. 210 Moot Adelbert 266 Morgan Dr John 301 Morris Fritz 354 Morton Levi P. 477, U YN O A Nast Thos. 101 Nam Quan Yick 280 Navel & Military Order 478 E Nelson Mrs. W. C. 16 Nelson H L. 135, 304, 412, 466 I Nix & Nix 192 Nixon S F. 384 O North James M 3 U YN O A Odell B B Jr. 95, 382, 414, E O'Grady Jm. E. 118, 147, 186 O'Grady R. P. 471 I Oneil Wm T. 44, 150, 198, 253 322, Olney Rich 257 O Osteyee Mrs F F 22, 113, Orr Alex E. 241 Osborn Wm Church 405 Osborne Thos. M. 478 U Outlook Co. 417 YP Q A Patterson Theo Cuyler 14 Parker J H 29 Pascal Miss M P. 115 Parson J R Jr. 141 Partridge J N 359 Parker Alton B. 386 E Phenis Albert 128, 207 Philbin E. A 152, 244, 245, Phipps Chas L. 227 Peabody Endicott 250 Perry James W. 338 Pension Com. H of R. 427 Peck Fredk. 475 I Place Rev Horace 140 Platt T. C. 176, 209, 272, 491 O Powell L. P. 12 Proctor Jos H. 142, 399 Prentiss C. E. 200 Porter Horace 249 U Putnam Sons 94, 398, 449 Purvis Edwin V. 139 Putnam J B. 204 Purroy H. D. 269 YA E Per I O U Quartermaster Chief of 97 Quigg Lt. 103, 113, 119, 151, 278. Y R S A Rafter John A. 1 Raymond G H 34 Raymond M D 84 Raines Thos 190 Ramsford Rev. W T. 225 Raines John 383 E Reed J. A. 22 Reyes B. 27 Reynolds J B 41 Rud Whitelaw 306, 371 Redmond John E. 393 I Rideing W. H. 8 Riis J. A. 78, 177, 342, 403, 479 Rice Cecil Spring 236, 313, O Rockwood Photo Co. 9 Robinson Douglas 105, 122, 227, 293, 361, 302 Root Elihu 138, 160, 168 - - Roosevelt J E. 217, 360 Roosevelt W. Emlen 221, 247 346, 369 Rooney John J. 228 Ronan Parker C. 246 Roche J. F. 344 Robertson Arthur L. 396 Robinson Mrs. D. 462 Roosevelt Mrs. J. A. 463 U Russell R. H. 62 Rudd W. P. 356 Y Rydell Albert 24R S A Schurman G W. 8 Sawe H J. 11 Schuyler Louisa Lee 21, 220, 450 Schuyler Gertrude L. 32 Sargent F P. 88 Schwab G. A. 88, 290, Scribners Sons 117 Schuyler C. C. 183 Satterlee Herbert L. 185 Sands B. Aymar 282 Sage A. J. 324, Sage Dean 349 Schauffler A F. 437 Schoff Mrs Frederic 476 E Shields G. O. 40 Shaw John J. 46 Shaw Albert 54, 191, 202 Seaman Guy G. 95, 195 Shaw Leslie M. 212 Seligman E. R. A. 214 Shayne C. C. 216, 343 Selmes Mrs T. R. 259 Sheffield Jas R 381, Shaffer N M 380, 488 Shriver Mark O. 395 Selous F C. 432 Sherwood J C. 470 Semple Mrs Rosa 476 I Slicer T. R 19, 26, 120, 288 Smith W. W. 25, 67, 135 Smith Geo Drake 64, 91, 103 Sleicher J A. 81 Smith Chas Stewart 172, 188 Smalley Geo W. 332, 361 O Stone G W. 3 Stearns L. F 36 Stoddard C H. 80 Strong P. B. 93, 116 Sturgis Thos 127, 172 Stiebling John 444 Stern L. 154 Storer Mrs Bellamy 158 Stimson H L. 189, 255 Spring Alfred 200 St John Chas 216 Stranahan N. N. 232, 359, 465 Stewart Wm R. 268 Storm Fredk 271 Storrs Anne Day 271 Stetson Miss M. F. L. 300 Stanard E. O. 330 Strong Josiah 438 U Swift L. B. 28, 353 Swan Mrs W L 193 Sumner E. V. 218, 419 Sweet Philip K. 345 Sullivan W. V. 404 Y Symons Thos W. Jr 461T U A Tarlton L P. 62 Taft W. H. 262, 312, 416 Tallon Danl. 394 E Thomas James Provoost 146 Thornton Joseph 470 I O H. H. Treadwell 5, 187, 363 Townsend Mrs. H. 47, 66 Travers F. C. 63, 100, 185, 378 Tremelling Guy 101 Tracewell R J 166 Tomlinson F. C. 194 Tompkins Ray 222 U Tudor Wm 130 Turner D. 287 Y[A] [E] [I] [O] [U] [Y] [T] [U]V W A Van Duzer J S. 6, 151, 199, 347 Vail Miss Lilian J 362 E Van Rensselaer Mrs W B 287 Van Rensselaer Mrs V. 340 I Vieman L W 337 O U YV W A Waddell R J. 9 Wandell Mrs S. 65 Wainwright Rich. 230 Washburn C. G. 335 Washburn Wm D. 415 Wardman Ervin 420 Walker John Brisbin 450 Wallihan A. G. 452 Wadsworth W. A. 467 E Welsh Herbert 4, 23, 122, 192 White Montague 18, 286 Whitney Caspar 83, 198, Whiteley J G 105 West Mrs Hilborn 136 Wheeler Benj Ide 181, 339 Webb Walter 189 Wharton Wm F. 195 White Horace 201, 232, 335 Weil Julius 210 Whitridge Mrs Lucy C. 294 Webb Frank E. 332 Welch S. M. Jr. 357 Weeks Geo L. 373 West T B. 437 I Wilson Jas Grant 114 Willis Chas T. 127 Witherbee W C. 203, 259 Wilson Wm P. 277 Wiman Erastus 283 Wilson Woodrow 350, 423, 457 White Horace 358 Willard Mary Hatch 366 Wise P. M. 368 Wilson James H. 436 Wiles Mrs Robt Hall 445 O Wright Geo W. 49 Wright F. B. 79, 155 Wright H J. 92 Wood Leonard 174, 277, 311 Wood Ira L. 340 U YA E I O U Y York John C. 201, 341 X YZ