Rifle Assn. January 31st, 1912. My dear General Bates: It was fine to get your letter telling me that you are sending a framed certificate of my membership in the National Rifle Association. I appreciate your doing so. With all good wishes, Sincerely yours, General J. C. Bates, National Rifle Association, Washington, D.C. 2115991 Mrs. Bell January 31st, 1912. My dear Madam: I am sorry to tell you that there is no truth in that report that the Government gives a reward of $1,000 to my mother of seven sons, or for that matter, any person whatever. In some way the report has got around, but there is no basis of truth in it. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs Bell, 634 Wettenburg Avenue, Springfield, Ohio. 2170January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Best: I thank you for your letter and appreciate all that you say. When you come to New York I hope you will come in and see me as I should really like to have a talk with you. I am generally at the office on Tuesday and Friday, the latter being the best day to call. Sincerely yours, Mr E. J. Best, Columbia, S.C. 2177January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt wishes me to thank you for your courtesy in sending him a copy of that book. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Louis Bourgeous, West Englewood, N.J. 1557January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Buck: It was fine to get your letter, and I appreciate your writing. I also appreciate your kindness in sending me a copy of the song writing by Mr Reid. Will you please thank him from me for what he says? Faithfully yours, Mr H. E. Buck, Bay City, Mich. 4391January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Bullivant: It was indeed good of you to send me your kind letter. I sincerely appreciate all that you say and thank you for writing. Sincerely yours, Mr Isaac E. Bullivant, Harrowsburgh, N.Y. 4392[*4382*] January 31st, 1912. Dear Senator Burkett: I wish I could attend the dedication of the Lincoln Monument which is being erected in your city, but at the present time it is not possible for me to accept any further invitation of any kind or sort. Believe me, my dear Senator, I am really touched by what you say, and if I could some to Lincoln I am sure nothing would give me greater pleasure, for I well remember the kindness and courtesy with which I have been recei on former occasions. I am really sorry not to be able to accept. With all good wishes, Faithfully yours, Hon. Elmer J. Burkett, Lincoln, Nebr. [*4445*]January 31st, 1912. Dear Mr Collins: I do not quite understand. If Canada should reverse herself now would we be committed to accept her decision? I had supposed that the whole thing had lapsed. Are you sure of your facts? If so, I will take it up at once. Sincerely yours, Mr. P.V. Collins, The Northwestern Agriculturist, Minneapolis, Minn. 7434 January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Crago: I am really touched by your letter. If you are ever in New York I hope you will give me the pleasure of a call from you. I should really like to see you. Sincerely yours, Mr L. R. Crago, Wheeling, W. Va. 6379January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Your letter to Mr Roosevelt has come to hand, but I am sorry to tell you that the pressure upon his time will not permit him to devote even a minute to write such a note as you desire. He already has more on hand than he can well [manage]. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you wish. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Warren C. Crane, 121 West 70th Street, New York City. 6384January 31, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt desires me to tender to you his thanks for your letter. He would write you a [?] note of acknowledgment, but he is overwhelmed by the floods of correspondence from his friends. He very heartily appreciates what you say. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr E.C. Cocabe, Keosauqua, Iowa. 18054January 31st, 1912. Dear Mr Davis: Many thanks for the return of that letter. If at any time I can do anything in the way you mention to help you I will certainly be glad to. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr O.K. Davis, The New York Times, Washington, D.C. 18055 January 31st, 1912. My dear General Drake: I thank you for your very kind letter, but at the present time there is nothing that I can add to what I have already said on the subject. Sincerely yours, Brig. General J. Madison Drake, Elizabeth, N.J. 18056 January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Eckereley: If it were at all possible for me to reconsider my decision regarding your invitation to attend the anniversary dinner of the Lincoln Club of Philadelphia, of course I would gladly do so. At the present time, however, I do not want to make any speech of any kind or sort, and if I accepted your invitation it would mean that I should give offense to hundreds of other good friends whom I have already had to refuse and whose invitations I should really have liked to accept. It is not possible for me to go into anything new now. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Mr James H. Eckersley, The Lincoln Club, Philadelphia, Pa. [*18057*]January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt wishes me to thank you for your letter and also for the drawing. He much appreciates your kindness. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr F. M. Elliott, Freeport, Ill. 18058January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Fackler: I thank you for your letter. In the first place I did not present your letter at all, and in the next place I did not attribute it to Senator La Follette. Sincerely yours, Mr John D. Fackler, National Progressive Republican League. 18059January 31st, 1912. Dear Mr Fisher: It will give me real pleasure to look over that memorandum. Faithfully yours, Professor Irving Fisher, 460 Prospect Street, New Haven, Conn. 18060January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir I am sorry to tell you that it is utterly impossible for Mr Roosevelt to render you any help in that matter. He is already doing all that he can in various ways, and it is impossible to add in any way to his obligations. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr C. Flindt, 323 Washington Street, Hoboken, N. J. 18061January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt wishes me to acknowledge receipt of your letter and to say that since he left the White House he has not interfered in a single case of an official nature. He thoroughly sympathizes with you, and if it were at all possible for him to help you it would give him just as much pleasure as it would give you, but he feels sure on thinking it over you will see just why he is unable to interfere. It would not do for him to try to influence matters of an official kind, no matter how much he might sympathize with the circumstances of a particular case. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr John H. Gabrielle, 43 Victor Street, Yonkers, N. Y. [*18062*]January 31st, 1912. Dear Governor Hadley: While I should greatly like to see you on Saturday or Sunday, I do not think it will be necessary; but Governor Stubbs does believe that you surely ought to be in Chicago to meet him next Monday at the Congress Hotel, and I hope you will be able to do so. Faithfully yours, The Hon. Herbert S. Hadley. 