[*185*] January 10, 1905. My dear Mr. Halstead: I thank you for your letter. I shall take immediate steps to see that my letter of March 18, 1904, is withdrawn; and I ask you to publicly state that it has been withdrawn. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Murat Halstead 2208 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D. C.January 10, 1905. My dear Baron: I am directed by the President to send you the accompanying telegram for transmission to Baron Sternburg. Sincerely yours, Secretary to the President. Freiherr von dem Bussche-Haddenhausen, Charge d'Affaires, German Embassy. Enclosure Both the same letter. 186187 My dear Ambassador:-- I have read your despatch with keen interest, and beg you to express to the Emperor my grateful appreciation of his suggestions. I agree with him fully as to the importance of the matter, and will at once take measures to ascertain the views of various powers in regard to it. Meantime, I shall be glad if you will present to His Majesty my cordial thanks for his message, and my deep appreciation of the most welcome assurance he gives me of his disinterestedness and of his intention not to demand any territorial acquisitions, as well of his continued and powerful support of the policy of the open door and the integrity of China. Theodore Roosevelt Jan 10th 1905189 January 10, 1905. My dear Senator: I thank you for sending me the letter from Mr. Stratton. I have directed immediate inquiries as to the two postmasters attacked by Mr. Stratton. I have just received, I am sorry to say, strong protests from reputable colored men of Montgomery, saying that Mr. Tebbetts has been most unfriendly in his treatment of them and has catered to the extreme reactionary side among the whites. About Mr. Thompson, the opinion of Judge Jones, who is certainly a far better and more competent man to testify than Mr. Stratton, is at variance with Mr. Stratton. I wonder if I could get Tebbetts to make his peace with the decent colored men in some way. I am also thinking of adopting Mr. Stratton's suggestion of sending Colonel Mosby to report to me on the conditions in Alabama. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Wm. P. Frye, President pro tempore, United States Senate.189 January 10, 1905. To the Attorney General: I would like Colonel Mosby to take the enclosed letter from Mr. Stratton and make a full investigation and report to me about conditions in Alabama. I do not desire that he should see Mr. Stratton, of whom I know nothing, but I do desire that he should see Judge Jones and confer freely with him. I have already sent for a full report about the post offices referred to. Let him see the Postmaster General before going. Theodore Roosevelt Enclosure.190 Personal January 10, 1905. Dear John: I am so much obliged for the skis. They are beauties. I do not know whether I could do anything with them now, but Ted will try them if he gets the chance, I know. Indeed I shall, too! Are you going to get on here for the inauguration? I want to have you riding in the parade. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Captain John C. Greenway, Oliver Iron Mining Company, Ishpeming, Michigan.191 Personal January 10, 1905. My dear Mr. Foss: I most earnestly hope that there will be no halt in the building up of the Navy. A newspaper correspondent has told me that a Republican member of your committee has said there would be no battleship provided this year, and only one swift cruiser. I can hardly believe that any member of your committee can have uttered so preposterous an absurdity. Heavy armored cruisers are very well in their way, but heavy battleships are what we need. We do not need light cruisers at all. It would in my judgment be a most serious misfortune to the whole country if at this time there should be a halt in the work of upbuilding the Navy. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. George E. Foss, Chairman, Committee on Naval Affairs, House of Representatives.192 Personal January 10, 1905. My dear Colonel Roosevelt: Mrs. Roosevelt has just shown me the fan with her monogram which you so kindly sent her. You had already sent a fan to Miss Roosevelt. Now, my dear Colonel, I need not say how much I appreciate your courtesy and the thoughtfulness of Mrs. Roosevelt and yourself in sending those gifts, and you must not misconstrue the request I am about to make that you do not send any more. This fan is marked with Mrs. Roosevelt's monogram, and in view of this fact, and of my knowledge of the fact that the present was made wholly without regard to whether or not Mrs. Roosevelt was the wife of the President, I have with some hesitation concluded that she will accept it in the same spirit in which it was given. But I am sure you will understand why I do not feel that any further presents should be set to any member of my family by you. Sometimes I am given, or Mrs. Roosevelt is given, by officials in the Govern-193 ment service, gifts of value not intrinsic, which we accept, but I would far rather that no gift of any intrinsic value was ever given us. My present intention is, after going carefully through the matter with Secretary Hay, to send Mr. Mason from Berlin to Paris, at least for a couple of years; and I shall put you in Mason's place in Berlin. With regards to Mrs. Roosevelt, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Colonel George W. Roosevelt, United States Consul, Brussels, Belgium.(Copy in the President's book) (Original sent in [longhand] writing.) January 10, 1905. My dear Captain Pershing: Let me congratulate you most heartily. As soon as your engagement is announced, Mrs. Roosevelt and I will have Miss Warren and you at lunch, so that we may see you and wish you well in person. Faithfully yours, THEODORE ROOSEVELT. Captain John J. Pershing, Care War Department, 194195 January 10, 1905. To the Attorney General: Cannot Judge Jackson of West Virginia be brought down here and told he ought to resign? From what I hear I fear he has no business longer to remain on the bench. Theodore Roosevelt196 January 10, 1905. To the Civil Service Commission: When will the classification of the laborers employed as clerks be ready? This is something I wish to take up, as you know. We have now classified the laborers, and the reason against classifying the laborers employed as clerks has disappeared. Theodore Roosevelt197 January 10, 1905. Dear Katie: Your more than kind and affectionate letter has pleased me deeply. I thank you for it. Did I ever tell you how very nice James has been about Ted's room? What a fine fellow James is, and how proud you must be of him! With love to all, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. T. James Bowlker, 282 Beacon Street, Boston. 197 1/2 January 10, 1905. Dear Will: If you do not object, in view of the circumstances of the case I would like to have young Proctor stay a year more in the Philippines. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Wm. H. Taft, Secretary of War. Enclosures.198 January 10, 1905. My dear Mrs. Thorndike: I want to thank you for your very kind and friendly letter. I sent for Mr. Peirce and found that he had no recollection of my speaking to him about Mr. Thackara save in the most general terms; and he hoped and expected to be appointed Consul General in Paris himself, and had not idea that Mr. Thakcara would be considered for the place at all. I had no idea that I had spoken to Mr. Peirce at all, but Mr. Loomis says he remembers a talk with me, and that it was most distinctly said that if Gowdy went out, then in the general promotions Mr. Thackara should receive a promotion. No one of us ever for a moment thought of putting Mr. Thackara over Mason and Roosevelt. Mason is the best man in the service, and is now growing old. I should say that Thackara, like William A. Rublee, is nearly as good , and will be as good in time. Thackara is certainly as good as Roosevelt; but Roosevelt, who, 199 like Mason, has been over a quarter of a century in the service, also has a distinguished military record, was wounded again and again, gained a medal of honor at Gettysburg, and left the army only when his leg was shot off. Not only Mr. Dalzell desires Pitcairn kept at Hamburg, but the Department has reported in his favor. Meanwhile, communicate with Mr. Thackara, as you suggest. I shall try to do all I can for him. If it is not as much as I desire it will be due simply to the fact that where there are many good men who wish to be promoted, it is a simple [pay?-] ical impossibility to do for each what he likes, and what, if it were not for the others, I should like to do for him. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Paul Thorndike, 244 Marlborough Street, Boston.200 January 10, 1905. My dear Judge: I have your letter of the 9th instant. If there is any delay about the Filipino Bank matter, pray let me know. Now, about yourself. It is needless to say that if the opportunity comes to do as you desire I should be glad; but, my dear Judge, you realize I am sure that I could not make any promise in advance, for I do not know when any vacancy will occur nor who will be candidates for that vacancy. In the judicial appointments likely to become vacant in Washington I fear I shall have to make them outside of New York for quite a time to come. I only wish I could write you more definitely. With best wishes, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. John T. McDonough, Tweddle Building, Albany, N. Y. 201 January 10, 1905. Personal. My dear Colonel McCook: Your letter is very important. I have known nothing of the incidents you refer to as occurring under President McKinley and have always been informed by all railroad men that the rebate law has never been enforced so well as during the past eighteen months. You say there is no occasion for new legislation upon the subject at this time. My dear Colonel, on this point I am absolutely sure that there is the gravest occasion for new legislation, and your statement surprises me greatly, for hitherto no competent man in whose judgment and intentions I trusted has made any such statement to me. You go on to say that if the penalties against rebating are strictly, uniformly and universally enforced they are adequate to remedy the trouble; that this practice can be stopped, and that no fairly intelligent man doubts it. 202 Neither the Attorney General nor the best counsel that I have been able to advise with agree with you; and frankly I do not think you can be familiar with the extreme difficulty of getting evidence when you say that these rebates can be stopped with ease under the present law. Take the beef trust case - the packers' cases, for instance - in those cases we are endeavoring to change a moral into a legal certainty. I think we shall succeed, but it is a slow business; whereas the moral certainty would offer ample ground for immediate and comprehensive action by the Interstate Commerce Commission if it possessed the requisite power. I wish you would let me show your letter to Moody, but do not feel at liberty to do so without your consent. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt [*We must have legislation.*] Col. John J. McCook, 120 Broadway New York, N. Y.203 January 10, 1905. My dear Dundas: I wish I could accept your very kind invitation, but I shall not be spending the night at Philadelphia, and every moment of my time while there will be occupied. With hearty thanks to Mrs. Lippincott and you, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. J. Dundas Lippincott, Walnut and Broad Streets, Philadelphia. 204 January 10, 1905. My dear Mr. Speaker: The enclosed letter from Mr. Wayne MacVeagh explains itself. Can we not make the arrangements that he desires? I hear that the French Ambassador is feeling a little chagrined at the apparent neglect. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. J. G. Cannon, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Enclosure.205 January 10, 1905. Personal. My dear Senator Cullom: I notice in connection with the general arbitration treatise now before the Senate that suggestions have been made to the effect that under them it might be possible to consider as matters for arbitration claims against certain States of the Union in reference to certain State debts. I write to say, what of course you personally know, that under no conceivable circumstances could any such construction of the treaty be for a moment entertained by any President. The holders of State debts take them with full knowledge of the constitutional limitations upon their recovery through any action of the National Government, and must rely solely on State credit. Such a claim against a State could under no conditions be submitted by the general Government as a matter for arbitration; any more than such a claim against a county or municipality could be thus submitted for arbitration. The objection to the proposed amendment on the subject is that it is a mere matter of surplusage, and that it is very undesirable, when the form of these treaties has already been agreed to by the several Powers concerned, needlessly to add certain definitions which affect our own internal polity only; which deal with a matter of the relation of the Fed-206 -2- eral Government to the States which it is of course out of the question ever to submit to the arbitration of any outside tribunal; and which it is certainly absurd and probably mischievous to treat as possible to be raised by the President or by any foreign power. No one would even think of such a matter as being one for arbitration or for any diplomatic negotiation whatever. Moreover, these treaties run only for a term of five years; until the end of that period they will certainly be interpreted in accordance with the view above expressed. Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. S. M. Cullom, United States Senate.207 Personal January 11, 1905. My dear Mr. Yeomans: Senator Cockrell, who will be your successor, does not wish to [qualify] yet. I shall therefore nominate you to serve until March 4th, but if you accept I wish it to be with the [understanding] that on that day you will resign. With regard, Very truly yours, Theodore Roosevelt [Hon. James] D. Yeomans, Interstate Commerce Commission, Washington.208 Personal January 11, 1905. My dear Dr. Abbott: I was more than satisfied with the conference. I have sent you for correction the final draft. I am having anything but a harmonious time about the tariff and about the interstate commerce. I think I have dragooned the Senators on the subject of the arbitration treaties; finally I notified them that I would withdraw the treaties if they were amended so as to interfere substantially with their purpose. I think we shall be able to go on with the navy. On the interstate commerce business, which I regard as a matter of principle, I shall fight. On the tariff, which I regard as a matter of expediency, I shall endeavor to get the best results I can, but I shall not break with my party. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Rev. Dr. Lyman Abbott, Editor, the Outlook, 287 Fourth Avenue, New York. 209 Personal January 11, 1905. My dear Senator Platt: I received your letter with enclosure from Mr. G.B. Schley, requesting that Mr. Frederick W. Whitridge be made an ambassador. It is impossible, as you know, for me to give him an appointment at the present time, but it the chance obscure letter on in my administration to fill such a vacancy as that you mention, it will be a pleasure to me to appoint him; although I can not make a definite promise at this time, and I am sure you would not desire me to do so. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. T.C. Platt, United States Senate.210 January 11, 1905. Dear Uncle Rob: I had read that article already and was greatly im- pressed with it. I am so glad you are to be on for the inaugural. Of course, you will be at lunch at the White House that day. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Robert B. Roosevelt, 57 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y.211 January 11, 1905. Personal. My dear Colonel Brodie: If necessary, for instance, you need ask Cowdin from New York. Now, won't you write to Proctor and ask him to be sure that the new law does not go into effect until July first? I think than he would do it. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Alexander O. Brodie, Governor of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona. 212 Personal. January 11, 1905. My dear Mr. Commissioner: I am pleased to receive your letter of the 10th instant, and delighted that you approve of Mr. Gaffney receiving an appointment. I intend to place his somewhere in the service. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. William McAdoo, Police Commissioner, New York. 213 January 11, 1905. Dear Goddard: The writer of the letters you sent me was my father, and I thank you for showing them to me. I return them to you as I have a number of his letters. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Captain Norton Goddard, 98 Bleecker Street, New York. Enclosures214 January 11, 1905. Dear George: Good for the old guard! I wait the advance with pleasure, and shall expect to see you all at lunch at the White House at two o'clock on inauguration day. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. George R. Sheldon, 4 Wall Street, New York, N. Y. 215 January 11, 1905. Dear Mr. Quimby: I heartily thank you and through you the members of the Megantic Fish and Game Corporation for the cordial invitation extended to me and very much regret that it will not be possible for me to attend the annual banquet. Wishing that the occasion may be a delightful one and with renewed thanks for your thought of me, I am, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. R. L. Quimby 80 Ames Building, Boston, Mass. 216 Personal January 11, 1905. Dear Joe: Mr. Loeb has shown me your letter of the 8th and enclosed clippings. The Senator told me that Sylvane had been elected auditor, and that his salary was now as great as that of the lone office position in question. It was on this statement that I made another nomination. What are the facts? I do not suppose that the Senator felt it was well to have two brothers holding positions at the same time. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. J. A. Ferris, Medora, North Dakota.217 January 12, 1905. My dear Mr. Warren: I wish to write you a line to congratulate you upon the report of the New York City Improvement Commission, which I have received through Mr. Winthrop Chanler. I am striving to do what I can toward helping the architecture of Washington. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Whitney Warren, 3 East 33d Street, New York. 218 January 12, 1905. My dear Mr. Evans, I greatly regret that it will not be possible for me to attend the annual banquet of the Board of Trade, but I am glad to send to the members of the Board and to their quests my best wishes for a most successful and enjoyable meeting. Thanking you and your associates for the very cordial invitation extended to me, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Charles Evans President, Atlantic City National Bank, Atlantic City, N. J. 219 Personal January 12, 1905. Dear Leupp: If I can take part in some way in that movement for the memorial for Mr. Baldwin I shall be glad to do it. You were entirely right in your advice about the Newsboys' Magazine, but I shall permit myself the malicious pleasure of saying, as a kind of offset, that your view (in which I cordially joined) as to how the Panama Canal Commission ought to be composed was entirely wrong. The best man I got on that commission was Hocker, and the composition of the commission is rendered so absurd by the present law that Hocker got off. [*Not an engineer should be on it.*] Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. F. E. Leupp, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington.220 January 12, 1905. My dear Dr. Clark: I am very sorry to say that the more I have thought over your invitation the more it has seemed to me that it is out of the question for me to accept. It comes at the very worst time of the year for me. I have had a long delayed promise, which this year I must keep, to President Nicholas Murray Butler to address the National Educational Association, and it is just about that time. It would be out of the question for me to make another speech then. I have no idea whether we shall be having an extra session of Congress at the time. If we do it is very possible I might run over to Baltimore and extend to you a very brief greeting; but if not, I fear it will be out of the question for me to come. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Rev. Dr. Francis E. Clark, Tremont Temple, Boston, Massachusetts.221 January 12, 1905. To the Secretary of War: I approve of the conclusions you have come to in your letter of January 10th as to terminating the present con- tract with the Pacific Mail Steamship Company and refusing to contract with any other vessels in connection with the Isthmian Canal work. Theodore Roosevelt 222 January 12, 1905. Dear Miss French: That is a rather noteworthy article on the arsenal. I have always taken a keen interest in it. I am afraid that I could not get Mrs. Roosevelt and the children on a trip with me to Iowa or anywhere else, because any such trip would inevitably have very disagreeable features about it, from the kindly desire on the part of good people to be nice to us. I wish we could see you here again. You may be sure that neither of us will ever forget you. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Miss Alice French, Davenport, Iowa. 223 Personal January 12, 1905. My dear Wheelan: I have your letter of the 5th instant. I had not heard anything about the resignation of the gentleman you mention. If I come to appoint any one from San Francisco, I shall care- fully consider your name; but my dear fellow, in an apointment like that I can pay no heed to personal consideration. With warm regards to Mrs. Wheelan, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. F. H. Wheelan, San Francisco, California. 224 Confidential January 12, 1905. Dear John: This letter of Speck's is most interesting. Evidently the Emperor is really alarmed about France and England. You notice how he keeps repeating the phrase, "the integrity of China." I am glad I suggested that it be included in your note to the Powers. Return this letter to me when you are through with it. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. John Hay, Secretary of State. Enclosure225 January 13 [19-?] My dear Mrs. Roosevelt: The President has pleasure in [sending?] you the enclosed letters of [introduction] With regard, believe me, Sincerely yours, Wm. Loeb, Jr. Secretary to the [President] Mrs. J. West Roosevelt, 2017 F Street, Washington, D.C. January 12, 1905. Write out by hand My dear Mr. Ambassador: I take pleasure in introducing to you my cousin, Mrs. J. West Roosevelt, who is a very dear friend of mine. Commending her to your courtesy, I am, Sincerely yours, To the American Ambassador, Paris, France.226 Write out by hand. January 12, 1905. My dear Mr. Ambassador: I take pleasure in introducing to you my cousin, Mrs. J. West Roosevelt, who is a very dear friend of mine. Commending her to your courtesy, I am, Sincerely yours, To the American Ambassador, London, England227 Write out by hand. January 12, 1905. My dear Mr. Ambassador: I take pleasure in introducing to you my cousin, Mrs. J. West Roosevelt, who is a very dear friend of mine. Commending her to your courtesy, I am, Sincerely yours, To the American Ambassador, Berlin, Germany.228 January 12, 1905. Dear Speck: Your very interesting letter has just been received. Tell His Majesty that I now understand entirely the situation. I shall be astonished if England is really intending to do as His Majesty thinks likely; but we shall soon see. I am in absolute and complete harmony with the views expressed by His Majesty as set forth in your letter, and acted on his suggestion even before your letter was received. I suppose the question as to what compensation of territory Russia will be entitled to demand must depend upon the military situation at the time of the piece negotiations. With warm regards to the Baroness, and hoping that you will present my respects to His Majesty, believe me, Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Baron H. S. von Sternburg, Hotel Continental, Berlin, Prussia.229 January 12, 1905. My dear Mr. Williams: Most reluctantly I have come to the conclusion that I shall have to accept your resignation. It will be a favor to me, because it will be for the good of the service, if you can consent to stay three weeks longer. In accepting your resignation let me repeat to you in writing what I said to you by word of mouth in endeavoring to get you not to insist upon it. I feel that you have rendered a service of real and high importance to the whole Nation in your management of the office under you. When I asked you to take the position I realized that I was asking you to do what meant genuine self-sacrifice on your part; and I realize that your consenting to stay in so long has meant further loss to you. But surely you must feel recompensed by the knowledge of the value of your work. You have set a standard of unceasing industry, of untiring energy, of high administra-230 tive ability and of single-minded devotion to duty which your successor will find it difficult to equal, no matter how good a man he may be. Thanking you most heartily for what you have done; and with profound regret that you were unable longer to serve, I am, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Wm. Williams, Commissioner of Immigration, New York, N. Y. 231 January 12, 1905. Personal. My dear Judge Jones: About that appointment at Brewton, Alabama, I find that you were mistaken. Miss Cunningham is not the postmistress. She is a candidate for appointment. She is said to be, with what truth I know not, a good deal of a scold. I have asked Colonel Mosby to investigate affairs in Alabama and to call on you for private information. Meanwhile, what do you think of the man Thompson recommends for postmaster at Birmingham? Let me know about those men you said I could consult, whenever it is convenient for you to write me. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Thos. G. Jones, U. S. District Judge, Huntsville, Alabama.232 January 12, 1905. Personal. My dear White: It may be that when you take up your duties as Ambassador to Italy Mrs. E. O. Wolcott will call upon you with a letter from me. Mrs. Roosevelt and I are extemely fond of Mrs. Wolcott and have the heartiest sympathy with her as against Wolcott; and I shall treat it as a personal favor to me if you can show her some marked attention. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Henry White, Secretary, American Embassy, London, England.233 January 12, 1905. Dear Alec: Your letter of the 11th instant received. I am afraid I am pretty well committed to Colorado. It would not do to take Goff's hounds down into a totally strange country. I shall write you further. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Dr. Alexander Lambert, 125 East 36th Street, New York.234 Personal January 12, 1905. My dear Mr. Combs: Your letter has interested me. I doubt if I can put Mr. Yorkes in the Cabinet. Mr. Hitchcock will be kept in the Cabinet. General Wright will be kept in the Philippines. I can not keep General Clayton in Mexico, but I shall send Mr. Clay to Denmark. I shall deliver a Lincoln Day address in New York, which I wish you would read when it is published. I think you will like it. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Leslie Combs, United States Minister, Guatemala City, Guatemala.January ??, 1905. 235 My dear Mrs. Wolcott: I enclose you a formal note of introduction to the Ambassador. I do not know which Ambassador will be in Rome when you reach there. I have written personally to both Meyer and White, so that it will be all right whoever is there. Hoping you will have a delightful time, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. E. O. Wolcott, 477 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, N. Y. Write out by hand. January 12, 1905. My dear Mr. Ambassador: I take pleasure in introducing to you my friend, Mrs. E. O. Wolcott, and commending her to your courtesy. Sincerely yours, To the American Ambassador, Rome, Italy.[*235 1/2*] Personal January 13, 1905. My dear Mr. Foss: In your letter you say that you "do not find any disposition to call a halt on the building up of the Navy." But you then said that there is "a disposition to let our Naval Programme go over for a year." It seems to me that this does amount to calling a halt in the building up of the navy. It is one of the subjects upon which I believe the people feel most deeply. Personally I could not avoid regarding any such proposal as being a direct violation of the plighted faith of the Republican party, and an attack upon the honor of the Nation. I should not on any ordinary question feel warranted in writing you in this manner, but such a proposition as to stop the building up of the navy can not in my judgment be entertained save at the expense of far-seeing patriotism; and there236 is not in my judgment any real justification for it. If you should authorize three battleships and six torpedo-boats, as you know, the expense would be distributed through a number of years, and there would be no appreciable difference in the [expenses] for next year. As you also know, the expenditures have become abnormally great for this particular year simply because the yards, having no other work, have been able suddenly to turn in and hurry up our ships. Let me reiterate that from every standpoint of sound public policy there could not be anything worse done in this Congress than the adoption of the plan of letting the naval appropriations go over for a year. I do not feel that, from the standpoint of the interests of the country, or from the standpoint of seeing the party live up to its professions, we would have a right to act in this manner. Very respectfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. George Edmund Foss, Chairman, Committee on Naval Affairs, House of Representatives.237 January 13, 1905. Personal. My dear Mr. Speaker: Major Warner of Missouri having declined, I have acted on the suggestion of you and of almost all the other members of the House and of the Illinois Senators in offering the position of Commissioner of Pensions to Vespasian Warner. I think this would make it a little difficult to appoint Scott Public Printer. Even if the New York man was not appointed I should have to consider Minnesota's claims. But as yet there is no need of our consulting about this. Stop in here as soon as you can. I care very little for what the newspapers get in the way of passing sensationalism; but I do not want the people of the country to get the idea that there will be any split or clash between you,and me on the tariff or anything else. I have deeply appreciated your willingness to go on with the building up[verso of 238] of the navy - it not being so important that we shall go fast as that we shall keep going. As you know, I shall be entirely content to have less than I want so long as we get something real. Just at the moment what I am striving hardest for is to get the arbitration treaties confirmed by the Senate. Then I should like to find out what chance there is of action on the interstate commerce proposal, and whether there will be an effort made to give us action that will not amount to anything and for which we could not stand. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. J. G. Cannon, Speaker of the House of Representatives.239 January 13, 1905. Personal. Dear John: The following cable has just been received: "London, January 13, 1905. "Secretary of State. "Confidential. Spring-Rice sailing next Wednesday, steamer Baltic. Would like to stay with Henry Adams. Please cable me whether latter can take him in. Hopes Ronald Ferguson, if still in Washington, will await his arrival. White." This is very interesting. Won't you ask Henry if he can put up this distinguished member of the kitchen ambassadorial circle - if there are members of the kitchen Cabinet, why cannot there be kitchen ambassadors? Also could you convey a word to Ronald of the request? Mrs. Roosevelt and I are delighted with Henry James. I hope to see something of him when he returns here. I am very sorry you should have had a fever and cold this morning. 240 Were you not delighted with the [solemn fatuity of those] speeches of Monroe on his Presidential tour? Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. John Hay, Secretary of State.[*241*] January 13, 1905. Dear Com John: I have your letter of the 11th, and look forward to seeing you in March when you come on to the inauguration and I am so glad you are coming. Of course, you must not write anything when you feel it to be perfunctory to do so. It is the very last thing that any writing of yours must ever be. I shall send you a stand ticket for the inauguration. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt John Burroughs, Esq., West Park, N. Y.[*242*] January 13, 1905. My dear Senator Platt: That is a nice report about Eidman. As for the clipping from the Press, I suppose it was only put in to damage Sheffield. Of course it has never entered my head to even tentatively decide on [a] any man until next fall, [and then only] after the fullest consultation with you, and with the certainty that we shall [can] come to an agreement on some good man. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. T. C. Platt, United States Senate.243 January 13, 1905. Personal. My dear Commissioner: I understand that soon there will come before you for appointment John J. Donovan, who has passed the examination for patrolman. He is the son of Professor Mike Donovan, the boxer, whom you doubtless know. I hear well of the young man, and his father is an honest man and a good citizen. I venture to call your attention to the case. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. William McAdoc, Police Commissioner, New York, N. Y.244 January 13, 1905. My dear Mr. Warner: It gives me pleasure to say that if you can accept the Commissionership of Pensions I shall gladly appoint you to it. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Vespasian Warner, House of Representatives.245 Personal January 13, 1905. My dear Captain: It will be a pleasure to see you. I have already given instructions for that deputy marshal to be overhauled. I agree entirely with you that the trouble in game killing does not come from sportsmen, but from those who live on the ground. But it is an awful problem how to handle it. [*In great haste,*] Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Captain C. E. Radclyffe, Culeaze, Wareham, England.246 Personal January 13, 1905. My dear Mr. Mather: Certainly Glancer is a beautiful hound, to judge from his photograph. Winty told me of your very kind invitation. I wish it was in my power to accept. In the first place I have not the time, and in the next place I would have to take a couple of weeks to get into condition to hunt even if I had the time. With good wishes, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Charles E. Mather, Brandywine Farm, Westchester, Pennsylvania.[*247*] January 13, 1905. My dear Mr. Justice: I cannot say how much I appreciate your kindness. I shall have those two letters framed at once, and I shall put your own letter at the back of the Henry Clay one. I should like my children to have it as well as the Henry Clay. How interesting the Lincoln letter is! With hearty thanks, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. John M. Harlan, Associate Justice Supreme Court of the United States.[*248*] January 13, 1905. Dear John: Are you in New York? If so, I wish you could come on to see me before you go to Porto Rico to take up your duties. I want to see you in the first place just for the pleasure of getting a glimpse of you, and in the next place to talk over Porto Rican affairs. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. John Stuart Elliot, 59 Pine Street, New York, N. Y.249 January 13, 1905. Personal My dear Comrade Hersey: I like the picture much, and appreciate your having sent it to me. I shall put it at once on the mantel-piece in my office. With hearty thanks, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. S. R. Hersey, 1219 l Street, N. W., Washington. 250 Personal January 13, 1905. My dear Mr. Dickinson: I have your letter of the 11th, and the telegram from Mrs. Dickinson was received. All I minded was the fact that you were not present. No other man could have taken your place! I very earnestly hope it will not be long before you are in Washington so that I may see you and greet you and thank you for the many, many kindnesses you have shown me. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Don M. Dickinson, Detroit, Michigan.251 Personal January 13, 1905. My dear George: Mrs. E. O. Wolcott will present you a line of introduction from me. She is a particular friend of Mrs. Roosevelt's and mine, and I am very anxious, for reasons that I will tell you when we meet, that you should show her any courtesy in your power. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. G. V. L. Meyer, American Ambassador, Rome, Italy.[*252*] January 14, 1905. H. W. Weinstock President, Commonwealth Club, Sacramento, Cal. I am very glad to learn that the Commonwealth Club is paying this tribute to the public services of my [????] friend, Jacob Riis, and I wish it ere possible for me to be with you. It is a real pleasure to send to the members of the Club and to its guests, especially to its guest of honor, heartiest greeting and best wishes. Theodore Roosevelt. [??arge] to the President's private acct.[*253*] January 14, 1905. The Secretary of State: I sent you ex-Senator Davis's comments on Fox. They have puzzled me much. If the State Department people, of their own knowledge, believe Fox to be of sufficiently good moral character to keep as assistant, I think he should be promoted. Has he been drinking, or have you complaints of his drinking now? Theodore Roosevelt P. S. This evening if you see Root, won't you talk over the Costa Rica proposition? I think we ought to close with it. It is to our advantage to gain by the free offer of those republics just that power over their finances the lack of which is causing us such trouble at this very moment in San Domingo and Venezuela.254 Personal January 14, 1905. My dear Putnam: I did not need anything to make me satisfied with that order; but the volume you sent me would be enough to make me so of itself! With regard, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon Herbert Putnam, Librarian of Congress, Washington.255 Personal January 14, 1905. Dear Sturgis: Last year, when I had Professor Yamashita teach me the "Jiudo" - as they seem now to call Jiu Jitsu - the naval attache here, Commander Takeshita, used to come around here and bring a young lad, Kitgaki, who is now entering Annapolis. I used to wrestle with them both. They were very fond of Archie and very good to him. This Christmas Kitgaki sent from Annapolis a little present to Archie, who wrote to thank him, and Kitgaki sent him a letter back that we like so much that I thought you might enjoy it, as it shows so nice a trait in the Japanese character. It runs as follows: "My dearest boy, "I received your nice letter. I thank you ever so much. I am very very glad that you have receive my small present. "I like you very very much. When I have been in Jiudo room with your father and you, your father was telling to us about the picture of the cavalry officer. In that time, I saw some expression on your face. Another remembering of you is your bravery when you sleped down from a tall chair. The two rememberings can't leave from my head. "I returned here last Thursday and have had plenty lesson, so my work is hard, hard, hard, more than Jiudo.256 "I hope your good health. "I am, "Sincerely yours, "A. Kitgaki." Isn't it a nice letter? Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Dr. William S. Bigelow, 60 Beacon Street, Boston.[*258*] January 14, 1905. My dear President Eliot: I have your letter concerning Professor Coolidge. There is no intention at the moment of making any change at Constantinople. The present incumbent, by the way, is by birth a Scotchman. I am told he is a Presbyterian and not a Jew, but I do not know. As far as I know he is doing his duty well. With regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt President Charles W. Eliot, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.[*258*] January 14, 1905. My dear Chancellor Hill: It would be a great pleasure if I could see you up here. Can you come some time next week and take lunch with me at 1:30 o'clock? If not, perhaps you could come up on January 26th and bring Mrs. Hill and then you and she could attend the Judicial Reception that evening and I could get you yourself to come to lunch either that day or the following day. There are certain matters I would like to talk over with you, including international arbitration and the race question. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Chancellor Walter B. Hill, Athens, Georgia.[*259*] January 16, 1905. My dear Governor Deneen: Mr. Daniel Hogan has been suggested to me as the man to appoint for Collector of Internal for the Southern District of Illinois. Do you regard him as a proper man for the place - one who by character and fitness could be expected to do the work well and to be a worthy government representative? Apologizing to you for thus intruding upon your time, I am, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Charles S. Deneen, Governor of Illinois, Springfield Illinois.260 January 16, 1905. Personal. To the Secretary of State: It seems to me that if you present Russia's protest about breach of neutrality to China, we should at the same time make a strong protest against Russia herself violating China's neutrality, as reported in this morning's papers. I think we should seize the opportunity when the wolf invites outside interference against the lamb to call the wolf's attention sharply to his own misdeeds. It may possibly have a healthy effect in restraining him from a course of conduct that will cause us trouble hereafter. Theodore Roosevelt 261 January 16, 1905. The Secretary of the Treasury: In accordance with our conversation and the agreement we came to in connection with the coinage, I would like you to submit this letter to the Director of the Mint. I suppose it comes under his immediate supervision. In the first place, about the coinage. How soon will it be possible to have St. Gaudens employed for at least one set of coins? Of course he is to be given an absolutely free hand. This is not a reflection upon the Director of the Mint or any of his subordinate. It is out of the question that great artists should be put in the position of Director of the Mint or of his subordinates, if only for the reason that they would probably be wholly incompetent to do the work; but it is of the utmost importance that the artist should be left absolutely unhampered for [his working out the design and [?] of the coin or for the medal. I do not wish there to be the slightest interference with St. Gaudens in connection with the coinage from its artistic side. Please[*262*] have the matter taken up at the earliest possible moment, and advise me about it. In the next place, please have the Director of the Mint write at once to St. Gaudens and to F. D. Millet, whose address is 6 West 23d Street, New York City, as to the medal to be struck for the inauguration. General Winfield Scott, in July, 1845, wrote to the Secretary of War in regard to the medal for the Mexican War veterans as follows: "As medals are among the surest monuments of history as well as muniments of individual distinction, there should be given to them, besides intrinsic value and durability of material, the utmost grace of design with the highest finish in mechanical execution. * * * What the state of this art ("the medallist's) may be now in the United States, I know not. But I beg leave again to suggest that the honour of the country requires that medals voted by Congress should always exhibit the arts involved, in their highest state of perfection wherever found, for letters, science and the fine arts constitute but one republic, embracing the world. So thought our early government and Mr. Jefferson - a distinguished member of that general republic." We find that all artists are [a community] one in feeling that our recent medals are markedly inferior to the medals struck for foreign nations, notably the French. I desire that this medal represent fine artistic work, and that either St. Gaudens or some one chosen by Millet and St. Gaudens be given [an] absolutely free hand in making it. Please have an immediate report made to me on this matter also. Theodore Roosevelt263 January 16, 1905. My dear Mr. Loomis: Bishop Brent says that Consuls Williams and Goodnow and Vice-Consul Colgrove at Canton are all very bad; that General Bragg is a good man, but too old. I am also told that Wilcox, at Hankau, although a good man, is senile. Taft says that the Consul at Amoy disgusted Bishop Dougherty by his obscene and blasphemous conversation. Dr. Jenkins says that Wilcox is honest, feeble, and no good; that Bragg is feeble and, though a fine fellow, that his usefulness is at an end. But I don't like to [?] Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. F.B. Loomis, Assistant Secretary of State.[*264*] January 16, 1905. My dear Mr Tawney: I have your letter of the 14th. Naturally, such a letter as that pleases me very much. I wish you would thank your uncle when you write him. Not only do I appreciate his support of the measures which he believes in, but even more I appreciate the tone of his letter. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. J. A. Tawney, House of Representatives. 265 January 16, 1905. Personal My dear Senator: I am struck by your letter. Substantially, you put the matter just as I see it. I only hope I can bring Congress around to my view. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Warner Miller, [100?] Broadway, New York, N. Y.[*266*] January 16, 1905. My dear Miss Louisa: Naturally, I am very much pleased with Dr. Stone's sermon. Will you tell him how much I appreciate it? I wish I could see him; and even more I wish I could see you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Miss Louisa Lee Schuyler, 451 Summit Avenue, Redlands, California.[*267*] January 16, 1905. My dear Judge - Your letter made me feel ashamed, because it is not warranted in the slightest degree by what I am doing. I should indeed be a poor patriot, a poor American, if I acted otherwise. Now, let me say what is the simple truth - that you probably do not yourself know how much mere association with you like association with Taft, does for me. You and Taft an men like you not only give me the practical advice and practical help I want, but you serve as a constant stimulus to me to be true to my convictions. I would not for anything in the world feel that I had so acted as just to forfeit your regards. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. J. M. Dickinson, Central Station, Chicago, Illinois. 269 Personal January 16, 1905. My dear Mr. Van Wormer: I want to thank you very much for letting Professor Mike Donovan come down here to box with us; but my dear sir, if I had realized that he was under contract to give all his time to your club I should never have written him. I hope you will excuse me. Now, Mike says you have given him permission to come down for a couple of days the week after next. I endeavored to persuade him not to come, but he was evidently bent upon it. Do you wish him to come, or not? I hope you will write me with entire frankness. Heartily thanking you for your courtesy, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt John Van Wormer, Esq., President, New York Athletic Club, New York.[*269*] January 16, 1905. My dear Senator: That is an important letter. I am now looking into the facts in Tebbetts' case. Trusting you will soon be well, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. William P. Frye, President pro tempore, United States Senate.[*270*] January 16, 1905. My dear Senator Platt: I have seen your letter to Commissioner Sargent commending Watchorn for promotion. I shall send in his name to-morrow as Commissioner of Immigration at New York City. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. T. C. Platt United States Senate. 271 Personal. January 16, 1905. Dear John: I return Eddy's letter and the accompanying memorandum. What an interesting document it is; and what a light it casts upon Russia? Always Yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. John Hay, Secretary of State.[*272*] January 16, 1905. My dear Mr. Minister: I thank you much for the translation of the letter from Yogore Matsumoto. Of course I much appreciate his courtesy and wish to write an acknowledgment, but I would like to know from you in the first place whether the writer is a person from whom I can properly receive such a gift, and whether I am doing right in writing him. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Kogoro Takahira, The Japanese Minister, Washington.[*273*] January 16, 1905. My dear Mr. Bristow: I accept your resignation of my own free will only because you have agreed to continue in the Government service in an even more important place. I cannot too highly express the feeling I have about the work that you have done, especially in cleansing the Post Office Department of corruption. There are any number of men who are honest in negative fashion, but your honesty was of the virile and aggressive type which was so indispensable in dealing with the problem set [before] you. You have conferred honor upon the Government by your association with it. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. J. L. Bristow, Fourth Assistant Postmaster General.274 Personal January 16, 1905. My dear Reid: I would not venture to advise you as to your future life and career, or as to how any given action will affect this life and career; but I do wish to say that from the standpoint of the interests of Harvard, all of us feel that you would be doing a very real service if you could make up your mind to go to Harvard for a year. I do not mean merely from the athletic standpoint, but from the standpoint of the general tone of the college. I only hope you can see your way clear to do this. Sincerely yours, [Theodore Roosevelt] Mr. W.T. Reid, Jr., Belmont School, Belmont, California.[*275*] January 16, 1905. My dear Sir: I have received through Mr. William Miller Collier copy of the book entitled "A Group of Great Lawyers of Columbia County", and anticipate reading it with pleasure. The statement in the book that my ancestors formerly lived in Columbia County is correct, my father's [grand] mother grandmother having lived there. Assuring you it will be a pleasure to accept honorary membership in the Columbia County Association, and regretting my inability to be present at your banquet, I am, with renewed thanks, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Abner S. Haight, Esq., [4?] Leonard Street New York, N. Y.[*276*] January 16, 1905. The Secretary of State: I have read the confidential report of the Third Assistant Secretary of State of the inspection of the consulates in the East, and consider it excellent. I desire that Oscar F. Williams, the consul at Singapore, be removed forthwith on the showing made in this report. Can any action be taken in the way of substituting some one for Hobbins, the vice and deputy consul general at Hong Kong? At Canton McWade has already been removed, so that no action is called for. On March 4th I desire that the resignation of Mr. Fesler, consul at Amoy, be requested. This is the man of whom Bishop Dougherty complained. When will Goodnow, the consul general at Shanghai, reach here? His case should be closed by March 4th. It would have been better if his case could have been closed, as was McWade's,[*277*] at the time of Mr. Peirce's visit. It is impossible to keep him on the showing made in this report. On March 4th the resignation of Consul General Wilcox at Hankau will be requested. Can anything be done to promote Mr. Hunter Sharp at Kobet In view of this report I think he ought to go up. In view of this report I think that Consul General Bellows at Yokohama should have his resignation asked for, unless there is some reason that would make it desirable to transfer him to a less important post. I think probably he had better be asked to resign, [ on March 4th] Theodore Roosevelt Enclosure[*278*] January 16, 1905. Hon. H. Kirke Porter, House of Representatives. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby appoint you a member of the central committee of the American National Red Cross. Theodore Roosevelt [*279*] January 16, 1905. Hon. John Sharp Williams, House of Representatives. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby appoint you a member of the central committee of the American National Red Cross. Theodore Roosevelt[*280*] January 16, 1905. Hon. Frederick H. Gillett, House of Representatives. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby appoint you a member of the central committee of the American National Red Cross. Theodore Roosevelt[*281*] January 16, 1905. Mr. Samuel Mather, Cleveland Ohio. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby appoint you a member of the central committee of the American National Red Cross. Theodore Roosevelt[*282*] January 16, 1905. Mr. Cleveland H. Dodge, New York, N. Y. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby appoint you a member of the central committee of the American National Red Cross. Theodore Roosevelt[*283*] January 16, 1905. Miss Mabel T. Boardman, Washington, D. C. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby appoint you a member of the central committee of the American National Red Cross. Theodore Roosevelt[*284*] January 16, 1905. Surgeon General W. K. Van Reypen, U.S.N., retired, Washington, D. C. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby appoint you a member of the central committee of the American National Red Cross, and designate you to act as chairman of said committee Theodore Roosevelt[*285*] January 16, 1905. Hon. Francis B. Loomis, Assistant Secretary of State. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby appoint you a member of the central committee of the American National Red Cross. Theodore Roosevelt[*286*] January 16, 1905. Hon. Alvey A. Adee, Assistant Secretary of State. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby appoint you a member of the central committee of the American National Red Cross. Theodore Roosevelt[*287*] January 16, 1905. Hon. Charles Hallam Keep, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby designate you to act as an incorporator of the American National Red Cross, and appoint you a member of the central committee of said association. Theodore Roosevelt[*288*] January 16, 1905. Brigadier General George B. Davis, Judge Advocate General, U.S. Army. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby designate you to act as an incorporator of the American National Red Cross, and appoint you a member of the central committee of said association. Theodore Roosevelt[*289*] January 16, 1905. Hon. Louis A. Pradt, Assistant Attorney General. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby designate you to act as an incorporator of the American National Red Cross, and appoint you a member of the central committee of said association. Theodore Roosevelt[*290*] January 16, 1905. Medical Director John C. Boyd, United States Navy. In pursuance of the authority vested in me by the Act of Congress approved January 5, 1905, I hereby designate you to act as an incorporator of the American National Red Cross, and appoint you a member of the central committee of said association. Theodore Roosevelt[*291*] January 17, 1905. My dear Captain Sartoris: I am sorry to say that your article about Washington society has had a very unfortunate effect here, especially in view of your being a candidate for a diplomatic position in which discretion is so necessary. Of course you ought not to have quoted anything you heard at the White House, and should have been very careful of your comments of every kind Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Captain Algernon Sartoris, 15 Rue Daubigny, Paris, France.[*292*] January 17, 1905. My dear Mrs. Sampson: I hate to seem churlish, but I could not make that promise. It is not a question of doing justice to the Sampson family. It is a question of giving to the Sampson family its own share, plus the share of some other naval officer's family. With real regret, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Elisabeth B. Sampson, 1613 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington.[*293*] January 17, 1905. My dear Cardinal Gibbons: I have asked that Father Rengel be examined for appointment in the army. The vacancy in the navy was filled several days ago. [With great regard,] Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Cardinal Gibbons, Baltimore, Maryland.[*294*] January 17, 1905. Hon. Thomas C. Carter, Helena, Montana. Accept my heartiest congratulations. THEODORE ROOSEVELT (President's private account)[*295*] January 17, 1905. My dear Governor: D'Hauteville is a good young fellow. I regret,however, that he should have been educated abroad, in view of his desire to fill some foreign post. I do not regard this as a final bar, but it makes it much more difficult to pass by, in his favor, young fellows who have been educated in this country. I earnestly hope I shall be able to do something for Mr. Chilton. With warm regards to Mrs. Morton, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. L. P. Morton, 681 Fifth Avenue, New York. 296 January 17, 1905. Personal. My dear Mr. O'Brien: I believe that there will be a shift in the South American ministerships which will leave Uruguay-Paraguay vacant after the fourth of March. I cannot say this definitely, but I think so. In such event, would you accept the ministorship? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Edward C. O'Brien, Esq., 10 West 43rd Street, New York, N.Y.[*297*] January 17, 1905. My dear General Wilson: It seems to me that the inauguration medal should be designed by some artist like St. Gaudens. For the last thirty or forty years the medals struck by this Government as a rule have been very commonplace affairs indeed, in no way corresponding to similar ones struck, for instance, by the French Government. It is out of the question for the ordinary government employee to design a medal which shall be worth preserving or which shall add to the stock of artistic achievement of the Nation. A design by an artist, however, would have to be paid for by the Inauguration Committee. Would it be possible for the Committee to consider making such a payment? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Gen. John M. Wilson, Chairman Inaugural Committee, The New Willard, Washington, D. C.298 Personal January 17, 1905. Dear Johnson: Muir and Colby are too vague. My own belief is that California will be likely to resent anything looking like interference on my part. As for promising "what I [am] going to do with the Yosemite," I do not know what Muir and Colby mean. I can only promise to treat it as we have treated the Yellowstone. Colby says that Senator Curtin's main argument is that [there is ??] we have no assurance that the National Government will do any more for the Yosemite Valley than it has done for the [Yellowstone] National Park, which he claims is a very insignificant amount." This statement is simply not true, for the National Government has done an enormous amount for the Yellowstone National Park, and the way to answer Mr. Curtin is to show that he is not stating the facts. Most emphatically I do not see how we could promise to do more than we have done for the Yellowstone Park. From what Colby says in his letter, it[299] looks as if Curtin's real grievance was that the National Government had prevented sheep and cattle men from plundering and ravaging the reservations, and did not wish the Yosemite [park?] where it would be protected by the National Government. I am surprised that there should be anything like a proposal that the National Government should stop protecting the park from sheep men, cattle men, or any other transgressors. It seems to me rather nonsensical to try to get me to promise something, (they do not know what), with a view of influencing in favor of the Yosemite men whose real objection to having us take charge of the Yosemite Park is that we would protect it too well. Sincerely yours, [Theodore Roosevelt] Mr. R.U. Johnson, The Century Magazine, Union Square, New York.300 January 17, 1905. My dear St. Gaudens: It appears that under the law the silver coinage can not be changed until 1917, and the five cent nickel piece can not be changed until 1908. The gold coins and one cent piece are the only ones that can be changed now without act of Congress. But I suppose the gold coins are really the most important. Could you make designs for these; and what would be the expense? Unfortunately, there is no authority to employ an artist to make designs for the inauguration medal. The medals made at the mint can be designed by the regular force of engravers, or a design paid for from some other source than the regular appropriation. It is possible, however, that I could get some outside appropriation by which I could pay for a design for the medal, and then direct the mint people to execute it. The mint people[*301*] would be entirely competent to work out the design, would they not? [What about this?] Now, can you tell me about what the cost of a design for the medal would be? Then I will see whether I can get means to pay for it. Would you mind consulting with Frank Millet on this matter? [It was delightful to get a glimpse of you at supper the other evening.] Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Augustus St. Gaudens, Windsor, Vermont. January 17, 1905. My dear Mr. Millet: I am directed by the President to send you the enclosed copy of a letter to Mr. St. Gaudens, which explains itself. Sincerely yours, Wm. Loeb, Jr. Secretary to the President. Mr. F. D. Millet, 6 West 23rd Street, New York, N. Y. Enclosure.302 January 17, 1905. Personal. My dear President Alderman: I have accepted in their substance, though with some change of form, your suggestions, excepting that about Lincoln's warring to free the slave. I think this is an academic and technical rather than a substantial objection. At the very outset the national authorities did not even say they were warring for the Union, but took the ground that they were defending the property of the United States Government from attack. But very soon after Sumter was fired on they announced that the war was for the preservation of the Union. After January 1, 1863, it became a war for the emancipation of the slave. In an address of this kind I do not desire to go into too fine spun distinctions. For that reason I have not adopted those absolutely true parts of your suggested changes in which you speak of the necessity of scientific education303 for our young men. The average man would not know what was meant by it. With hearty regard, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt President Edwin A. Alderman, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.304 January 18, 1905. Cablegram Baron H. Sternburg, German Ambassador. Have not only sounded the government you mention about its disinterestedness through formal channels, but also personally through its Ambassador at Washington. Expect to receive favorable answer. As you by this time know, we have received answers from England and Italy which take the exact ground that Germany and the United States do about maintaining the integrity of China, and about the neutral powers positively declining in the event of peace to accept any territorial compensation for themselves. THEODORE ROOSEVELT Personal January 18, 1905 My dear Baron: I am directed by the President to send you the accompanying message, to be transmitted by cable to Ambassador Sternburg. I am, Very truly yours, Wm Loeb, Jr. Secretary to the President. Freiherr von dem Bussche-Haddenhausen, Charge d'Affaires, German Embassy, Enclosure.305 January 18, 1905. Personal. Dear Moody: In writing to Hepburn approval of the bill, could you not guard yourself by saying something to the effect that the more carefully we look into the matter the more it becomes evident that it may be necessary to suggest further modifications of the law in addition to those in the bill, but that we regard this bill as in itself a good one along the lines you mentioned yesterday as those you were going to take? I am not at all sure that private car lines do not offer the worst abuses; and I should like to be sure that we get at this abuse, or provide a way of getting at it, before we express ourselves as entirely satisfied with anything that we are doing. Will you look at the enclosed letter from Governor Odell? I earnestly hope that the work he mentions will not be stopped. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. W. H. Moody, Attorney General.306 Personal January 18, 1905. My dear Wheeler: Yours is an illuminative letter about the new Senator, and tells me just what I want to know. Personally, I think we should have pooling allowed under conditions approved by a strong interstate commerce commission; and the private car lines are the ones against which we want most drastic action. With hearty thanks and regard, believe me, Faithfully yours, [Theodore Roosevelt] President Benjamin Ide Wheeler, University of California, Berkeley, California.[*307*] January 18, 1905. My dear Mr. Remmel: From information that comes to me I am inclined to think that Mr. Whipple, though he has been a good and faithful public servant in the past, is now somewhat old to give really good service, and I should much like it if you can recommend a young and efficient man in his place. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. H. L. Remmel, Little Rock, Arkansas.