18063January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: I am sorry to tell you that it is quite impossible for Mr Roosevelt toexpress an opinion upon the question you put to him. It would not be of any practical use for him to express his opinion upon such a matter. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr S. Haggard, The World To-Day, New York City. 18064January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Hall: I will get that back at once. I thank you for writing me. There is very much of Tolstoy's that I genuinely admire, but not all! Do come in and see us sometime. Faithfully yours, Mr Bolton Hall, University Club, New York City. 18065January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Hotchkiss: It was fine to get your letter, and I appreciate your kindness in sending me the bound volume of your report to the Legislature covering the work of your Department during the past year. With all good wishes, Faithfully yours, Mr William H. Hotchkiss, Insurance Department, Albany, N. Y. 18066January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt desires me to tender to you his thanks for your letter. He would write you a personal note of acknowledgment, but he is almost overwhelmed by the floods of correspondence from his friends. He very heartily appreciates what you say. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr W. A. Jackson, Springfield, Mo. 18067January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Jones: It was indeed good of you to write me your kind letter. I sincerely appreciate all that you say and thank you for writing. Sincerely yours, Mr George I. Jones, 202 S. Clark Street, Chicago, Ill. 18068January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt wishes me to thank you for your courteous letter and also for your kindness in sending him a copy of that collection of Irish poems. It was very good of you to think of him. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr Richard J. Kelly, Dublin, Ireland. 18069January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt's time is so taken up with the work he already has on hand that it would be physically impossible for him to spare the time to read over your manuscript. In any event he would not be able to advise you concerning it as he has already had to refuse hundreds of similar requests from other friends. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you wish. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr James E. Maddock, 914 Windsor Avenue, Chicago, Ill. 18070January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt desires me to tender to you his thanks for your letter. He would write you a personal note of acknowledgment, but he is overwhelmed by the correspondence from his friends. He very much appreciates what you say. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr W. M. Melick, Philipsburg, Pa. 18071January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has received your letter and he wishes me to say that he never gives his opinion upon public questions in letters to friends for quotation. The only way you can obtain his views upon the question you put to him is by referring to his published speeches. Most of these have been issued in book form and may be consulted in almost any public library. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it would be for him to answer in personal letters all the queries that are put to him by correspondents. If he were to try to do so it would entail such a drain upon his time and energy that would be simply unbearable. He is very sorry that he is unable to comply with your request. Faithfully yours, Mr W. P. Michel, Berea, Ohio. [*18072*]January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Moore: It was fine to get your letter and I appreciate all that you say. Do come in and see me any time that you are in New York. Faithfully yours, Mr Zibe T. Moore, Philadelphia, Pa. 18073January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Motter: It was very kind of you to send me on a copy of that "International Who's Who". I appreciate your doing so. Sincerely yours, Mr H. L. Motter, 1158 Broadway, New York City. 18074January 31st, 1912. Dear Mr Munsey: I have shown Mr Wingate's letter to Mr Roosevelt and he has read it with a good deal of interest. I am returning it to you herewith as you requested. Faithfully yours, Secretary Frank A. Munsey Esq., 175 Fifth Avenue, New York City. 18075January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has read your letter with a good deal interest and he wishes me to say how pleased he is that you have formed such a club. He has with the greatest pleasure sent a photograph on which he has written his good wishes f[or] the success of the club. At the same time he wishes me to [?] that he would prefer not to be entered as an Honorary Membe[r] as he is already a member of hundreds of societies of vario[us] kinds and is now doing his utmost to withdraw from as many [of] them as possible. He wishes you all success, and wishes it were possible for him to grant you permission to place his name on the membership list. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr F. Wesley Northridge Jr., 369 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. 18076January 31st, 1912: My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt desires me to tender to you his thanks for your letter. He would write you a personal note of acknowledgment, but he is overwhelmed by the floods of correspondence from his friends. He very heartily appreciates what you say. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Frank E. Nevins, St Louis, Mo. 18077January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Would it not be possible for you to put in a letter what you desire to get Mr Roosevelt's advice upon, and he could probably reply by letter. If this is impossible however could you come in and see him at The Outlook office on Friday next at about 12.30? Sincerely yours, Secretary Rev. E. A. Ohori 103 West 127th Street, New York City. 18078January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: I am sorry to tell you that it is quite impossible for Mr Roosevelt to accept your very kind invitation to become a member of your association. He is already a member of thousands of associations of various kinds and he is now doing his utmost to withdraw from as many of them as possible For this reason it would be absurd for him to add in any way to the number. He greatly appreciates your writing to him and he wishes it were possible for him to do as you desire. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr Clarence S. Paine, Mississippi Valley Historical Association, Lincoln, Nebr. [*18079*]January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Perry: I thank you for your very kind letter. I know you had never said that I had given you any sanction. I appreciate your kind words. Sincerely yours, Mr A. [?]. Perry, Coalgate, Okla. 18080January 31st, 1912. My dear Mrs Peel: I wish I could accept, but it is a simple impossibility. I have received literally thousands of similar requests and with the best wishes in the world it has proved impossible for me to accept one in a hundred of these invitations. I deeply appreciate the courtesy and kindness of those who ask me to speak, but you have no conception of the drain it is upon me even to accept the very limited proportion that I am physically able to accept and I could not greatly increase this proportion or accept more of the invitations that come to me without absolutely abandoning all thought of any other work. Very sincerely yours, Mrs William Lawson Peel, [or Pool ?] Atlanta, Ga. [*18081*]January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt desires me to thank you for your letter and to express his regret that it is quite impossible for him to take up any further matter of any kind at the present time, as he is almost overwhelmed with the work he already has on hand. He much appreciates your courtesy in writing. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Dick Preston, 135 South 17th Street, Lincoln, Nebr. 18082January 31st, 1912. Dear Rand: I have written Dacon asking for the date of his return, and as soon as I hear from him I will let you know. Faithfully yours, William Rand Jr Esq., University Club, Fifth Avenue & 54th Street, New York City. 18083January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt wishes me to thank you for your courtesy in sending him a copy of that song. He appreciates all that you say. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr B. F. Reid, 615 Jackson Street, Bay City, Mich. 18084 January 31st, 1912. Dear Mr Reily: The address of Mr Ward is as follows: W. L. Ward, Comly Avenue, Postchester, New York. Mr Mann had no "special" letter from Mr Roosevelt. In acknowledging the letter which Mr Mann wrote Mr Roosevelt said: "I know you would not expect me to say anything at this time". This is the "special" letter which Mr Mann has been talking about. Sincerely yours, Mr E. Mont. Reily, Kansas City, Mo. 18085January 31st , 1912 . My dear Sir : Mr Roosevelt desires me to tender to you his thanks for your letter . He would write you a personal note of acknowledgement , but he is overwhelmed by the floods of correspondence from his friends . He very heartily appreciates what you say . Faithfully yours , Secretary Mr Lewis G. Reynolds , Dayton , Ohio . 18086January 31st, 1912. My dear Judge: That is fine! I am really obliged to you for your letter, and I am more than pleased that you liked what I wrote. I congratulate you on your opinion of the Employers Liability Act. Do let us see you if you ever come to New York. Faithfully yours, Judge Charles H. Robb, Court of Appeals, Washington, D.C. 18087January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Rose: [or Roce ?] I wish I could accept, but it is a simple impossibility. I have received literally thousands of similar requests and with the best wishes in the world it has proved impossible for me to accept one in a hundred of these invitations. I deeply appreciate the courtesy and kindness of those who ask me to speak, but you have no conception of the drain it is upon me even to accept the very limited proportion that I am physically able to accept and I could not greatly increase this proportion or accept more of the invitations that come to me without absolutely abandoning all thought of any other work. Very sincerely yours, Mr John J G Rose, Brotherhood Club, Providence, R.I. [*18088*]January 31st, 1912. Dear Shaw: I have been re-reading with the utmost interest and pleasure that very interesting " History ", but " I think I had better not make any effort to suggest changes . It seems to me pretty satisfactory as it is, and if I went over it at all, I would have to go over it so minutely that it would take more time than I have to spare. It is a first class book, and one that I shall always be proud of . I am so glad you are to make another edition of it, and I have no suggestion to make. Faithfully yours, Dr Albert Shaw, Review of Reviews, 13 Astor Place, New York City. 18089January 31st, 1912. My dear Madam: I am sorry to tell you that Mr Roosevelt does not know in what way he could be of services to you. He is asked to give advice in hundreds of similar cases, but he really is powerless in such matters. He is sorry not to be able to help you in any way. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mrs T. C. Sheperd, Joliet, Ill. 18090January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt wishes me to thank you for your courtesy in sending him a copy of that address. He much appreciates your doing so. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr W. A. Sherwood, 31 Queen Street S.W., Toronto, Canada. 18091January 31st, 1912. My dear Mrs Siriter: I do not think you yourself realize what a very nice letter you have written me. I appreciate it, and I thank you most warmly for it. Faithfully yours, Mrs Siriter, 122 Dithridge Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 18092January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Stearns: I wish I could accept, but it is a simple impossibility. I have received literally thousands of similar requests and with the best wishes in the world it has proved impossible for me to accept one in a hundred of these invitations. I deeply appreciate the courtesy and kindness of those who ask me to speak, but you have no conception of the drain it is upon me even to accept the very limited proportion that I am physically able to accept and I could not greatly increase this proportion or accept more of the invitations that come to me without absolutely abandoning all thought of any other work. Very sincerely yours, Mr Perry J. Stearns, The Harvard Union. [*18093*]January 31st, 1912. Dear Governor Stokes: That is very nice of you, and I appreciate it. Faithfully yours, The Hon. E. C. Stokes, Trenton, N. J. [*18094*]January 31st, 1912. My dear Madam: I have read your letter, and I hope I need not say how touched I am by what you have written. Yes, life is a struggle, but it is this which makes it worth while. You are married, you have been blessed with two children, and although at times you may find everything is not as you would have it, yet you have that feeling which comes only to those who have children, and have tried to do their duty by their country. I know no words of mine can lift your burdens, but I know you will strive to do your best what is right. Sincerely yours, Mrs Jacob Strassel, 124 Spalding Street, Lockport, N.Y. 18095January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: I wish it were possible for my friends to realize my position, not for my own sake, but because then they would understand just why it is that I cannot accept all the invitations that come to me. From now on I wish to avoid making any speech that I possibly can avoid and greatly though I appreciate an invitation coming from such a body as the one you represent, i really is not possible for me to accept. I cannot undertake anything further of any kind or sort now. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Mr N. H. Tarbell, Manufacturers Club, Philadelphia, Pa. [*18096*]January 31st, 1912. My dear Miss Tarbell: Naturally I should like to accept any invitation backed by you, and if I could do as your brother desires and come and speak for the Fifty Club in Philadelphia of course I would do so. At the present time, however, I am not making any speaking engagements of any kind or sort. I have already refused more than five thousand during the last twelve months. I am really sorry to have to send an unfavorable reply. With all good wishes, Very sincerely yours, Miss Ida M. Tarbell, 132 East 19th Street, 18097January 31st, 1912. Dear Van: It is good to hear from you, and I am glad you are in excellent health. Everything is going well with me. Good luck always! Sincerely yours, Mr. J. S. Van Duzor, Horseheads, N. Y. 18098January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Want: I have read your letter with a good deal of interest, and I will bear what you say in mind. It was good of you to write me. Faithfully yours, Mr Samuel Want, Baltimore, Md. 18099January 31st, 1912. Dear Mr. Ward: Mr. Roosevelt asks me to say that as he will be in town every day next week he thinks it best to wait until then before seeing you, as it will then be possible to make an appointment which will be convenient for both. Faithfully yours, Secretary The Hon. W. L. Ward. 18100 January 31st, 1912. Dear Brother Warren: That is fine! Is the enclosed all right? If not, make any changes you wish and send it back to me, and I will put them in. Faithfully yours, Mr J. Collins Warren, 58 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. 18101January 31st, 1912. My dear Mr Wheelwright: I have long been acquainted, through Dr J. Collins Warren, with what is being done in raising the Infants Hospital. It is earnestly hoped that the building can be finished, for it will be one of the most important of the group of hospitals surrounding the Medical School, under Dr Rotch. It is already being made a kind of observation hospital, devoted to the first two years of infant life, and is doing most practical work. It seems to me that your new magazine "Infancy" is designed to fulfil a most admirable purpose, and one which should have the hearty support of fathers and mothers everywhere. I extend you my most hearty wishes for your success. Faithfully yours, Mr William B. Wheelwright. [*18102*]January 31st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt was really pleased to get that souvenir, and also the booklet. He much appreciates your thoughtfulness in sending them to him. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr. Albert H. Wiggin, The Chase National Bank, New York City. 18103Form 260 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCORPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA. CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER RECEIVER'S No. TIME FILED CHECK [Jan 1912] SEND the following message subject to the terms} on back hereof, which are agreed to} CHARLES S. HOWE, NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY, CLEVELAND, OHIO. VERY SORRY BUT UTTERLY IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCEPT FURTHER INVITATIONS. OF ANY KIND OR SORT. SINCERELY APPRECIATE YOUR INVITING ME. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 18104ALL MESSAGES TAKEN BY THIS COMPANY ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS WHICH ARE HEREBY AGREED TO To guard against mistakes or delays, the sender of a message should order it REPEATED, that is, telegraphed back to the originating office for comparison. For this, one-half the unrepeated message rate is charged in addition. Unless otherwise indicated on its face, THIS IS AN UNREPEATED MESSAGE AND PAID FOR AS SUCH, in consideration whereof it is agreed between the sender of the message and this Company as follows: 1. The Company shall not be liable for mistakes or delays in the transmission or delivery, for non-delivery, of any UNREPEATED message, beyond the amount received for sending the same; nor for mistakes or delays in the transmission or delivery, of for non-delivery of any REPEATED message, beyond fifty time the sum received for sending the same, unless specially valued; nor in any case for delays arising from unavoidable interruption in the working of its lines; nor for errors in obscure messages. 2. In any event the Company shall not be liable for damages for any mistakes or delay in the transmission or delivery, or for the non-delivery of this message, whether caused by the negligence of its servants or otherwise, beyond the sum of FIFTY DOLLARS, at which amount this message is hereby valued, unless a greater value is stated in writing hereon at the time the message is offered to the Company for transmission, and an additional sum paid or agreed to be paid based on such value equal to one-tenth of one per cent, thereof. 3. The Company is hereby made the agent of the sender, without liability, to forward this message over the lines of any other Company when necessary to reach its destination. 4. Message will be delivered free within one-half mile of the Company's office in towns of 5,000 population or less, and within one mile of such office in other cities or towns. Beyond these limits the Company does not undertake to make delivery, but will, without liability, at the sender's request, as his agent and at his expense, endeavor to contract for him for such delivery at a reasonable price. 5. No responsibility attaches to this Company concerning messages until the same are accepted at one of its transmitting offices, and if a message is sent to such office by one of the Company's messengers, he act for that purpose as the agent of the sender. 6. The Company will not be liable for damages or statutory penalties in any case where the claim is not presented in writing within sixty days after the message is filed with the Company for transmission. 7. No employee of the Company is authorized to vary the foregoing. THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER ______________________________________________________________________________ MONEY TRANSFERRED BY TELEGRAPH AND CABLE TO ALL THE WORLD [*THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO IS THE LARGEST TELEGRAPH SYSTEM IN EXISTENCE OVER ONE AND A QUARTER MILLION MILES OF WIRE AND CABLES. IT ACCEPTS MESSAGES FOR ALL TELEGRAPH STATIONS IN THE WORLD SUBJECT TO THE TERMS HEREON. THE TWO TELEGRAPH POLLS REPRESENT THE RELATIVE SIZE IN NUMBER OF OFFICES OF THE WESTERN UNION AS COMPARED WITH THE OFFICES OF ALL OTHER COMPETING COMPANIES COMBINED. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY ALL COMPETING COMPANIES [1912 Jan?] HON. GIFFORD PINCHOT, TWENTIETH CENTURY LIMITED, GRAND CENTRAL STATION, NEW YORK CITY. MR. ROOSEVELT CAN SEE YOU TONIGHT OYSTER BAY OR TO-MORROW MORNING ON TRAIN LEAVING PENNSYLVANIA STATION FOR ATLANTA AT TEN SIXTEEN. SECRETARY. 