[*308*] January 18, 1905. Dear Mrs. Riis: You are absolutely right to have sent that letter to me, and you must always write me whenever you wish. But it is not desirable from the standpoint of the public service ever to keep a man in one place longer than Mr. Swenson has been kept in Copenhagen. I told Senator Nelson I was entirely willing to promote him to Stockholm, but Senator Nelson felt that this would be doing an injustice to another excellent Minnesota man, for reasons which I shall explain to you when I see you. With great regret, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Jacob A. Riis, 524 North Beech Street, Richmond Hill, N. Y. 309 January 18, 1905. Personal My dear Mr. Kellogg: I wish to thank you most heartily for all the aid you have rendered me in the matter of preparing this interstate commerce or railway rate question. It is not often that a busy man, whose time really is money - and a great deal of it! - will give that time with such entire disinterestedness for the good of the public. Believe me, I appreciate it. With warm regards to Mrs. Kellogg, believe me, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Frank B. Kellogg, St. Paul, Minnesota. Personal. January 18, 1905. My dear Mr. Attorney General: I am directed by the President to send you the enclosed letter, and to ask if you will be good enough to forward it to Mr. Frank B. Kellogg. Very truly yours, Wm. Loeb Jr. Secretary to the President. Hon. W.H. Moody, Attorney General. Enclosure.[*310*] January 18, 1905. My dear White: Really I am a little out of patience with Californians like Professor Le Conte. What you they mean by making such utterly vague statements [as] that I am to "outline my policy toward the park", or "give an outline of possible improvements?" They know perfectly well, or at least they ought to know perfectly well, that it is simply out of the question for me to know what [of the] improvements if any are to be made. The matter must rest on the general proposition that we will treat it as we have treated the Yellowstone; and that if, as I understand it, certain politicians are against the change because the National Government really has protected the national reserves against the depredations of certain sheep and cattle men who tried to break the law, why we hold this opposition as a title to honor. Ask Le Conte what it is he expects me to say, and see whether he has any concrete idea on the subject. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Stewart Edward White, Santa Barbara, California.[*311*] January 18, 1905. My dear Senator Platt: I am sorry to say that there has been very grave complaint against Mr. Allen. Most of the patent lawyers with whom I have come in contact have told be that while they thought Mr. Allen's intentions were good, yet that he lacked the ability to render satisfactory service. I do not think there is now another official in Washington of his standing against whom there has been such grave complaint; but of course, I should not consider doing anything in the matter until I saw you. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. T. C. Platt, United States Senate.[*312*] January 17, 1905. My dear Senator: I think that is a very generous and kindly act of yours. I shall write Senator Proctor at once on behalf of General Phelps. With warm regards to Mrs. Turner, and hoping to see you both in Washington some time this winter, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. George Turner, Fernwell Block, Spokane, Washington.[*313*] January 17, 1905. My dear Senator Proctor: The enclosed letter from ex-Senator Turner explains itself. I am very much moved by this appeal of the Senator's on behalf of General Phelps, and it certainly does seem as though we should take the action suggested on behalf of the General. How do you feel about it? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Redfield Proctor, United States Senate.314 Personal January 18, 1905. My dear Mr. Pike: Lieutenant Emmons has just handed me the caribou photographs which you sent me. They are admirable from every standpoint, and I prize them. I wish I knew how to take up camera work myself. It seems to me that nothing has been better than to have the camera substituted for the rifle as the wilderness hunter's real weapon. Have you seen the very noteworthy German book on African game called Mit Blitzlicht und Buchse? It really looks as if the so-called civilized peoples of the world were gradually getting civilized enough to preserve instead of exterminating the wonderful and beautiful wild creatures, whose loss from the earth's surface would be a real misfortune. I am so fond of both your books that I do wish you would keep on writing; and I always feel that if you chose you 315 could make the descriptions of the life habits of the animals more elaborate than you have done. I hope you will do so? and I look forward to seeing you some day at Washington. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Warburton Pike, Union Club, Victoria, British Columbia.[*316*] January 18, 1905. Dear Uncle Rob: Certain other matters that have come to my attention made me feel that it would probably not be well to promote Judge Thomas. Emily has written us from Rome that she has so enjoyed seeing Maud and having her in the same hotel with her, and she immensely admires the grandchildren. Affectionately yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Robert B. Roosevelt, 57 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y.317 Personal see better copy Page 318 January 19, 1905. My dear Mr. Secretary: I enclose a copy of the part of the report of Assistant Secretary Peirce referring to McWade. You are entirely at liberty to show it to McWade, or to make it public if you so desire. You will see that the only allusion to you is the allusion to your letter in connection with the letter from Mr. Tomes. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. William H. Taft, Secretary of War. Enclosure318 Personal January 19, 1905. My dear Mr. Secretary: I enclose a copy of the part of the report of Assistant Secretary Peirce referring to McWade. You are entirely at liberty to show it to McWade, or to make it public if you so desire. You will see that the only allusion to you is the allusion to your letter in connection with the letter from Mr. Tomes. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. William H. Taft, Secretary of war. Enclosure319 Confidential January 19, 1905. My dear Mr. Watchorn: You will soon enter upon your duties as Commissioner at Ellis Island. If I thought that there was any need of telling you what to do, I should not have appointed you. I wish you to [go on] act exactly as you have [done] acted in your present position. I need not say to you that in the immigration service at Ellis Island no question of politics can under any consideration be allowed to enter. While the prohibited classes of immigrants must be rigorously kept out, and while you need to keep an especially watchful eye upon the steamship and railroad companies, I of course desire that every one shall be treated courteously-all the more courteously if you have to refuse to do what they wish; and above all, that you see to it that the immigrants coming over here receive the kindly and considerate treatment which will start them right in their feelings toward their new home. There is one specific matter to which I wish to call your attention. Your assistant, Mr. Murray, had friction with Mr. Williams. I should have transferred him elsewhere and put in another assistant in his place had not Mr. Williams insisted that he could not serve with any assistant save Mr. Robinson, who, after consultation with Mr. Sargent, I did not feel was suited for the position. As regards Mr. 321 -2- Murray all I ask is that you give him a fair trial. Your judgment shall then be conclusive as to whether he is to stay or go, and as to whether if he goes it is right that he should leave the service or be transferred to some other place while you take as your assistant some man in his place. You will be the absolute judge of his competency or incompetency. If he is not competent I do not wish him to be retained. If he is competent I wish him to be retained so long as he is satisfactory to you. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Robert Watchorn, Esq., Commissioner of Immigration, Montreal, Canada. 321 Personal January 19, 1905. To the Attorney General: Would or would not it be proper to make Assistant District Attorney Cushman, of Washington, a Special Assistant to the Attorney General for the Court of Appeals work in San Francisco? T. Roosevelt322 Personal January 19, 1905. My dear Senator McCumber: I should like you to read the enclosed letter from Mr. J.A. Ferris. I am sure you will understand that it has put me in an awkward position to have seemed to have passed Ferris by when on your recommendation I expected to appoint him. It appears now that so far from having as good a place as the one you expected to recommend him for, it is not more than one third as good. I feel under the circumstances that Sylvane is entitled to as good a place in the State as you originally expected to give him. Can it not be arranged? Please return Mr. Ferris' letter with your reply. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt I heartily congratulate you on your election. Hon. P.J. McCumber, United States Senate. Enclosure 3232 Personal January 19, 1905. My dear Mr. Van Wormer: You are more than kind, not only about Mike but about Ted. I thank you heartily. I trust Mrs. van Wormer and you can come on for the Judicial Reception and supper afterward. You will receive formal invitation in due course. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. John R. Van Wormer, President, New York Athletic Club, Central Park South, New York. [*324*] January 19, 1905. My dear Comrade: I thank you for your letter and I have read it with interest; and I feel that you are the kind of veteran of whom we can be most sincerely proud. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Joseph B. Potter, Berryville, Arkansas.325 Personal January 19, 1905. Dear Uncle Joe: The enclosed letter is from a pretty good type of veteran. Return it to me when you are through with it. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. J.G. Cannon, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Enclosure The enclosure is a letter from Joseph B. Potter, Berryville, Ark., about pension legislation.[*326*] January 19, 1905. Dear Sturgis: Many thanks for your letter of the 17th. I have read "Bushido" and so has Ted. Now, do you know enough to say whether that is really studied in Japan, and represents home Japanese philosophy [information], and not Japanese philosophy [information] for export! The last is [delegated?] by the enemies of Japan. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Dr. William S. Bigelow, 60 Beacon Street, Boston.[*327*] January 19, 1905. Dear Cotty: When Kermit comes down here for the inauguration I would like to have him arrange to leave on Thursday night, the 2d of March, and then go back Monday the 6th. If he leaves Friday there is a good chance that he may miss the ceremony. Tonight Bishop and Mrs. Lawrence dine with us, and take lunch with us tomorrow. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Rev. Dr. Endicott Peabody Groton School, Groton, Massachusetts.[*328*] January 19, 1905. Dear Kermit: I have sent the letter to the Rector. Mother and I have ridden a couple of times since you left. Once Yagenka got colic and we had to put the saddle on the sergeant's horse, which Mother rode, while the sergeant rode back with poor Yagenka. Ted and I have been boxing, first with Professor Mike Donovan and now with a new man, a wrestler, named Grant. The day before yesterday I bloodied Grant's nose, which made me feel ashamed as Grant was not hitting me hard, although I had besought him to do so. Last evening Grant had an hour's wrestling match with another professional, from Iowa, whom he beat. Ted and Hoover went to see it. Jack has become as devoted to Mother as ever the old Jack was. Your loving father, T. R. Master Kermit Roosevelt, Groton School, Groton, Massachusetts. 329 Personal January 19, 1905. My dear Mr. Lovering: I hope you and Colonel Hepburn can take some little interest in the leprosy matter at Hawaii. Would you mind consulting with Delegate Kalanianacle about it? I am very much impressed with the Delegate's sttitude. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. William C. Lovering, House of Representative. 330 Personal. January 19, 1905. Dear Gifford: This is not to be used publicly. It is for your private information. From the time Williams went into the office he and Murray failed to get on together. I think that there was fault due to both. I am inclined to think that from the beginning Williams intended to have a clerk in his law office named Robinson appointed assistant commissioner. Let me repeat that I think there was fault on both sides; that Williams was far more valuable than Murray; that I was entirely willing that Murray should go; but that I was not willing that Robinson should be put in his place. Williams has done invaluable work as immigration commissioner. He is a high-minded, fearless, energetic and able public servant. I do not know any one who could have done quite the work that he did during this particular three years, in view of the utter demoralization which had prevailed under the McSweeney regime. The trouble with Williams has been that owing to his past associations and education he has found it difficult to get on with men of inferior education and social status; indeed Commissioner Sargent twice reported to me that he was on the verge of having the entire force at Ellis Island go on a strike. Last December Williams came to me and told me that he could no longer get on with Murray. I told him that in that case I would transfer Murray elsewhere, if necessary reducing him, and would put another man in Murray's place. He then.331 -2- said that he could not continue to serve unless he had Robinson as his assistant. A day or two afterwards I had Commissioner General Sargent in and told him that Williams meant to resign. Sargent expressed the greatest regret and urged me to try to get him to stay. I then told Sargent that he would not stay unless he could have Robinson as assistant. Sargent at once answered that under such circumstances he should by all means be allowed to resign; because, while Robinson was an honorable and capable man, he possessed in even accentuated degree the failings of Williams in dealing with other men, and that in his (Sargent's) judgment it would become practically impossible to do work on the Island if both Williams and Robinson were in as commissioner and assistant commissioner. I offered the place to Civil Service Commissioner Cooley, who, however, did not feel he could take it. I then consulted Sargent and came to the conclusion to promote Robert Watchorn, who, from all I can hear, is the very best man in the entire immigration service. I have written him the following letter: "My dear Mr. Watchorn: "You will soon enter upon your duties as Commissioner at Ellis Island. If I thought that there was any need of telling you what to do, I should not have appointed you. I wish you to act exactly as you have acted in your present position. I need not say to you that in the immigration service at Ellis Island no question of politics can under any consideration be allowed to enter. While the prohibited classes of immigrants must be rigorously kept out, and while you need to keep an especially watchful eye upon the steamship and railroad companies, I of course desire that every one shall be treated courteously-all the more courteously if you have to refuse to do what they wish; and above all, that you see to it that the immigrants coming over here receive the kindly and considerate treatment which will start them right in their feelings toward their new home. 332 -3- "There is one specific matter to which I wish to call your attention. Your assistant, Mr. Murray, had friction with Mr. Williams. I should have transferred him elsewhere and put in another assistant in his place had not Mr. Williams insisted that he could not serve with any assistant save Mr. Robinson, who, after consultation with Mr. Sargent, I did not feel was suited for the position. As regards Mr. Murray all I ask is that you give him a fair trial. Your judgment shall then be conclusive as to whether he is to stay or go, and as to whether if he goes it is right that he should leave the service or be transferred to some other place while you take as your assistant some man in his place. You will be the absolute judge of his competency or incompetency. If he is not competent I do not wish him to be retained. If he is competent I wish him to be retained so long as he is satisfactory to you. "Sincerely yours, "THEODORE ROOSEVELT." Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Gifford Pinchot, Bureau of Forestry, Department of Agriculture.[*333*] January 19, 1905. My dear Mr. Watchorn: Will you as soon as you take office at Ellis Island take up the enclosed complaint of Mr. Bijur and see Mr. Bijur himself about it? He is one of the most highminded and honorable men I know. Of course, I only ask you to do exactly what is right; but give Mr. Bijur a careful hearing. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Robert Watchhorn, Esq., Commissioner of Immigration, Montreal, Canada. Enclosure.[*334*] January 19, 1905. Dear Brother Honorary: I was glad to get your letter, for a good many different reasons. I hear well of Hill. I do not know who the other candidates are. As yet Lowell has not been advanced, for no bill has passed. Give my love to Dick and Mrs. Dick. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. P. C. Brooks, 2 Deerfield Street, Corner Bay State Road, Boston. 335 Personal January 19, 1905. Dear Mr. Bliss: Cortelyou will want to name the men for those places himself, and I shall have to turn that matter over to him. I shall send the Senator's letter to him. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. C. N. Bliss, 117 Duane Street, New York. 336 Personal January 19, 1905. Dear Cortelyou: I know you will relish the enclosed communication from Scott. I rather think the good Senator expects you to wire him at once that you will accept any man he suggests! Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. George B. Cortelyou: Chairman, Republican National Committee, Arlington Hotel, Washington. Enclosure[*337*] January 20, 1905. My dear Congressman: I have thought carefully over your letter and gone over it with the Secretary of War, and have also spoken to members of the Military Committee about it. The members of the committee assure me that if Major Fowler's name is not withdrawn it will merely mean that he will not be confirmed, and that the law will be amended (as in my judgement it ought to be) limiting these promotions to men already in the army. They have however, notified me that they will gladly appoint the present Governor of Arizona, a West Point graduate who served in the regular army in many Indian campaigns, and who was wounded while serving under me as lieutenant colonel of my regiment. To do as you desire, then, would be of no service whatever to Major Fowler, but would simply bar out Governor Brodie. Under such circumstances I certainly can not act as you wish. Moreover, I regret to say that the Secretary[*338*] reports to me that Major Fowler's age, taken in connection with his lack of military experience, prevents his filling the position with satisfaction to the Department, and that he does not think it to the advantage of the services that he should be retained. Under these circumstances it is evident that no good whatever would come from doing what you request, but on the contrary it would pointlessly damage a man whom the committee say they will confirm; and it appears moreover that the Secretary of War believes the committee are right in the action they propose to take, as to Fowler and as to the change of the law. With regard, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Thomas W. Bradley, House of Representatives. 339 Personal January 20, 1905. My dear Mr. Brady: I have your letter of the 19th instant. I want most carefully through the official reports of the Wounded Knee matter, including Colonel Godfrey's. I am sorry to say there is not the slightest room for doubt as to what it was that occurred. I have told several people why I did not care to promote Colonel Godfrey, so I am not in the least surprised at his knowing my feeling in the matter. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Rev. Cyrus Townsend Brady, 455 East 17th Street, Flatbush, Brooklyn, N. Y.[*340*] January 20, 1905. My dear Bass: I have your letter of the 17th instant, and will take the matter up at once with the Attorney General. Give my warmest love to your mother [and Mrs. Bass]; and believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Lyman M. Bass, Esq., 558 Ellicott Square, Buffalo, N. Y.[*341*] January 20, 1905. My dear President Thwing: Will you permit me as a fellow Harvard man to greet you, the President of the Western Reserve University, and through you the Washington Alumni Club of the University at its annual dinner? Wishing you all good fortune, I am, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt President Charles F. Thwing, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.[*342*] January 17, 1905. My dear Mr. Ulstad: I have received, through Senator Nelson, the picture of your family, and congratulate not only you but particularly Mrs. Ulstad. You are both the kind of American citizens in whom I believe. I take pleasure in sending you my photograph. With best wishes, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Mads Olsen Ulstad, Hanto, Minnesota. January 17, 1905. My dear Senator Nelson: By direction of the President I enclose herewith a letter and photograph for Mr. Ulstad, which you can send direct or through Mr. Reese, who wrote you concerning the matter. I return Mr. Reese's letter. Sincerely yours, Wm Loeb, Jr. Secretary to the President. Hon. Knute Nelson, United States Senate. Enclosures343 Personal January 20, 1905. My dear Senator Platt: I do not know whether Blumenthal can be transferred or not. Joe wants his private secretary, Phillips, appointed to Paris. We are transferring Einstein to London, as you know. I shall look it up. I note what you say about Commissioner Allen, and shall give it careful consideration. About Davies for the position of Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, I think he would be a good man, but Senator Depew had already spoken to me about William D. Murphy if any New York man was to be appointed as Assistant Secretary, and I have said that if any New York man was put in Murphy would be entirely satisfactory to me. I think now he would feel slighted if another New York man was put in and he left out, and I also think that he knows a good deal more about finance than Davies. 