18105[*W. F Brown. *] Form 260 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCORPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA. CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER RECEIVER'S No. TIME FILED CHECK [Jan] [1912] SEND the following message subject to the terms} on back hereof, which are agreed to} WALTER F. BROWN, CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, COLUMBUS, OHIO. THAT INVITATION HAS NOT ARRIVED. WHEN WILL IT COME. HE COULD ACCEPT FOR WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TWENTY-FIRST. FRANK HARPER[Geo. M Brown*] Form 260 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCORPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA. CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER RECEIVER'S No. TIME FILED CHECK SEND the following message subject to the terms} on back hereof, which are agreed to} GEORGE W. BROWN 54 ELMWOOD PLACE BRIDGEPORT, CONN. WILL YOU CONVEY TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE WRITTEN ME ABOUT THAT INVITATION MY VERY WARM THANKS. I AM REALLY TOUCHED. IF I COULD COME I WOULD GLADLY, BUT AT PRESENT IT IS ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCEPT ANY INVITATION OF ANY KIND OR SORT. I AM VERY SORRY. THEODORE ROOSEVELT COLLECTALL MESSAGES TAKEN BY THIS COMPANY ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS WHICH ARE HEREBY AGREED TO To guard against mistakes or delays, the sender of a message should order it REPEATED, that is, telegraphed back to the originating office for comparison. For this, one-half the unrepeated message rate is charged in addition. Unless otherwise indicated on its face, THIS IS AN UNREPEATED MESSAGE AND PAID FOR AS SUCH, in consideration whereof it is agreed between the sender of the message and this Company as follows: 1. The Company shall not be liable for mistakes or delays in the transmission or delivery, for non-delivery, of any UNREPEATED message, beyond the amount received for sending the same; nor for mistakes or delays in the transmission or delivery, of for non-delivery of any REPEATED message, beyond fifty time the sum received for sending the same, unless specially valued; nor in any case for delays arising from unavoidable interruption in the working of its lines; nor for errors in obscure messages. 2. In any event the Company shall not be liable for damages for any mistakes or delay in the transmission or delivery, or for the non-delivery of this message, whether caused by the negligence of its servants or otherwise, beyond the sum of FIFTY DOLLARS, at which amount this message is hereby valued, unless a greater value is stated in writing hereon at the time the message is offered to the Company for transmission, and an additional sum paid or agreed to be paid based on such value equal to one-tenth of one per cent, thereof. 3. The Company is hereby made the agent of the sender, without liability, to forward this message over the lines of any other Company when necessary to reach its destination. 4. Message will be delivered free within one-half mile of the Company's office in towns of 5,000 population or less, and within one mile of such office in other cities or towns. Beyond these limits the Company does not undertake to make delivery, but will, without liability, at the sender's request, as his agent and at his expense, endeavor to contract for him for such delivery at a reasonable price. 5. No responsibility attaches to this Company concerning messages until the same are accepted at one of its transmitting offices, and if a message is sent to such office by one of the Company's messengers, he act for that purpose as the agent of the sender. 6. The Company will not be liable for damages or statutory penalties in any case where the claim is not presented in writing within sixty days after the message is filed with the Company for transmission. 7. No employee of the Company is authorized to vary the foregoing. THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER ______________________________________________________________________________ MONEY TRANSFERRED BY TELEGRAPH AND CABLE TO ALL THE WORLD [*THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO IS THE LARGEST TELEGRAPH SYSTEM IN EXISTENCE OVER ONE AND A QUARTER MILLION MILES OF WIRE AND CABLES. IT ACCEPTS MESSAGES FOR ALL TELEGRAPH STATIONS IN THE WORLD SUBJECT TO THE TERMS HEREON. THE TWO TELEGRALPH POLLS REPRESENT THE RELATIVE SIZE IN NUMBER OF OFFICES OF THE WESTERN UNION AS COMPARED WITH THE OFFICES OF ALL OTHER COMPETING COMPANIES COMBINED. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY ALL COMPETING COMPANIES WALTER F. BROWN, CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION, COLUMBUS, OHIO. YES ANY TIME IN THE MORNING. FRANK HARPER [1912][1912 Jan ?] Form 260 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCORPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA. CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER RECEIVER'S No. TIME FILED CHECK SEND the following message subject to the terms} on back hereof, which are agreed to} GENERAL LUKE E. WRIGHT, MEMPHIS, TENN. AM INEXPRESSIBLY SHOCKED AT NEWS OF DEATH OF YOUR SON. MRS ROOSEVELT WILL FEEL AS BADLY AS I DO BOTH FOR YOU AND FOR DEAR MRS WRIGHT. MAY WE EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO BOTH OF YOU! THEODORE ROOSEVELT 18106February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has received your letter and he wishes me to say that he never gives his opinion upon public questions in letters to friends for quotation. The only way you can obt[ain] his views upon the question you put to him is by referring to his published speeches. Most of these have been issued in boo[k] form and may be consulted at almost any public library. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it would be for him to answer in personal letters all the queries that are put to him by correspondents. If he were to try to [do] so, it would entail such a drain upon his time and energy that would be simply unbearable. He is very sorry that he cannot comply with your request. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr Audra Barber, Washington Springs, S.D. [*Bell, CB*] February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt receives every day a number of requests for subscriptions to various causes in which he believes, but I am sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to comply in each case. He is by no means a rich man, and he is already doing all that it is possible for him to do in keeping up with the demands made upon him which he cannot well refuse. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you ask, and trusts you will understand and appreciate why he is unable to help you. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr C. Bailey Bell, Nashville, Tenn. 2163February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt has received your letter and he wishes me to say that he never gives his opinion upon public questions in letters to friends for quotation. The only way you can ob his views upon the question you put to him is by referring to his published speeches. Most of these have been issued in bo form and may be consulted at almost any public library. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it would be for him to answer in personal letters all the querie that are put to him by correspondents. If he were to try to do so, it would entail such a drain upon his time and energy that would be simply unbearable. He is very sorry that he cannot comply with your request. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr J. W. Bridges, Edmond, Okla. 5211[*????*] February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has received your letter and he wishes me to say that he never gives his opinion upon public questions in letters to friends for quotation. The only way you can obtain his views upon the question you put to him is by referring to his published speeches. Most of these have been issued in book form and may be consulted at almost any public library. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible would be for him to answer in personal letters all the queries that are put to him by correspondents. If he were to try to do so, it would entail such a drain upon his time and energy that would be simply unbearable. He is very sorry that he cannot comply with your request. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr O. C. Burnett. [*4259*]Harriet A Butler February 1st, 1912. My dear Miss Butler: I am genuinely pleased to get your biography of your father, and I thank you and your brother. I do not think you need be told how much I admired your father as a fine representative American, alike from the standpoint of the man of action and the man of thought. With hearty thanks and appreciation, I am, Very sincerely yours, Miss Harriet A. Butler, 263 Palisade Avenue, Yonkers, N. Y. [4355]February 1st, 1912. Private. My dear Mr Cogswell: I thoroughly appreciate your courtesy. Would you be willing to call upon Mr William L. Ward? I would like very much to have you do so. Also if on any Friday you could be at The Outlook office, I should really be glad to see you. Sincerely yours, Mr George E. Cogswell, 383 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, L. I. 7430February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir; Every day, almost without exception, Mr Roosevelt receives a number of letters asking him to obtain positions of various kinds for those who write to him. Now, I am sure on thinking it over, you will see how impossible it is for Mr. Roosevelt to render help in this way. He is no longer in public office and has nothing whatever to do with the disposal of positions of any kind, nor does he know anyone who might be able to render such help. It is therefore with regret that he is compelled to send an unfavorable reply. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr James L. Dashiell, c/o John Wanamaker, Philadelphia, Pa. 18107February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt receives every day a number of requests for subscriptions to various causes in which he believes, but I am sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to comply in each case. He is by no means a rich man, and he is already doing all that it is possible for him to do in keeping up with the demands made upon him which he cannot well refuse. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you ask, and trusts you will understand and appreciate why he is unable to help you. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr John A. Deacon, 216 East 5th Street, New York City. 18108February 1st, 1912. Dear Mrs Elliott: Your note has only just come. I wish I could see you. Curiously enough, I mention your dear mother's name in the present number of The Outlook. Alas, I could no more get round to lunch than I could fly! I wonder if you are to be here tomorrow (Friday), and could stop just for a moment at The Outlook office and give me a chance to see you. Faithfully yours, Mrs Elliott, St Georges Rectory, 209 East 16th Street, New York City. 18109February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt never cares to answer in letters such questions as tho one you put to him. He has written an article in The Outlook for February 2nd, which answers most of the questions you put to him, but he would not care to add in any way to what he has written in that article. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr William Griffith, New York City. 18110February 1st, 1912. Private & Confidential Dear Governor: I have just received your letter of January 29th and have talked with Knox. I told him, by the way, that I had written Howe twice in answer to letter from him to me from St Louis, that I wi- shed him to get into touch with you. In view of what Knox tells me I am almost afraid Howe may think those letters ironical. I have suggested to Knox that the statement from governors be a statement to the people. There are very real considerations if favor my speaking, and other considerations against it. What did you think of my letter to Munsey ? Apparently this letter has partially leased out. I will write you again in a very few days. Stubbs has just been on here. He takes your view. I do hope you can meet him in Chicago next Monday. Faithfully yours, The Hon. Herbert S. Hadley. Jefferson, Mo. 8111Form 260 THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY INCORPORATED 25,000 OFFICES IN AMERICA. CABLE SERVICE TO ALL THE WORLD THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER RECEIVER'S No. TIME FILED CHECK SEND the following message subject to the terms} on back hereof, which are agreed to} MR. M. F. HADRICK, EXECUTIVE OFFICE LANSING, MICH. [Feb. 1, 1912] GOVERNOR OSBORN SHOULD BE IN CHICAGO MONDAY. HE NEED NOT COME ON HERE. THEODORE ROOSEVELT 18112ALL MESSAGES TAKEN BY THIS COMPANY ARE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TERMS WHICH ARE HEREBY AGREED TO To guard against mistakes or delays, the sender of a message should order it REPEATED, that is, telegraphed back to the originating office for comparison. For this, one-half the unrepeated message rate is charged in addition. Unless otherwise indicated on its face, THIS IS AN UNREPEATED MESSAGE AND PAID FOR AS SUCH, in consideration whereof it is agreed between the sender of the message and this Company as follows: 1. The Company shall not be liable for mistakes or delays in the transmission or delivery, for non-delivery, of any UNREPEATED message, beyond the amount received for sending the same; nor for mistakes or delays in the transmission or delivery, of for non-delivery of any REPEATED message, beyond fifty time the sum received for sending the same, unless specially valued; nor in any case for delays arising from unavoidable interruption in the working of its lines; nor for errors in obscure messages. 2. In any event the Company shall not be liable for damages for any mistakes or delay in the transmission or delivery, or for the non-delivery of this message, whether caused by the negligence of its servants or otherwise, beyond the sum of FIFTY DOLLARS, at which amount this message is hereby valued, unless a greater value is stated in writing hereon at the time the message is offered to the Company for transmission, and an additional sum paid or agreed to be paid based on such value equal to one-tenth of one per cent, thereof. 3. The Company is hereby made the agent of the sender, without liability, to forward this message over the lines of any other Company when necessary to reach its destination. 4. Message will be delivered free within one-half mile of the Company's office in towns of 5,000 population or less, and within one mile of such office in other cities or towns. Beyond these limits the Company does not undertake to make delivery, but will, without liability, at the sender's request, as his agent and at his expense, endeavor to contract for him for such delivery at a reasonable price. 