344 I think I can arrange the Hobbs matter, concerning which Mr. William Barnes, Jr., wrote you. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. T. C. Platt, United States Senate.[*345*] January 20, 1905. Navy Department: The enclosed letter explains itself. I shall nominate Wadleigh Capehart as a principal appointment to the Naval Academy for 1906. Theodore Roosevelt Enclosure The enclosure is a letter from Gen. Wilmon W. Blackmar, Commander-in-Chief, G.A.R., in behalf of the appointment of Wadleigh Capehart to the Naval Academy, with copies of a previous letter from himself to the President and an acknowledgment from Secretary Loeb, on the same subject.[*346*] January 20, 1905. My dear General: On receipt of your letter I sent the following letter to the Navy Department: "The enclosed letter explains itself. I shall nominate Wadleigh Capehart as a principal appointment to the Naval Academy for 1906. "THEODORE ROOSEVELT." Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt General Wilmon W. Blackmar, Commander-in-Chief, Grand Army of the Republic, Boston. 347 Personal. January 20, 1905. My dear Mr. Fahnestock: I thank you for your letter, and I fully appreciate all the difficulties in the matter of the regulation and supervision by the Government over railroad rates and rebates. But I do not think, my dear sir, that you quite appreciate in your turn the fact that the men who operate what are practically the highways of national commerce must be subjected to supervision and regulation on behalf of the public. It is because I am against the Nation, taking possession of the railroads that I wish to see a more effective supervision and regulation of them. The only intent of the proposed laws is to make effective what the already existing laws intended to do. With many thanks, and regard, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt H. C. Fahnestock, Esq., V. Press., First National Bank, New York, N. Y. [*348*] January 16, 1905. My dear Mr. Armstrong: I accept your resignation as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury to take effect March 5, 1905. I wish at this time to express my appreciation of the zeal, industry and marked administrative ability with which you have performed your duties, and to express the hardiest good wishes for your future. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. R. B. Armstrong, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury. 349 Personal January 21, 1905. My dear Governor: I have your letter of the 20th instant. If Mr. Francis had spoken to me in time I could have arranged the temporary appointment at Madrid or Brussels, but now both places have been promised. I have also informed Storer that I shall reappoint him at Vienna, but I have told him that after two or three years I may ask him to resign, simply to put Francis in, for I want to do what I can for Francis. With hearty regard, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Frank S. Black, 170 Broadway, New York. 350 Personal January 21, 1905. My dear Judge Kent: Do you care to be Governor, or would you rather be Chief Justice, of Arizona? How would Fowler do for Governor, in case you do not want it? Won't you and Brodie confer together on the matter, and give me your judgment? Sincerely your, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Edward Kent, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona. [*333*] January 19, 1905. My dear Mr. Watchorn: Will you as soon as you take office at Ellis Island take up the enclosed complaint of Mr. Bijur and see Mr. Bijur himself about it? He is one of the most highminded and honorable men I know. Of course, I only ask you to do exactly what is right; but give Mr. Bijur a careful hearing. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Robert Watchorn, Esq., Commissioner of Immigration, Montreal, Canada. Enclosure.[*334*] January 19, 1905. Dear Brother Honorary: I was glad to get your letter, for a good many different reasons. I hear well of Hill. I do not know who the other candidates are. As yet Lowell has not been advanced, for no bill has passed. Give my love to Dick and Mrs. Dick. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. P. C. Brooks, 2 Deerfield Street, Corner Bay State Road, Boston. 335 Personal January 19, 1905. Dear Mr. Bliss: Cortelyou will want to name the men for those places himself, and I shall have to turn that matter over to him. I shall send the Senator's letter to him. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. C. N. Bliss, 117 Duane Street, New York. 336 Personal January 19, 1905. Dear Cortelyou: I know you will relish the enclosed communication from Scott. I rather think the good senator expects you to wire him at once that you will accept any man he suggests: Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. George B. Cortelyou, Chairman, Republican National Committee, Arlington Hotel, Washington. Enclosure[*337*] January 20, 1905. My dear Congressman: I have thought carefully over your letter and gone over it with the Secretary of War, and have also spoken to members of the Military Committee about it. The members of the committee assure me that if Major Fowler's name is not withdrawn it will merely mean that he will not be confirmed, and that the law will be amended (as in my judgement it ought to be) limiting these promotions to men already in the army. They have however, notified me that they will gladly appoint the present Governor of Arizona, a West Point graduate who served in the regular army in many Indian campaigns, and who was wounded while serving under me as lieutenant colonel of my regiment. To do as you desire, then, would be of no service whatever to Major Fowler, but would simply bar out Governor Brodie. Under such circumstances I certainly can not act as you wish. Moreover, I regret to say that the Secretary[*338*] reports to me that Major Fowler's age, taken in connection with his lack of military experience, prevents his filling the position with satisfaction to the Department, and that he does not think it to the advantage of the services that he should be retained. Under these circumstances it is evident that no good whatever would come from doing what you request, but on the contrary it would pointlessly damage a man whom the committee say they will confirm; and it appears moreover that the Secretary of War believes the committee are right in the action they propose to take, as to Fowler and as to the change of the law. With regard, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Thomas W. Bradley, House of Representatives.339 Personal January 20, 1905. My dear Mr. Brady: I have your letter of the 19th instant. I went most carefully through the official reports of the Wounded Knee matter, including Colonel Godfrey's. I am sorry to say there is not the slightest room for doubt as to what it was that occurred. I have told several people why I did not care to promote Colonel Godfrey, so I am not in the least surprised at his knowing my feeling in the matter. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Rev. Cyrus Townsend Brady, 455 East 17th Street, Flatbush, Brooklyn, N.Y.[*340*] January 20, 1905. My dear Bass: I have your letter of the 17th instant, and will take the matter up at once with the Attorney General. Give my warmest love to your mother [and Mrs. Bass]; and believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Lyman M. Bass, Esq., 558 Ellicott Square, Buffalo, N. Y.[*341*] January 20, 1905. My dear President Thwing: Will you permit me as a fellow Harvard man to greet you, the President of the Western Reserve University, and through you the Washington Alumni Club of the University at its annual dinner? Wishing you all good fortune, I am, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt President Charles F. Thwing, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.[*342*] January 17, 1905. My dear Mr. Ulstad: I have received, through Senator Nelson, the picture of your family, and congratulate not only you but particularly Mrs. Ulstad. You are both the kind of American citizens in whom I believe. I take pleasure in sending you my photograph. With best wished, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Mads Olsen Ulstad, Hanto, Minnesota. January 17, 1905. My dear Senator Nelson: By direction of the President I enclose herewith a letter and photograph for Mr. Ulstad, which you can send direct or through Mr. Reese, who wrote you concerning the matter. I return Mr. Reese's letter. Sincerely yours, Wm Loeb, Jr. Secretary to the President. Hon. Knute Nelson, United States Senate. Enclosures343 Personal January 20, 1905. My dear Senator Platt: I do not know whether Blumenthal can be transferred or not. Joe wants his private secretary, Phillips, appointed to Paris. We are transferring Einstein to London, as you know. I shall look it up. I note what you say about Commissioner Allen, and shall give it careful consideration. About Davies for the position of Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, I think he would be a good man, but Senator Depew had already spoken to me about William D. Murphy if any New York man was to be appointed as Assistant Secretary, and I have said that if any New York man was put in Murphy would be entirely satisfactory to me. I think now he would feel slighted if another New York man was put in and he left out, and I also think that he knows a good deal more about finance than Davies.344 I think I can arrange the Hobbs matter, concerning which Mr. William Barnes, Jr., wrote you. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. T. C. Platt, United States Senate.[*345*] January 20, 1905. Navy Department: The enclosed letter explains itself. I shall nominate Wadleigh Capehart as a principal appointment to the Naval Academy for 1906. Theodore Roosevelt Enclosure The enclosure is a letter from Gen. Wilmon W. Blackmar, Commander-in-Chief, G.A.R., in behalf of the appointment of Wadleigh Capehart to the Naval Academy, with copies of a previous letter from himself to the President and an acknowledgment from Secretary Loeb, on the same subject.[*346*] January 20, 1905. My dear General: On receipt of your letter I sent the following letter to the Navy Department: "The enclosed letter explains itself. I shall nominate Wadleigh Capehart as a principal appointment to the Naval Academy for 1906. "THEODORE ROOSEVELT." Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt General Wilmon W. Blackmar, Commander-in-Chief, Grand Army of the Republic, Boston.347 Personal. January 20, 1905. My dear Mr. Fahnestock: I thank you for your letter, and I fully appreciate all the difficulties in the matter of the regulation and supervision by the Government over railroad rates and rebates. But I do not think, my dear sir, that you quite appreciate in your turn the fact that the men who operate what are practically the highways of national commerce must be subjected to supervision and regulation on behalf of the public. It is because I am against the [States] Nation taking possession of the railroads that I wish to see a more effective supervision and regulation of them. The only intent of the proposed laws is to make effective what the already existing laws intended to do. With many thanks, and regard, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt H.C. Fahnestock, Esq., V. Pres., First National Bank, New York, N.Y. [*348*] January 16, 1905. My dear Mr. Armstrong: I accept your resignation as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury to take effect March 5, 1905. I wish at this time to express my appreciation of the zeal, industry and marked administrative ability with which you have performed your duties, and to express the hardiest good wishes for your future. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. R. B. Armstrong, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.349 Personal January 21, 1905. My dear Governor: I have your letter of the 20th instant. If Mr. Francis had spoken to me in time I could have arranged the temporary appointment at Madrid or Brussels, but now both places have been promised. I have also informed Storer that I shall reappoint him at Vienna, but I have told him that after two or three years I may ask him to resign, simply to put Francis in, for I want to do what I can for Francis. With hearty regard, Faithfully yours, [Theodore Roosevelt] Hon. Frank S. Black, 170 Broadway, New York.350 Personal January 21, 1905. My dear Judge Kent: Do you care to be Governor, or would you rather be Chief Justice, of Arizona? How would Fowler do for Governor, in case you do not want it? Won't you and Brodie confer together on the matter, and give me your judgment? Sincerely yours, [Theodore Roosevelt] Hon. Edward Kent, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona.[*351*] January 21, 1905. My dear Mr. Reid: I concur entirely in what you say. I had not even heard the rumor to which you refer. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Whitelaw Reid, 451 Madison Avenue, New York, N. Y.[*352*] January 16, 1905. My dear Mr. Minister: Will you have the enclosed letter sent to the address given, together with a translation into Japanese signed [with my name] by you? I hope that Mrs. Griscom is well. You surely have a most interesting post at present! Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Lloyd C. Griscom, American Minister, Tokyo, Japan. Enclosure353 Write out by hand. Personal January 16, 1905. Sir: I have just received your kind and friendly letter, stating that you have forwarded to me a sword made by the famous sword-maker, Munemitsu of Jakushu, which sword I shall doubtless receive in due course. I thank you heartily for your courtesy and gladly accept your gift, coming from one of a nation of swordsmen whose system of philosophy "Bushido" teaches that the sword must never be drawn save with justice and never sheathed save with honor. Many years ago, [at the time] I first read the history of the [r]oyal Ron[i]ns, I [became] greatly attracted to the study of the history and customs of the people of Nippon, and I have watched with keen interest their wonderful history ever since. I feel that [???] the great civilized nations of the world can each teach[354] and each [can] learn from the others. With renewed thanks, [and hoping for your ????] Sincerely yours, Mr. Yogoro, Matsumoto, Jiusannichi-machi, Morioka, Prefecture of Iwate, Japan.[*355*] To be written out by hand. January 21, 1905. My dear President Palma: [*INSERTED HAND WRITTEN TEXT I ? will of ?? life of the ?*] I greatly appreciate and am deeply touched by your kindness. I shall keep the volume as one of the most precious memorials to be handed down to my children. I can not say, my dear Mr. President, all that it means to me to have been instrumental in the great work of freeing Cuba and setting her out on her path as an independent republic; and I congratulate you on the wisdom and firmness with which you are guiding her destinies during these early and critical years. Wishing all happiness and prosperity for you and your beloved country. Sincerely yours, [Theodore Roosevelt?] Hon. T. Estrada Palma, President of Cuba, Havana, Cuba. 356 January 21, 1905. Personal. My dear Senator Platt: The enclosed letter from Mr. George Haven Putnam explains itself. It is a matter in which I take a deep interest, simply as an American citizen. Will you tell me the present status of the bill, and advise me if there is anything I can do to help its passage! Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. O.H. Platt, United States Senate. Enclosure.[*357*] January 21, 1905. Dear Haven I at once wrote senator Platt a letter of which the enclosed is a copy. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Geo. Haven Putnam, 27 West 23rd Street, New York, N. Y. Enclosure.[*358*] January 21, 1905. My dear Mr. Bovee: I wish it were in my power to attend the banquet of the West Side Republican Club on the occasion of the McKinley dinner. I well remember the many pleasant occasions when I have been present with you, and I know the disinterestedness and efficiency with which your club has worked, and the value of the work. Wishing you a very pleasant occasion, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. C. N. Bovee, 18 Wall Street, New York. 359 Personal January 21, 1905. My dear Governor: I have just overridden the local organization in making the appointment of Mr. Earlywine, your private secretary, as postmaster at Paris. I would not have done this except out of my strong feeling for you. It is out of the question for me to keep making such exceptions. I must have a general rule and stand to it. The two Congressmen, the National Committeeman and the Chairman of the State Committee must be the men whom I consult in Kentucky appointments. I am sorry to have to write you thus. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. W.O. Bradley, Kentucky Title Building, Louisville, Kentucky. [*360*] January 21, 1905. Gentlemen: I cordially appreciate your courteous invitation to be at West Palm Beach on February 1st-4th next, and I wish it were in my power to avail myself of your courtesy; but unfortunately it is not. With regard and renewed thanks, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Committee on Invitation, W. J. Metcalf, Chairman, West Palm Beach, Florida.[*361*] January 21, 1905. My dear Judge: That is an interesting clipping, and I thank you for sending it to me. I thank you still more for what you are doing in the matter. With great regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Emory Speer, United States Judge, Macon, Georgia.[*362*] January 21, 1905. My dear Mr. La Farge: It is of the utmost importance that the Harvard memorial window which Ambassador Choate is to dedicate should be put through as soon as possible. Choate wishes to dedicate it himself, instead of leaving it to his successor. I earnestly hope that it can be finished at the earliest possible moment after the fourth of March. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. John La Farge, 51 West 10th Street, New York, N. Y.[*363*] January 21, 1905. My dear Mr. Ambassador: Good! Now may I ask you that as soon as you find out from John La Farge you will communicate with Mr. Whitelaw Reid? I told him the substance of my letter to your. I ask you to write to him merely because he will want to know exactly what time to arrive in London. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Joseph H. Choate, American Ambassador, London, England[*364*] January 21, 1905. Dear Alec: I have seen Phil Stewart, who has [already] engaged the hounds. He says that Lyons is undoubtedly a first class hunter who gets very big bear, but that the work is much harder both in riding and walking than in Colorado, and the bear, thought bigger, are apt to be less plentiful; so that while of course in each case there is a big element of chance, the chance is more favorable in Colorado. He says about April 15th is the time to go in. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Dr. Alexander Lambert, 125 East 36th Street, New York.[*365*] January 21, 1905. The Postmaster General: After talking over this Pueblo case with Mr. Philip B. Stewart, I think the course to follow is to hold up the commission for the time being, and to notify the local United States District Attorney that you will hold it up for a reasonable time, until the indictments can be tried; but [say this?] if the trial is put off too long that we will then have to appoint him. Theodore Roosevelt Enclosure366 January 21, 1905. Personal. Dear Sherman: Howbert would have to be removed to make way for you, and it would be out of the question for me to promise to go into such a matter without a full and thorough knowledge of the subject. I hate not to answer offhand that I can do as you wish, but in questions of this kind I have to consult much more than my own mere personal inclinations. Will you give my warm regards to Mrs. Bell, and congratulate her for me, as well as yourself, upon the birth of the baby? With great regard, Sincerely yours, [Theodore Roosevelt] General Sherman M. Bell, Adjutant General of Colorado, Denver, Colorado.367 The following letter, in the President's handwriting, was sent under cover to Rev. Dr. Cornelius H. Patton, 14 Beacon St., Boston: The White House, Jan 21st 1905 To Gen. O.O. Howard; My dear General, Permit me to extend to Mrs. Howard and to you my warmest congratulations on your approaching golden wedding. You have deserved well of your country and of humanity, my dear General, and I am proud of you as an American. Your friend THEODORE ROOSEVELT. January 23, 1905. My dear Sir: I enclose an autograph letter which the President has written to General O.O. Howard, in response to the request contained in your letter of the 19th instant. Very truly yours, Wm. Loeb Jr. Secretary to the President. Rev. Dr. Cornelius H. Patton, 14 Beacon Street, Boston. Enclosure[*368*] January 23, 1904. Dear Nannie: I have written Mrs. Upshur. I wish I could see you. I am so concerned at learning how much under the weather you have been. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. H. C. Lodge, 1765 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D. C.[*369*] January 23, 1905. My dear Mrs. Upshur: Mrs. Lodge has sent me your letter. I have not heard of the bill you refer to; but even without knowing of it I can say generally that any matter that will do justice to the navy will, of course, have my hearty approval. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. J. H. Upshur, The Marlborough, Washington, D. C.[*370*] January 23, 1905. My dear Dr. Schick: I enclose you $20 for the Waldenses. I am always peculiarly interested in them. Milton's ode about them has always seemed to me one of the finest poems in our language. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Rev. Dr. J. M. Schick, 1405 Fifteenth Street, N.W., Washington, D. C.[*371*] January 23, 1905. My dear Archbishop: I hear well of O'Shaughnessy, but when the chance of promoting him will come I do not know. I do not hear so well of Caughy, but will have him looked up. You may be sure that they will both be treated on their merits; and if I can favor them without injustice to others it will be done because of my affection for you. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Archbishop John J, Keane, Dubuque, Iowa.[*372*] January 23, 1905. My dear Mrs. Goelet: I have, unfortunately, had to make a rule never to give a personal letter of the kind you desire. If I do it in one case, I cannot refuse to do it in others, and the consequences are always unpleasant. I am very sorry to have to answer you in this way. I wish I could make an exception, but I can not. With regret, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Robert Goelet, 591 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y.[*373*] January 23, 1905. Dear Gifford: Miss Marion Oliver, who is one of the most practical charity workers as well as one of the sweetest girls I know, will speak to you to get your advice about a place to which shop girls can be sent for summer outings. I know that if there is any help you can give her you will do so. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Gifford Pinchot, Department of Agriculture.[*374*] January 23, 1905. My dear Billings: That was an awfully nice note of yours to Mrs. Roosevelt about Kermit, and it pleased us both very much. Permit me to thank you most heartily for your thoughtfulness. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Rev. Sherrard Billings, Groton School, Groton, Massachusetts.375 Personal January 23, 1905. My dear Mrs. Sutro: I am sorry to say it is out of the question for me to attend the ball you mention. It would mean innumerable similar engagements. I thank you greatly for your kind intention of sending me the book of poems published by Mr. Sutro. It is most kind of you to have thought of it. With hearty regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Theodore Sutro, 320 West 102d Street, New York.376 January 23, 1905. Blessed Kermit: The members of the Electoral College are assembling here to cast their formal ballots for me, and from the Western States quite often men [will] turn up who were friends of mine in the old days. Thus the Presidential Elector from Montana who carried on the electoral vote of that State was Merrifield, my ranch foreman, with whom I [had been] began hunting and ranching twenty-two years ago. I had forgotten he was on the electoral ticket and was immensely surprised when he turned up. Evidently he and his good wife had carefully planned that he should be creditably fixed up in every way, and he had a severely correct frock coat, cravatte, and top hat. I had him at lunch with Bishop and Mrs. Lawrence, General Crozier, General and Mrs. Mills, Secretary Morton, Mr. Gifford Pinchot, and one or two others, and then he was at Mother's tea in the afternoon, for I wanted him to feel that there would be no guest in the White House whom I would honor more. I think he was as pleased as possible. Ted and I continue to box with Grant, the wrestler. He isn't a very good boxer for a prize fighter, but then you don't have to be much of a professional in order to give an amateur points. He usually hits us very gently, but of course now and then if we press him hard he has377 2 to save himself by thumping us, and he gave me a slight black eye the other day, and swelled Ted's nose until Ted looked a little bit like a walrus puppy. Little Corinne, with Isabella Selmes, Lorraine and two other girls have been here for the Diplomatic Dinner, and have been going to various festivities ever since. Archie and Quentin had the grip, and Quentin is still in bed. I have finished reading "The Deerslayer" to them, and as soon as Quentin gets well will have to begin on something else. I do not think Mother can go on riding Yagenka much longer. I am afraid poor Yagenka will have to go to Mr. Wilmer's farm. Your loving father, [T.R.] Master Kermit Roosevelt, Groton School, Groton, Massachusetts.[*378*] January 23, 1905. To the Secretary of the Navy: Referring to the enclosed, I cordially approve of the bill and of the plan outlined in your letter Is it wise to send up the bill itself to Congress? What is the usual form followed in such cases? Let me know, and at the same time have letter of transmittal sketched our for me to sign. Can not the bill be introduced by some Congressmen - say Representative Dayton - and then have me call attention to it in my message? T. Roosevelt Enclosure[*379*] January 23, 1905. My dear Mrs. Jones: Your letters are always delightful, and of course your last is no exception to the rule. I wish I could see you. I wonder if you could come down her to the Army and Navy Reception, and to supper afterwards, and then I could catch a glimpse of you at lunch either on that day or the day following. I feel just as you do about my being elected President when I was still in the full flush of my powers, when I could of enjoying and appreciating the triumph to its full. I suppose I would be [have been] too much elated, if I did not have a very real and ever-present anxiety so to handle myself as to minimize the disappointment that many good people are sure to feel in what I am able to do. Be sure to let me know if you can attend the reception on Thursday. February 16th, and come to lunch either that day[*380*] or the following day, so that formal invitations may be forwarded. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Mary Cadwalader Jones, 21 East 11th Street, New York, N. Y.381 Personal January 23, 1905. My dear Mr. Thompson: The two beautiful books have come. Mrs. Roosevelt appreciates them just as much as I do. I shall be particularly interested [what you say] in Wesley's life in reference to the labor problems and the churches. As you know, I have felt very strongly that we needed a wellnigh revolutionary change in our methods of church work among the laboring people, especially in the great cities. I can say with perfect truthfulness that wherever we have a thoroughly flourishing Methodist congregation, where the bulk of the members are artisans and mechanics, I regard the social and industrial outlook for that particular locality as good; just as I feel that a flourishing Young Men's Christian Association movement in connection with a particular railroad opens vistas for hopefulness for that railroad. One thing that I have always liked about young Gould has been his appreciation of the good effect of this Young Men's Christian Associa-382 tion movement in railroad matters. How much of it is due to his sister's appreciation even more [rather] than his own I shall not pretend to guess! Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt D. D. Thompson, Esq., Editor, Northwestern Christian Advocate, Chicago.383 Personal January 23, 1905. My dear Ware: Accept the envious congratulations of a less favored brother in the fuliginous realm! With warm regards to Mrs. Ware, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. E. F. Ware, Topeka, Kansas.[*384*] January 23, 1905, Gentlemen: I wish personally to express to you the peculiar pleasure I feel, not only in your joining in the invitation to me to visit Norfolk, but in the spirit shown in your communication. No invitation could gratify no more than yours. I hope it is unnecessary for me to say that as President I endeavor to do all that in me lies to carry out the principles enunciated by you of "equal rights to all and special privileges to none." I thank you for your courtesy, and through you, not only all the wageworkers of Tidewater, Virginia, but all your citizens. With high regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt President M. J. Lyons and Committee of the Central Labor Union of Tidewater, Norfolk, Virginia.[*385*] January 24, 1905. Dear Mr. Leavett: I greatly appreciate the invitation of the McKinley Club to attend it third annual banquet, and regret that it will not be possible for me to be present. Please accept, however, my thanks for your courtesy and my best wishes for a most enjoyable occasion. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Henry P. Leavett, President , The McKinley Club, Omaha, Nebraska.[*386*] January 25, 1905. My dear Mr. Harriman: It is very kind of you to desire to have my picture painted to be put in the Albany Capitol, and I shall break through my rule and have it done. Only, my dear sir, the painter must do with me what he did with you - that is, take but three thirty-minute sittings! I cannot spare more. It does not seem very nice for me to make any conditions when I am accepting so generous an offer, but I simply have to because my time is so taken up. As regards the other matter, I shall to-morrow call you up on the telephone. It was a great pleasure seeing you the other night. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt E. H. Harriman, Esq., 120 Broadway, New York, N. Y.[*387*] February 6, 1905. My dear General Agnus: Let me congratulate you upon having been able to start the American again in the new building exactly a year after you were burned out. I am glad to hear the news, and I congratulate you and wish you all possible success. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Gen. Felix Agnus, Baltimore, Maryland 388 Personal January 25, 1905. My dear Mrs. Holls: I thank you for your thoughtfulness in sending me the memorial volume of your husband. You know in what respect and esteem I held him, and how I valued his friendship. In such distress as yours over the death of the one whom you loved most in life, it was idle for any friend of Mr. Holls' to intrude. But I wish you to understand how much I, together with the others who were close to him, was shocked and grieved at the sudden and utterly unexpected calamity which deprived us of so close a friend and counselor. He was one of those Americans whose career was an honor and whose death was a loss to the entire country. With profound respect, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Frederick W. Holls, 583 North Broadway, Yonkers, N.Y.389 Personal January 25, 1905. Dear Moody: I have read through your letter to the Secretary of the Treasury, and return it herewith. To a layman it seems unanswerable, and I am entirely prepared to stand on it. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. William H. Moody, Attorney General. Enclosure The enclosure is a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Treasury giving the Attorney General's opinion as to the meaning of Sec. 30 of the Tariff Act of July 24, 1897, relative to the drawback of duties which have been paid on imported materials which are used in the manufacture of articles for export.[*390*] January 25, 1905. My dear Mr. Morris: I appreciated the congratulations of your club, and was interested in your speech presenting Lincoln's portrait to the Legislature of New Jersey, a copy of which you so kindly sent me. With best wishes, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. DeWitt Clinton Morris, 646 Pearl Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey.[*391*] January 25, 1905. My dear Mr. Mills: May I through you and through President Kuykendall of the Senate thank the Oregon Legislature for its exceedingly kind invitation to me to be present at the Exposition in honor of the centennial of the arrival on the Pacific coast of Captains Lewis and Clarke? It was a very great pleasure to me to do whatever was in my power to aid in securing appropriate recognition by the National Congress of this, one of the events of cardinal national importance in our history. I only wish it was my good fortune to be able to be present, but I fear it will not be possible for to visit the Pacific coast this year. Earnestly wishing you all success in your public-spirited efforts to make a fitting and worthy commemoration of the great event in question, I am, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. A. L. Mills, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Salem, Oregon.[*392*] January 25, 1905. My dear Mrs. Riis: Will Jake be back in time to come to the inaugural? If not, can you not come on yourself, with the Doctor and your daughter? We shall have a limited number of tickets at our disposal for the inaugural stand and reviewing stand, and if you can come on I shall have the tickets set aside for you if you and Jake and your daughter and the Doctor can come. As there will be a great demand for these tickets I would like to know well in advance if you can come, and as to how many we shall reserve. Then I shall want you all to come to lunch that day at the White House. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Jacob A. Riis, 524 North Beech Street, Richmond Hill, N. Y.[*393*] January 25, 1905. My dear Colonel Pride: Representative Frederick Landis has just shown me the original letter from General Grant to you. It is most interesting and it is one in which you must take a genuine satisfaction. Thanking you for the opportunity to see it, I am, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Colonel G. G. Pride, Huntington, Indiana.394 January 25, 1905. Personal. My dear Wheelan: I understood you entirely, and I know, my dear fellow, that you would only expect the preference other things being equal. If I continue the Commission substantially as it is I shall not appoint another Californian, as Grunsky is doing excellent service. If I make a small special commission I shall try to choose men of the biggest administrative type that I can get to take the position - men like H.C. Frick, for instance, whom I asked in vain to take it. There are all kinds of appointments. There are a number of perfectly ordinary, commonplace appointments for which I never try to take men on my own initiative, inasmuch as all that is needed is honesty and reasonable capacity such as great quantities of men have. In such cases, provided I get honest men, I can safely take the recommendations of Senators and Congressmen; and as a matter of fact I would have to do so, as in any event it would be out of the question for me to find out the qualifications of thous-[395] ands of postmasters, internal revenue collectors, etc., etc. There are then a certain number of places standing higher than these where the circle of choice for fitness is much more limited and where I often make appointments among people I personally know, giving them the preference because I know them and know their fitness - as I have done in the case of the Civil Service Commissioners, for example. Then come the very highest places, where it will often prove the case that only one man, or at least only two or three men, will possess the preeminent qualities needed to render the best service. Here I [can] pay no heed either to my political friends or to my own personal predilections. With regards, Faithfully yours, [Theodore Roosevelt] Mr. F.H. Wheelan, San Francisco, California.[*396*] January 25, 1905. Dear Mr. Corcoran: Seamen has sent me your letter. Any work you do is always excellent, and I know the arrangement you propose to be most satisfactory, but it represents more money that I care to spend. Could we not arrange to have the necessary repairs made to the wind mill, and then have a great tank substituted for the small tanks now on the eastern porch outside the laundry? I should not suppose we would need to have a 40,000 gallon tank. Would not a 20,000 gallon tank do? How many gallons do the present tanks contain? Could you let me know about what the cost would be to repair the wind-mill and put this big tank on the porch in question in place of the present small tanks? then if a calm came we could by hand pump up the necessary water from this reserve tank, while in ordinary times the windmill itself would do the pumping. We could put on your new wind-mill, with this tank. I take it the old tower would[*397*] answer if this was done, would it not? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. A. J. Corcoran, 11 John Street, New York, N. Y.[*398*] January 25, 1905. Sir: Your letter of January 24th gives me great concern. Please prepare immediately, for submission by me to Congress, a special message setting forth in detail the iniquities of what is now being done in connection with these corporation laws, and advocating not only the repeal of the statute but a substantial franchise tax to affect the companies already incorporated under the law in question. Would it be proper for me to submit your letter of the 24th instant with my message? I am urgent about the matter because it seems to have been the negligence of the administration which permitted this law to be amended in 1902, although apparently the obnoxious features were incorporated in 1901. Are there further steps which can be taken in directing the Recorder of Deeds to refuse to record deeds of incorporation under this law? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. William H. Moody, Attorney General.[*399*] January 25, 1905. The Secretary of State: I have seen a copy of the agreement with the Santo Domingan Government. Please have a rough draft of a message to Congress drawn up and submitted to me. I shall probably make certain alterations in it. [I suppose we should] submit this agreement in the form of a protocol. Theodore Roosevelt [*400*] January 25, 1905. My dear Commodore: I thank you much for the two books you sent me, and greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness. With Warm regards, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. William L. Swan 461 West 144th Street, New York.[*401*] January 25, 1905. To Assistant Secretary Loomis: If we want a man to to San Domingo as commissioner I would like to appoint Mr. Edgar R. Champlin, who is a graduate of the Harvard Law School and ex-Mayor of Cambridge, and has been much in San Domingo. He has a large independent fortune, and is a man of the very highest character. I think he is a better man than Rockwell, of who we spoke, although Rockwell may be a good man too. Have you any idea whether Gordon-Cumming would do for this work if we have more than one man? Theodore Roosevelt[*402*] January 25, 1905. My dear Mr. Gardiner: I have not written you how much I liked your address. Are you coming to Washington in the near future? If so, won't you take lunch with me, as there are several things I should like to talk over with you? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Charles A. Gardiner, Esq., 195 Broadway, New York, N. Y.[*402*] January 26, 1905. Dear John: I am much concerned at your being under the weather. I would have called if I had had a moment to spare. The San Domingo business is going on satisfactorily, and we will soon have a protocol to submit. I shall send in a rather elaborate message about it, which I shall want to go over with you. You spoke to me the other day about the Chinese railroad. I should be very sorry to abandon the project of building that road. Some time go over the matter with mw. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. John Hay, 800 Sixteenth Street.404 January 26, 1905. Personal. Dear Mr. Baldwin: Of course Senator Teller is simply trying over again what he has done with the Philippines, with Panama, with Cuba, with Porto Rico, and with every like matter that has come up. What I am doing with San Domingo is to negotiate a protocol or treaty, preferably the former, which I shall then lay before the Senate. If the Senate approves it will then become part of the policy of the country. If it does not, we shall have to look on and see chaos develop for a few months or a few years until our hand is forced. The only difference between this negotiation and any other kind of negotiation is that with a country like San Domingo, where revolutions are threatened continually and where very sinister influences are at work, we have to be prepared to support the existing government in its proposal until the Senate has a chance to act upon it. To recapitulate then; I am engaged through my agents in negotiating an agreement with San Domingo, which agree-405 ment is not yet agreed to even as between the San Domingan government and these agents, and which when agreed to will be laid before the Senate and which will then become or not become "binding upon the American people" in accordance with the Senate's action. If Senator Teller is honest he has had a pipe dream. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Elbert F Baldwin, The Outlook, 287 Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y. P. S. The enclosed letter from President Jordan of Leland Stanford Junion University may interest you. I have been trying to do in Hawaii just what I have been trying to do in the Philippines and in Porto Rico; and I believe that in these insular possessions we have not only raised the standard of administration, but we have it at a high pitch.[*406*] January 26, 1905. Dear Tom: I do not know whether is it possible to do anything for Stephen or not. I shall try. I only hope that Ted can get down for that shooting. I am delighted that you are engaged in doing your part toward helping genuine negro education through an industrial agricultural school. As you say, the greatest need we have in this country now is for thrifty farmers; and the greatest need [is] for the black man [is] to develop into a thrifty farmer. You are doing a great work, and I am heartily glad to hear of it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Thomas Lee, Frogmore, South Carolina.407 Personal January 26, 1905. My dear Mr. Metcalf: The writer of the enclosed is a colored man, and was the butler of an old friend who died some years ago. I have no doubt that he is well worthy of the position, and if with propriety it can be given to him, I shall be glad. Can the transfer be arranged; with propriety? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. V.H. Metcalf, Secretary of Commerce and Labor. Enclosure[*408*] January 27, 1905. Dear Mr. Miller: I have received through Representative Brick a very cordial invitation to attend the banquet of the Business Men's Association on January 30th, and regret that it will not be possible for me to be present. Will you not be good enough to express to the members of the Association and their guests my hearty good wishes for a most enjoyable evening? With thanks for the invitation, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Frederick A. Miller, Business Men's Association, South Bend, Ind.409 Personal January 28, 1905. Dear John: I rather doubt if it is worth while writing anything about the Newfoundland treaty. At least it seems to me that what we must concentrate ourselves on now is the effort to get through the arbitration treaties and the San Domingan protocol. I shall see you tomorrow and go over the matter with you. Meanwhile I suppose you have received a letter similar to the enclosed, which please return to me when you are through with it. In the first place I do not wish to accept as a member of this foolish Academy of Arts and Letters unless the rest of the fifteen men named therein accept; and in the next place I am not at all sure that I wish to accept anyhow. Doesn't it seem to you a rather ridiculous thing to try to start such an academy? I do not see what good it can do, and I do not see how it can avoid becoming somewhat ridiculous. I am not sure that these academies[*410*] ever do anything real for permanent literature after all. I believe they only tend to perform the useful but not vital function of improving the second-rate. But apart from this, what can we do with an academy of this sort here in the United States? I am afraid we shall make ourselves laughable rather than useful by going into it. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. John Hay, Secretary of State. Enclosure[*411*] January 28, 1905. My dear Sergeant: I have your letter of the 23rd and am always pleased to learn of any success of yours. I am sure you will do well as Acting Captain, and only hope you may win the Captaincy. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Acting Captain Edward J. Bourke, Mercer Street Police Station, New York, N. Y.412 [*Personal*] January 28, 1905. My dear Judge: I am sorry to say that I shall have to make a change in Mr. Hardy's place. He is all that you say he is - a scholar, a writer, and a gentleman; but these diplomatic positions of the ordinary type when filled in the average way do not mean in those that hold them any great or unusual service -- that is, any service where what the individual does for the Government corresponds to what the individual receives from the Government. In other words, they correspond to blue ribbons and have to be used as decorations or rewards for worthy public service. I wish to put in Mr. Hardy's place a young fellow who has for six years worked where there was no reward and who is now entitled to some reward. There are in the diplomatic service certain people who do real work, of often not a very pleasant kind, and to these I feel bound, and will back them in any way I can.413 Harry White, Lloyd Griscom, John Riddle and George Meyer are examples of these. Some three years ago John Hay asked Hardy if he could come as Assistant Secretary here to Washington. Hardy did not care to come unless his promotion could be ensured. Loomis came in his place. It of course meant that Loomis had to take a position of much hard work and of less titular prominence, whereas Hardy was promoted to Spain. Now, I feel that Hardy has had his promotion and his easy times; whereas Loomis has simply earned his, and when the chance comes is yet to have it. With regret that I cannot write you more favorably, I am, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Geo. C. Holt, U. S. District Judge, New York, N. Y.[*414*] January 28, 1905. My dear Mr. Potts: I thank you for your letter. It seems that the Potts line came from Wales. The McVaughs and the Lukens were Irish, and so, I understand, were the Barnhills. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Horace T. Potts, 316 North Third Street, Philadelphia.[*415*] January 28, 1905. Dear Austin: I shall come around at nine for the dinner, and I should particularly like to be present through Smith's lecture and for a few words with him afterwards. That tiger business is most interesting. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. W. A. Wadsworth, 45 Beacon Street, Boston, Massachusetts.416 January 27, 1905. Personal Dear Stranahan: Do you know Mr. William D. Murphy? I suppose you do. There is some talk, as I told you, of his succeeding Koop, and Koop being put into Armstrong's place. The Secretary will not consider Gerry. What do you know of Murphy's business standing and connections, and as to whether or not there would be any criticism of him as regards any of his banking affiliations? I like him personally. If you can properly arrange the McCarthy matter for Major Byrne, I shall be glad to have you do so. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. N. N. Stranahan, Collector of Customs, New York. [*417*] January 28, 1905. My dear Schuyler: I have your letter of the 25th. There are several troubles connected with d'Hauteville. In the first place, New York and Rhode Island have more than their share in the diplomatic and consular service. In the second place, while I do not regard a foreign education as a bar to diplomatic appointment, I do regard it as a serious obstacle, and would always give the preference to the boy educated at home; unless, indeed, he should have served in the army in time of war, or by [service say in some] legislative capacity shown his complete mixing with and understand of our people. Finally, there are many applications already on the list whom I am most anxious to place, and the vacancies are very few. With regret that I can not write more encouragingly, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Philip Schuyler Irvington, N. Y.[*416*] [*417 1/2*] January 28, 1905. My dear Mr. Saint Gaudens: I have your letter and shall at once take the matter up with General Wilson. I think I can arrange everything as you desire, including the lettering. I should think "President of the United States" would do; although the full title is, I believe, "President of the United States of America." Let me know when you get to the coin matter, which I suppose will be some months hence. With hearty thanks, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Augustus Saint Gaudens, Esq., The Players, 16 Gramercy Park, New York, N. Y.418 January 28, 1905. Personal Dear Mr. McBee: Of course I agree with you. The things that are really fundamental in this life are not in the least those that we tend to make catchwords of in ordinary political fighting. If we get the home all straight, government will come pretty near taking care of itself. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Silas McBee, The Churchman, 47 Lafayette Place, New York, N. Y.[*419*] January 28, 1905. Dear General Wilson: Will you look over the enclosed? I earnestly hope that Saint Gaudens can be given absolutely what he wants in this matter; and, my dear General, I beg you to try to do it. Will you let me know? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Gen. John M. Wilson, Chairman Inaugural Committee, The New Willard, Washington, D. C. Enclosure.420 January 28, 1905. Personal My dear Cortelyou: I have just seen Senators Scott and Elkins and Representative Dayton about Teter, of West Virginia. They are very desirous, as you know, that Teter shall be made an assistant in your office. I have told them that your decision in the matter must be final, but that I would say to you what I am now about to say. I earnestly hope that you will be able to appoint Teter. After genuine and careful inquiry I feel he is the type of man, from the standpoint of probity, of administrative ability, and of practical common-sense, that will be a really valuable assistant to you. I think he would do you credit. Moreover, I feel that there is a real political need in West Virginia for his appointment. If I am able to oblige the West Virginia Senators and Representatives, I am anxious, as I know you are, that it may be done. If you are willing, I wish you would[*421*] see Mr. Teter when you come back, and then make up your mind. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. George B. Cortelyou, Chairman, Republican National Committee, Arlington Hotel, Washington.422 January 28, 1905. Personal. My dear Dr. Abbott: I wish we could have the men who believe in international arbitration start a backfire on Senator Bacon, Senator Morgan, Senator Martin and the other man who are really holding up these treaties. I do not have to point out to you that to amend the treaties is to vote against them. We have got the foreign governments to accept this minimum, and if we now put in absurd and meaningless amendments we put ourselves into a humiliating position and expose ourselves to the risk of having foreign Powers treat us as insincere. Bacon is a man of meticulous mind, a violent partisan, with no real public spirit, and he and his fellows are engaged in trying to beat the treaties with the unworthy purpose of preventing the administration getting whatever credit may attach to helping in the effort to serve the country. As you know, I dealt with the Republican423 Senators on my own hook and have them substantially straightened out. It is a shame if the Democratic Senators beat the treaties now. They ought to receive a sharp lesson. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Clay of Georgia, Foster of La, Clark of Arkansas, Overman of N.C. Taliaferro of Fla, are all for the treaty -- and are good men. Rev. Dr. Lyman Abbott, The Outlook, 287 Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y.[*423*] January 28, 1905. Dear John: All right, I accepted at once. What is good enough for you is most certainly good enough for me. Now, to-morrow I have to go to the dedication of the Lutheran Memorial Church, and so I cannot come in for my morning talk. I am sorry because there is a good deal I want to say. I am getting to take your view of the Senate under stress of seeing the way they are handling the arbitration treaties. I wish our people would report them out anyhow, and then see if the Southerners would really dare to beat them under such a pretense. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt [We can not possible interfere for the Koreans against Japan. They could well strike one blow in their own defense.] Hon. John Hay, Secretary of State.425 January 28, 1905. My dear Mr. Dunn: I had already read part of the Feast of Bricrius, but I had not read it all, and I greatly prize the beautiful edition you have sent me. With hearty thanks, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Joseph Dunn, The Catholic University, Washington, D. C.426 January 28, 1905. My dear Judge: I was greatly interested in those articles, and thank you heartily for sending them to me. What a trump [?] [?] is! I attended the Peabody trust meeting as you requested and it is well I did so, for I made the eleventh vote, and I think got the tenth in addition, and we were able to put through the plans as regards Nashville. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. J. M. Dickinson, Central Station, Chicago, Illinois. 427 Personal January 28, 1905. My dear Mr. Cowie: I thank you for the copy of your poems, and anticipat readining them. I congratulate you upon the letter of Father Gregorius. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. William Cowie, Syracuse, N.Y. 428 Personal January 28, 1905. My dear Mr. MacVeagh: The House feels very strongly, and I find that John Hay does too, that I ought not to speak on the occasion of the presentation of the bust of Lafayette. Senator Wetmore and Congressman McCleary called on me this morning and said they had made arrangements for the presentation. I am very much obliged to you for calling my attention to the matter. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Wayne MacVeagh, 1317 F Street, Washington, D.C.[*429*] January 28, 1905. Dear Mrs. Riis: It is so delightful to hear from you and learn about Jake and the Doctor and Ed and Florence, and about how hard Johnny is working and about Clara. Now, you ought to arrange about getting rooms here at once. Won't you write to the Committee on Public Comfort of the Inaugural Committee? We shall send for the four of you tickets for the stands, and invitations to lunch. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt [Let me know if there is difficulty about the rooms.] Mrs. Jacob A. Riis, 524 North Beech Street, Richmond Hill, N.Y.430 Personal January 28, 1905. My dear Mr. Secretary: The enclosed letter contains charges against Deputy Collector Clarence Meeser, which, if true, make it improper, in my opinion, that he should be retained in the service. I should also like to know why the lady alluded to as "Alibi Liz" is in the United States Mint at Philadelphia. I should like a report made to me on [this matter] these matters, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. L. M. Shaw, Secretary of the Treasury. Enclosure[*431*] January 28, 1905. My dear Father Doyle: I expect to address a meeting of the Mothers' Congress here in Washington on Monday, March 13th, and I shall [then] speak of divorce and some other things! I expect to send in a message to Congress [next] Monday, in which I am not able to speak as strongly as I feel. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Very Rev. A. P. Doyle, The Catholic Missionary Union, Brookland Station, Washington, D.C.432 Personal January 28, 1905. My dear Governor: I thank you heartily. Some other man will be appointed. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Charles S. Deneen, Governor of Illinois, Springfield, Illinois.433 Personal January 29, 1905. Dear Bonaparte: I think it would be well to send that brief anyway. Congress has opened fire upon us because of our action, and I want to have it [verified] made good so far as may be by the Attorney General's opinion - that is, if he looks at it my way. I was amused at your article; but it had had a pathetic side too. I hope we shall see both you and Mrs. Bonaparte Thursday night at the Supreme Court dinner. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Charles J. Bonaparte, 216 St. Paul Street, Baltimore.[*434*] January 29, 1905. My dear Mr. Harriman: Before receiving your letter I had in a way become committed to Fowler. He was our candidate for Congress, and his nomination seemed to me to be absolutely right. What influenced me most was Chief Justice Kent's emphatic endorsement of him. I may add that the only protest I received against Wells was on the ground (which I think is wholly untrue) that he is a Santa Fe man. [What is there against Fowler?] Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt E. H. Harriman, Esq., 120 Broadway, New York, N. Y.[*435*] January 29, 1905. Dear Jake: I am so glad you are resting; and now for Heaven's sake don't begin lecturing too soon. As for the southern brother, I do not think that he will regard me [with] in a very kindly light until I am dead - and then it won't matter. But I do think I have really done him some good, although he does not know it. Mrs. Riis and the doctor and Clara, and I hope you, are to be here for the inauguration, and come to lunch on that day. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Jacob A. Riis, Miradero, Santa Barbara. California.436 Personal January 29, 1905. My dear Mr. Dawes: I liked your article, but I thought it unduly pessimistic; and I do not believe, my dear sir, that I quite agree with you as to the needlessness of some kind of Government supervision of corporations. Minister Bryan is a good fellow and a satisfactory Minister. I intend to keep him, but I do not think at present he can be promoted. I know all the good work he and his father did in the last campaign. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Charles G. Dawes, Central Trust Company of Illinois, Chicago.437 January 31, 1905. Blessed Kermit: The Rector has just written men about that blizzard and now your letter, which adds to the interest, has come. Upon my word, I think you had rather a narrow escape; for with all your matches used up you could not have started a fire and it would have been mighty rough if you had not gotten home when you did. I call it quite an adventure. I am delighted with the Children of the Night, and have an usual been reading and rereading it. Did I tell you that I have started Cooper's Pathfinder and Archie and Quentin! Pretty much every evening Mother reads to them first and then they come trotting in to have me read a chapter of the Pathfinder. The work has piled up awfully, and I think I mind the dinners and banquets almost more than anything else. Today there is enough snow to make it good going on horseback438 I hope, and I shall try for a gallop. I hope soon to be able to write you rather longer and more interesting letters. Affectionately your father, Master Kermit Roosevelt, Groton School, Groton, Massachusetts.439 Personal January 31, 1905. Dear Mr. Abbott: There is one change I would suggest in the letter. Bacon, Morgan and Money, not Martin, are holding the treaties up in committee. Both Daniels and Martin have been in effect against them; but it was Money, not Martin, who acted against them in committee, as I understand Martin is not on that committee. But it would be a very important thing if we could get Daniels and Martin active for them. Could your letter be changed along these lines? That is, point out that Daniels and Martin have been against these treaties - for it is of course to be against them to say that they are not prepared to vote for them; that they want to look into the question as to whether the the Southern debt matter will be complicated; that they are doubtful about the power of the Senate, and so forth, and so forth. These treaties will be beaten by pretense, not by people who will dare to say that they are against them from principle - that is, if they are beaten at all. Bacon, Morgan and Money, 440 for instance, are trying to beat them by saying they want ample time to consider them; that they are doubtful about the southern debt business, and so forth, and so forth. The three Senators named have already done great damage by preventing the reporting of the treaties for three weeks. The great point to make is that this attitude of theirs is simply a disingenuous attack upon the treaties, even meaner than an out-and-out attack. Perhaps to point out the bad position in which they find the Democratic party would do you Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Lawrence F. Abbott, The Outlook, 287 Fourth Avenue, New York.[*441*] January 31, 1905. Gentlemen: I have received your very kind invitation, and the pair of miniature skis. I sincerely wish it were in my power to accept, but it is simply out of the question. With real regret and hearty thanks and good wishes, believe me, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt The Directors, National Ski Tournament, Ishpeming Ski Club, Ishpeming, Michigan.[*442*] January 31, 1905. My dear Senator: I hope that ample [chance for] target practice will be provided for our artillery with their big guns. A gun is not worth anything unless the men who handle it can hit with it, and I do regard it as vital that we should be able to teach our men so that, in the event of need, they can hit. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. P. C. Knox, Chairman, Committee on Coast Defenses, United States Senate.[*443*] January 31, 1905. My dear Mr. Jesup: I feel under a real obligation to you for what you are doing in the Peary matter, and I thank you most heartily. If I can aid you in any way pray call upon me. With regards to Mrs. Jesup, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Morris K. Jesup, 197 Madison Avenue, New York, N. Y.444 Personal January 31, 1905. My dear Dr. Coe: Good for you! Give my regards and best wishes to Junius Jarvis. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Dr. Henry W. Coe, Senate Chamber, Salem, Oregon.[*445*] January 31, 1905. My dear General: Your letter really pleased me, and I thank you for it. When you return to this side do come to Washington and let me see you. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Gen. Theodore A. Dodge, 96 Avenue Kleber, XVI, Paris, France.[*446*] January 31, 1905. Dear Cotty: Your letter reminded me of a tale of my youth, "Little Rosamond's Day of Misfortune." I shall write Dooley at once. I am glad that Kermit got home from the visit all right. Ever yours, Theodore Roosevelt Rev. Dr. Endicott Peabody, Groton School, Groton, Massachusetts.447 January 31, 1905. Personal. My dear Mr. Harriman: I have your letter of the 30th. As I wrote you, I I am afraid I am committed to Fowler and I do not see very well how I could get out of it. It would be very unpleasant for me, with Morton in my Cabinet, to say that [?], [?], because I had heard that he was "a strong Santa Fe Man," unless there was some specific objection to him. I need hardly tell you that if I appointed him I would twist his neck as if he was a chicken the moment I found he was showing one particle of favor to the Santa Fe, or for the matter of that, to the Southern Pacific or any other railroad, just as I would twist it if I found he was discriminating against any railroad. How would it do for me to write him this in practically these words? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt E. H. Harriman, Esq., 120 Broadway, New York, N. Y.[*443*] January 31, 1905. Dear John: That correspondence is sublime. I have been delighted with it. I am so glad you are coming down here for the inauguration. I shall have to settle when I can get you and some of the other fellows to lunch or dine with us. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Captain John C. Greeway, The Oliver Iron Mining Company, Ishpeming, Michigan.[*449*] January 31, 1905. To Assistant Secretary Loomis: Ambassador Tower at Berlin is to stay where he is and to be told that his request is not to be considered for a moment. The enclosed note from Knox speaks for itself. Somehow or other we must try to do what is wanted for Quay. Theodore Roosevelt Enclosure.450 Personal January 31, 1905. My dear Mr. Scott: I want to congratulate you upon your excellent speech in the House the other day upon the interstate commerce question. I thought the way you handled it was exactly right. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Charles F. Scott, House of Representatives.451 Personal January 31, 1905. My dear Mr. Matthews: It would be a little absurd for me to add a third "glowing" letter to the two I have already written to Mr. White, and which Mr. Loeb showed you. I am sure, on thinking it over, you will agree with me. In view of these letters I think it is a mistake to ask me to write at all, but of that you shall be the judge, and if you care to use the enclosed I [shall be] am entirely willing. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Franklin Matthews, The Sun, New York, N.Y. Enclosure[*452*] February 24, 1905. My dear Mr. Matthews: Will you permit me, through you, to extend my hearty regards to your guest of the evening? To Mr. White it has been given to render distinguished service to his country as a diplomatist, and distinguished service as a leader of scientific thought. He is one of the Americans of who all good Americans are proud. Wishing you a most pleasant evening, I am, Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Franklin Matthews, The Sun, New York.[*453*] February 1, 1905. My dear Senator Platt: Secretary Hitchcock has, as I have just learned, the highest opinion of Commissioner Allen, and what he says bears out all that you have said. It will be announced from the White House to-day that he is to be continued as Patent Commissioner. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. T. C. Platt, United States Senate.454 Personal January 31, 1905. My dear Lady Gregory: It gives me great pleasure to enclose this small check for the purpose you indicate. I only wish numerous calls upon me permitted my making it larger. With regards, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt The Lady Gregory, Coole Park, Gort, Co. Galway, Ireland. Enclosure [*455*] February 1, 1905. My dear Mr. Shiras: I am very much pleased with your bill, and am glad that we have [got] in Congress a man taking so great an interest in the preservation of our birds, and [nature generally]. I particularly wanted wild fowl to be protected. With hearty congratulations, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. George Shiras 3d, House of Representatives, Washington.456 February 1, 1905. My dear Judge: I thank you for your letter and appreciate it. It was such a pleasure to have you down here. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Frank C. Laughlin, Justice of the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, New York.457 February 1, 1905. My dear Vrooman: Your letter pleases me, and I thank you for it. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Col. John W. Vrooman, The Union League Club, New York, N. Y.458 Personal January 31, 1905. My dear Mr. Maloney: I thank you for your letter and for your courtesy, which I assure you I appreciate. Senator Platt had told me about your desire to send the cider. I am sure all the family will enjoy it. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Pat Maloney, 122 Paige Street, Owego, N.Y.459 February 1, 1905. My dear Sheffield: I thank you for your letter and telegram. I do not care what you call the commission; I want one composed of A-1 men, as near special experts as I can get. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. James R. Sheffield, 120 Broadway, New York, N. Y.460 February 1, 1905. My dear Mr. Jones: I have your letter of the 30th ultimo. It is most interesting. I suppose I must have judged too hastily from finding two or three yards of white-tail deer in hardwood growths. It is a good lesson to one not to jump too hastily to conclusions. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Ernest Lester Jones, Madison, New Jersey.[*461*] February 1, 1905. Dear Colonel Treadwell: Please express to the members of the Fordham Club my hearty thanks for their very cordial invitation to be present at the next annual banquet. I should much like to accept the invitation and regret that it is not possible for me to do so. I send, however, through you, my good wishes for the Club and for the success of the banquet. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Col. H. H. Treadwell, Tiffany & Co., Union Square, New York, N. Y.462 February 1, 1905. Personal. My dear Mr. Gettemy: Senator Lodge has sent me your article and also your manuscript and letter to him. What you say is of peculiar interest to me, for I have felt that the growth of the socialist party in this country was far more ominous than any populist or similar movement in time past. I think your study [was] is of real importance. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Charles F. Gettemy, Office of Boston Herald, Boston, Massachusetts. [*463*] February 1, 1905. Hon. Albert B. White, Governor, Charleston, W. Va. Telegram received. Have directed the Attorney General to call for immediate and full answer from the United States District Attorney as to your charges. Will you furnish me names of any Federal officeholders who as you say are present during the sessions of the legislature in the capacity of lobbyists and dealers in legislation? Will of course see you on Saturday [morning] but suggest that you do not delay in furnishing no names of any alleged offender and all proof which you say you have to substantiate your charges. THEODORE ROOSEVELT. [(official)][*464*] February 1, 1905. My dear Mr. Darling: You have been a particularly painstaking, hard-working and efficient public servant in your position as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. I am sorry that you are to retire from this position, and I am unwilling to have you sever your connection with the public service. I know that it has been a sacrifice for you to come to Washington, and it is my purpose, when your resignation takes effect, to appoint you Collector of the Port of Burlington, of the District of Vermont. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Charles H. Darling, Assistant Secretary of the Navy.465 Personal February 2, 1905. My dear Mr. Speaker: The dinner tonight to the Supreme Court is to them. The judges all come as the special guests of the occasion, and are entitled as such to precedence over every one at the dinner. Under ordinary circumstances I should say that, following the analogy of the Diplomatic Dinner, the Attorney General was also entitled to precedence over everybody; but the Attorney General is a member of my official family, and assures me that he is only too glad to withhold any claims of his own, and is delighted to have you take precedence of him - as of course you would do as a matter of right on all other occasions except this particular dinner. It is equally true that you would come in ahead of all the Justices, except the Chief Justice, on all other occasions; but at this Judiciary Dinner they have to come in first. Otherwise it would make me seem to be the first 466 President to be guilty of a discourtesy to the Supreme Court, for whom this dinner is given. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. J. G. Cannon, Speaker of the House of Representatives. P. S. I have in times past given special dinners to special individuals - to Mr. Root, for instance, when I have had him precede the highest officers present. Just the other day I gave a lunch to Captain Pershing and Bulmer and their fiancees . The Secretaries of War and the Navy were there and were put after their subordinates and their fiancees. When President McKinley gave a dinner of fifty to the retiring Philippine Commission, Mr. Schurman sat on his right although the Speaker of the House and the Cabinet and many Senators and Congressmen were guests on that occasion; they all came in after Schurman. 467 Personal February 2, 1905. My dear Mr. Speaker: All right. Of course I shall excuse you and Miss Cannon, and we will have you at dinner a little later when there will be no Supreme Court Justices to have their feelings hurt. I include Miss Cannon because I suppose you do not wish her to come, on the same question of precedence, but it is unnecessary to say that if she cares to come I shall be delighted. Otherwise I shall have you both at dinner a little later. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. J. G. Cannon, Speaker of the House of Representatives. 468 Personal. February 2, 1905. My dear Curtis: Of course I can not permit Mr. Loeb to telegraph you nor will I write to you anything about one of the lies of the Herald, and I am surprised that you should for a moment think of advising such are course. The Herald's editors and correspondents are liars, individually and collectively. I have branded the paper as unfit to have a representative at the White House. There could be nothing more nonsensical for me than to send such a telegram as you propose, or take such action as you propose. Against the advice of the Lieutenant General I had the original request for Miles' salary granted. The House most properly is passing a general law to prevent such abuses. I had nothing to do with inspiring such a course and knew nothing of it; but instead of defending Miles, as you say Lodge and Spooner did. I should certainly have voted for the amend- 469 ment if I were in the House or Senate. It ought to be passed; and if instead of being nervous over the matter you pointed out that Republicans and Democrats are by a great majority passing this amendment, and that it is an outrage for Miles to be acting as he is you would be doing wisely. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Curtis Guild, Jr., Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts. 470 Personal. February 1, 1905. My dear Davis: I wish I could go to such a lunch as you suggest, but it is out of the question. I have promised Joe Bishop to lunch with him at the University Club on the 14th, and that is the only opportunity I shall have to dodge the official banquets, which of course are pure work with no fun to them. I am so glad you are to be at San Antonio as well as to the inauguration. I shall put you on the list for inauguration as a matter of course; and, as the time comes, let me know what certificate you want to guarantee your seeing everything, and I shall give it to you. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Richard Harding Davis, Marion, Massachusetts.471 February 1, 1905. Personal. My dear Mr. Secretary: The enclosed letter explains itself. I will bet that Borgfeldt and Company are guilty or they would not be taking these extraordinary methods. I think, by the way, that the appointment of that Massachusetts man as Assistant Secretary might solve our difficulties. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt I'll talk over the mint matter with you. Hon. L. M. Shaw, Secretary of the Treasury. Enclosure. The enclosure is a letter from Senator O. H Platt in reference to Borgfeldt & Co., who have been charged with undervaluations, and who have solicited their customers to write letters testifying to their honesty and fair dealing.[*472*] February 1, 1905. My dear Congressman Palmer: Information has reached me that some of the miners that were here the other day said I had promised to go to Wilkesbarre. I distinctly stated that I could not make any promises, but if I was able to accept any invitation at that time it would be the invitation to Wilkesbarre. I particularly want to do it, but it may be impossible for me to make any engagement at all. I write you because I desire that there shall be no misapprehension in the matter. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. Henry W. Palmer, House of Representatives.473 February 1, 1905. My dear Senator: I thank you for your very considerate letter, and appreciate it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. C. H. Platt, United States Senate. 474 February 1, 1905. My dear friend Elkinton: I thank you for your letter, and appreciate it. With regard, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Joseph Elkinton, Esq., 18 West Street, Media, Pennsylvania.[*475*] February 2, 1902. Hon. Alexander O. Brodie, Governor of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona. How would Wilcox do for Governor if I decided to appoint him? THEODORE ROOSEVELT. (Official) February 2, 1902. Chief Justice Edward Kent, Phoenix, Arizona. How would Wilcox do for Governor if I decided to appoint him? THEODORE ROOSEVELT. (Official) 476 Personal February 2, 1905. My dear Mr. Loomis: Keep Colonel Roosevelt as Consul General at Brussels, and send Thackara to Berlin. Then when Mason goes out two years hence we will send Roosevelt to Paris. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. F. B. Loomis, Assistant Secretary of State. Enclosure The enclosure is a letter from Consul George W. Roosevelt, at Brussels, declining the Consul Generalship at Berlin on account of his ignorance of the German language, and stating that he would prefer to remain at Brussels as Consul or Consul General.477 February 2, 1905. Personal. My dear Senator Platt: In reference to our talk about O'Brien of some months ago, I am pleased to state that at last I have had it arranged so that he can go as Minister to Uruguay. It has taken no little time to get the thing in shape. Now, I think I have arranged for all the people whom we agreed it would be possible at this time to place or promote in the diplomatic and consular service - Whitelaw Reid, O'Brien, Wilber - and some one else whose name I forget. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. T. C. Platt, United States Senate.478 February 2, 1905. My dear Pyle: Your letter pleases me very, very much, and I thank you for it. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Howard Pyle, 1305 Franklin Street, Wilmington, Delaware. 479 Personal. February 2, 1905. My dear Mr. Murphy: Mr. Loeb has called my attention to your letter of the 1st. I am sorry to say that Keep, as I understand it, has announced that he cannot take a transfer and wishes to keep his present position. This being the case, we shall have to look around for a man for the customs business. You told me that you did not wish this, and I have directed the Secretary to make inquiries on certain other lines. I would like to see you soon. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Wm. D. Murphy, Esq., 100 Broadway, New York, N. Y.480 February 2, 1905. Personal. My dear Mr. Bliss: I wish I could see you in person. I wish to appoint Charles W. Anderson Collector of Internal Revenue because I want to appoint a colored man to a conspicuous position in my own State. I think I can put Mr. Treat in some other good position unless he makes it impossible for me. Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt Hon. C.N. Bliss, 117 Duane Street, New York, N.Y. [*481*] February 1, 1905. Dear Mrs. Jones: I shall expect you and Miss Beatrix to the reception and supper afterward; and won't you [but not Miss Bentrop!] come to lunch the following day? Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mrs. Mary Cadwalader Jones, 21 East Eleventh Street, New York, N. Y.[*482*] February 2, 1905. Dear Cotty: I just do not see how I can make [shall have] time to make an address when I am at Harvard. I shall [will] not get on until the day before commencement, and possible not until the afternoon. Then I go to the class dinner and next day to the commencement, and come right home. Now I do not see where the chance for such an address would come in. I am awfully sorry. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Rev. Dr. Endicott Peabody, Groton School, Groton, Massachusetts.483 Personal February 2, 1905. My dear General: I wonder if it would be possible for you to get me an autograph letter of General Robert E. Lee, or tell me where I could get one and a good photograph or engraving of him? I have framed letters, with photographs or pictures, of Washington, Lincoln, Jackson, Clay and Grant, and I am very anxious to get an original letter, and also a photograph, of General Lee to frame and hang in my room with the others. Do you think you could help me by telling me where I could find one? Faithfully yours, Theodore Roosevelt General Fitzhugh Lee, Norfolk, Virginia.484 Personal February 2, 1905. My dear Mr. Dill: You are very kind, and if you are willing to take the trouble to aid me along the lines suggested, I feel that you will be performing a real public service. With regard, believe me, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Jams B. Dill 26 Pine Street, New York.[*485*] February 3, 1902. Hon. Alexander O. Brodie, Governor of Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona. In view of certain matters do not deem it advisable to appoint Wells. What do you think of Alexander? THEODORE ROOSEVELT. (Official)486 Personal February 2, 1905. My dear Major Byrne: Have you yet decided whether you can accept that Isthmian Canal Commissionership? I want a good business man of the highest character, who can do the great work that there is yet to be done. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Major John Byrne, 45 Wall Street, New York. 487 Personal February 2, 1905. My dear Mr. Woodlock: I thank you for the volume, and most of all for your own sonnet on the title page. I know O'Reilly's poems fairly well. He had the genuine poetic spirit in him. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Thomas F. Woodlock, The Wall Street Journal, New York.[*488*] February 3, 1902. Chief Justice Edward Kent, Phoenix Arizona. So much feeling about Wells and Fowler deem it inexpedient to appoint either. How would Page, formerly or at present member of the Territorial Legislature and mining engineer in the Grand Canyon and a Harvard man, do for the place? Do you know of Captain Alexander? Will you consult Brodie about these of possible? THEODORE ROOSEVELT. (Official)[*489*] February 3, 1905. To the Secretary of the Interior: I have received from you the letter of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs of January 31, 1905, in relation to the inquiries of the Hon. James S. Sherman as to the authority for granting contracts for education of Indians in denominational schools. This letter of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs asks that the general questions raised in Mr. Sherman's letter of January 23d be united with the special question raised by the Commissioner in his letter of January 21st and presented to the President for submission to the Attorney General. The letter of January 21st concerning the payment of a claim filed in the Office of Indian Affairs in connection with the contract with St. Labre's school on the Tongue River Reservation stands by itself and will be submitted to the Attorney General for his consideration and report. As regards the general question I have received from the Attorney General, under date of February 2d, a letter, copy of which is enclosed. Early in 1902 petitions on behalf of various Catholic and Episcopal schools were brought to my attention by certain ecclesiastics and laymen, who requested the Interior Department to distribute the rations and annuities through the mission schools of their several churches when the children were in the care of those schools. The Attorney General decided that this request was illegal and could not properly be granted. Over a year[*490*] 2 afterwards the request was made, originally on behalf of certain Catholic schools in 1903, also on behalf of a Lutheran school in 1904, that where there were Indian moneys held in trust for the Indians by the Secretary of the Interior, the interest on these Indian moneys being distributed among the individual Indians or in such other ways as the Secretary of the Interior might direct, and where certain of the Indians petitioned that the moneys so distributed to them should be used for the support of the particular denominational school which they desired their children to attend, this petition should be granted. The question raised was of course wholly different from that originally raised on behalf of the Episcopal church and of the Catholic church. This new request was submitted to the Department of Justice, and the Department decided, as set forth in the accompanying report, that the prohibition of the law as to the use of public moneys for sectarian schools did not extend to moneys belonging to the Indians themselves and not to the public, and that these moneys belonging to the Indians themselves might be applied in accordance with the desire of the Indians for the support of the schools to which they were sending their children. There was in my judgment no question that, inasmuch as the legal authority existed to grant the request of the Indians, they were entitled as a matter of moral right to have the moneys coming to them used for the education of their children at the schools of their choice. Care must be taken, of course, to see that any petition by the Indians is genuine, and that the money appropriated for any given school represents only the pro rata proportion to which the Indians making the petition are entitled. But if these two conditions are fulfilled, it[*491*] 3 is in my opinion just and right that the Indians themselves should have their wishes respected when they request that their own money - not the money of the public - be applied to the support of certain schools to which they desire to send their children. The practice will be continued by the Department unless Congress should decree to the contrary, or, of course, unless the courts should decide that the decision of the Department of Justice is erroneous. It is, however, greatly to be desired that the bill introduced by Representative Lacey and providing for permission to allot these annuities in severalty to the Indians exactly as is now done with land, should be enacted into law. Its enactment and administration would prevent the raising of any question of this character, for each individual Indian would then be left free to use the money to which he is entitled outright on his own initiative instead of having it used for him by the Secretary of the Interior in consequence of his petition. I earnestly hope that Congress will at once enact this bill into law. The special case of the St. Labre's school stands by itself, the question being whether the contract entered into is one authorized by the finding of the Department of Justice in January, 1904, or whether it is one of those cases forbidden under the decision of the Department of Justice of January, 1902. The Attorney General will speedily report the category in which this case comes. Theodore Roosevelt Enclosure492 Personal February 3, 1905. Dear Brander: That is an amusing clipping; and I shall read Brunetiere's book with real pleasure. I have time for but a line, as there are any number of things pressing upon my attention at present- most of them disagreeably so. Always yours, Theodore Roosevelt Mr. Brander Matthews, 681 West End Avenue, New York.