5. No responsibility attaches to this Company concerning messages until the same are accepted at one of its transmitting offices, and if a message is sent to such office by one of the Company's messengers, he act for that purpose as the agent of the sender. 6. The Company will not be liable for damages or statutory penalties in any case where the claim is not presented in writing within sixty days after the message is filed with the Company for transmission. 7. No employee of the Company is authorized to vary the foregoing. THEO. N. VAIL, PRESIDENT BELVIDERE BROOKS, GENERAL MANAGER ______________________________________________________________________________ MONEY TRANSFERRED BY TELEGRAPH AND CABLE TO ALL THE WORLD [*THE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO IS THE LARGEST TELEGRAPH SYSTEM IN EXISTENCE OVER ONE AND A QUARTER MILLION MILES OF WIRE AND CABLES. IT ACCEPTS MESSAGES FOR ALL TELEGRAPH STATIONS IN THE WORLD SUBJECT TO THE TERMS HEREON. THE TWO TELEGRALPH POLLS REPRESENT THE RELATIVE SIZE IN NUMBER OF OFFICES OF THE WESTERN UNION AS COMPARED WITH THE OFFICES OF ALL OTHER COMPETING COMPANIES COMBINED. WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH COMPANY ALL COMPETING COMPANIES COMBINED. February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: I wish it were possible for my friends to realize my position, not for my own sake, but because then they would understand just why it is that I cannot accept all the invitations that come to me. From now on I wish to avoid making any speech that I possibly can avoid and greatly though I appreciate an invitation coming from such a body as the one you represent, really is not possible for me to accept. I cannot undertake anything further of any kind or sort now. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Mr B. F. Harris, Illinois Bankers Association. 18113February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt desires me to express his regret that unfortunately it is utterly impossible for him to accept another invitation of any kind, sort or description. During the past few months he has been compelled to decline literally thousands of invitations, some of which he would really like to accept, but is physically unable to do so. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Nelson A. Jenkins, Conneant, Ohio. 18114February 1st, 1912. My dear Madam: Mr Roosevelt has received your letter, but unfortunately he is unable to do as you ask. Were he to comply in one case it would cause a good deal of trouble for him with large numbers of other friends whom he has already had to refuse similar requests. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you ask. Sincerely yours, Secretary Miss W. H. Justice, 519 Broadway, Quincy, Mass. 18115February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: There is no truth whatever in the report that Mr Roosevelt is going abroad. Mrs Roosevelt is going, but she is to visit Jamaica and Colon. It was very kind of you to write. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr J. E. Kauffman, Galveston, Texas. 18116February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: I wish it were possible for my friends to realize my position, not for my own sake, but because then they would understand just why it is that I cannot accept all the invitations that come to me. From now on I wish to avoid making any speech that I possibly can avoid and greatly though I appreciate an invitation coming from such a body as the one you represent, it really is not possible for me to accept. I cannot undertake anything further of any kind or sort now. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Mr Charles E. Lockwood, The Republican Club, Portland, Ore. 18117February 1st, 1912. My dear Madam: Mr Roosevelt has received your letter and heartily appreciates the circumstances which you explain to him concerning your college. He wishes it were possible for him to help you or to suggest any way by which you might secure help, but unfortunately he is unable to do so. You have no conception of the number of good causes which are brought to his attention and which he would really like to help. He is very sorry to have to send this reply. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs John P. McCammon, 952 S. Jefferson Street, Springfield, Mo. 18118February 1st, 1912. My dear Captain Muller: Herewith I am sending you a letter from Mr Easton who says he was in the Rough Riders. Mr Roosevelt would like to know if you are acquainted with the man or if you know anything concerning him. Faithfully yours, Secretary Captain Mueller. 18119February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt desires me to tender to you his thanks for your letter. He would write you a personal note of acknowledgment but he is overwhelmed by the floods of correspondence from his friends. He very heartily appreciates what you say. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr I. W. Myers, Hampton, Iowa. 18120 February 1st , 1912 . My dear Colonel Sargent : I am genuinely interested in your letter , and am touched and pleased at your kind words about me . Indeed , my dear Sir, I value them. But I hate to think that you are not in the Ar- my . I do hope you will publish another edition of your admirable history of the campaign in Santiago . I Like Admiral Chadwick's book , by the way . No , I never saw Colonel Wessels ' letter , and should be very glad to see it . Did you ever see Summer ' s letter which I published in the appendix to the last edition of the Rough Riders ? If not , I will send it to you . Give my warm regards to Mrs Sargent . Sincerely yours , Colonel H. H. Sargent , Medford , Oregon . 18121 February 1st, 1912. My dear Mr Simonton: I thank you for your letter. That is a really remarkable case. I hope that the mother and the children are doing well. Faithfully yours, Mr Charles P. Simonton, Covington, Tenn. 18122February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: I wish it were possible for my friends to realize my position, not for my own sake, but because then they would understand just why it is that I cannot accept all the invitations that come to me. From now on I wish to avoid making any speech that I possibly can avoid and greatly though I appreciate an invitation coming from such a body as the one you represent, it really is not possible for me to accept. I cannot undertake anything further of any kind or sort now. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Mr George W. Smith, Board of Education, Phillipsburg, N.J. 18123February 1st, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has received your letter and he wishes me to say that he never gives his opinion upon public questions in letters to friends for quotation. The only way you can obtain his views upon the question you put to him is by referring to his published speeches. Most of these have been issued in book form and may be consulted at almost any public library. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it would be for him to answer in personal letters all the queries that are put to him by correspondents. If he were to try to do so, it would entail such a drain upon his time and energy that would be simply unbearable. He is very sorry that he cannot comply with your request. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr A. M. Strauss, Kendelville, Ind. 18124February 1st, 1912. My dear Mr Sulzer: I will read that bill very carefully and then communicate with you. But you know, I question greatly whether I should be able to advise you as to the details. Of course you will treat my communications as purely personal to you. I hope I need not say to you that I have always taken the view that we must not antagonize business because it is big, and that we should have perfectly plain and unequivocal provision in the law so that no man shall be obliged to become an unwitting criminal. Also of course I agree with you that no industrial evolution can be made to go backward, and the effort to make it merely hurts. Faithfully yours, Hon. William Sulzer, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. 18126 125February 1st, 1912: Dear Evert: Either the Boone and Crocket or the Camp Fire Club would be entirely satisfactory to me. Always yours, Mr Evert Jansen Wendell, 8 East 38th Street, New York City. 18126February 2nd, 1912. Dear Senator Dixon: Herewith I am sending a letter from Mr Sims in which he suggests that a letter be written to Mr Dickey of Kansas City. What do you say about the matter? Do you think Mr Roosevelt ought to write to Mr Dickey, and what kind of a letter ought to be sent to him? Mr Roosevelt would like to know. Sincerely yours, The Hon. Joseph M. Dixon, Washington, D. C. 9217February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr Beebe: I am really interested in the juvenile plumage of the Yucatan jay. It was so pleasant seeing Mrs Beebe and you the other afternoon, but I am sorry that Mrs Roosevelt was not there. Faithfully yours, Mr C. William Beebe, The Zoological Park, New York City. 1648[*S. Bricker*] February 2nd, 1912. My dear Comrade Bricker: I am very sorry to receive your letter. Archie is not here, [or] I should show him your letter. I hate to have any old soldier leave the Government service anyway, and especially under the conditions you speak of. Sincerely yours, Mr Samuel Bricker, 915 O Street N. W., Washington, D. C. 5215[*Bross*] February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr Bross: That is a mighty nice letter of yours, and a mighty nice editorial. I wish I could see you here in New York. Faithfully yours, Mr Ernest Bross, The Indianapolis Star. 5188February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr Bucher: I appreciate your letter, and thank you for it. Sincerely yours, Mr Carroll S. Bucher, Muskogee, Okla. 4393February 2nd, 1912. Private & Confidential. Dear Mr Coe: It is fine to hear form you! Just at the moment I do not want to say anything in public. I feel very strongly that our concern is not as to who wants the Presidential nomination, but as to what man the people believe could serve them best in the office; and anything I say is so sure to be misunderstood that as yet I have not felt it better to speak. Of course the time may come when I shall have to. Sincerely yours, Mr Henry W. Coe, Portland, Ore. 7432 February 2nd, 1912. Dear Comrade: That is a mighty nice letter of yours. I thank you for it. Let me add that I am particularly pleased to see that you are the General Manager for that hog concern. Good luck to you always! Faithfully yours, Mr Ben H. Colbert, Colbert & Company, Tishomingo, Okla. 7431February 2nd, 1912. My dear Madam: Both Mr and Mrs Roosevelt are really touched by the kind thought which prompts you to send them on those papers regarding the World. Of course such practices as those you speak of are very reprehensible and something ought certainly to be done prevent repetition. At the same time neither Mr or Mrs Roosevelt know what they can do, and so I am returning the papers to you under separate cover, assuring you at the same time that your kindness is sincerely appreciated. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs F. J. A. Darr. 18127 February 2nd, 1912. Private and Confidential. My dear Mr Fairley: That is a very nice letter of yours. I appreciate what you have done. At the moment I do not wish to say anything, but it may be necessary to speak later on. Faithfully yours, Mr D. B. Fairley, Seattle, Wash. 18128February 2nd, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has no photographs of himself and he has been nearly overwhelmed with requests for them. All that he can do is to promise that if you will send him one of his photographs, with stamps for return, he will gladly autograph and return it. He is obliged to make this answer to very many people and regrets his inability to send each of them a photograph as desired. You could obtain one from Messrs Pach Bros., 935 Broadway, New York City, or Messrs Harris & Ewing Washington, D. C. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Charles H. Ford, North East, Md. 18130February 2nd, 1912. My dear Madam: Mr. Roosevelt has asked me to acknowledge receipt of your letter, and to say that since he left the White House he has not spoken on behalf of a single person with regard to securing an official position or promotion of any kind or sort. If he were to do so in one case he would be compelled in common fairness to do the same thing in hundreds of similar cases about which he is approached. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to help you. He is very sorry. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs Sina Freed, 318 Mass Avenue N.E. Washington, D.C. 18131February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr Grosvenor: That is very kind of you. I will speak to my son about it, but I doubt very much if he has the knowledge which would enable him to write a really good article about beavers. Would you however communicate with Dr Alexander Lambert, 36 East 31st Street, New York City? He may not be able to write you that article now, but he has been telling me that some time he intends to make a serious study of the beaver. Faithfully yours, Mr Gilbert H. Grosvenor, National Geographic Society. 18132 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has no photographs of himself, and he has been overwhelmed with requests for them. All that he can do is to promise that if you will send him one of his photographs, with stamps for return, he will gladly autograph and return it. He is obliged to make this answer to very many people, and regrets his inability to send each of them a photograph as desired. You could obtain one from Messrs Pach Bros. 935 Broadway, New York City or from Messrs. Harris & Ewing, Washington, D.C. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Robert Hale, 342 Wilcox Building, Los Angeles, Cal. 18133February 2nd, 1912. Private and Confidential. My dear Mr Harrison: That is a very interesting letter of yours, and causes me genuine thought. Would it be possible for you to run round and see Governor Aldrich of Nebraska? I have never had the pleasure of meeting the Governor, but he has written me recently and has shown good sense that he seems to me to be a good man with whom to advise. Or would it be possible for you to get on to Chicago and see Mr Edwin W. Sims, 815 Marquette Building, Chicago, Ill.? Faithfully yours, Mr C. M. Harrison, Sioux Falls, S. D. 18134 February 2nd, 1912. Dear Dr Haskell: Mr Abbott has shown me your letter. In the letter from Mr Munsey, which was unfortunately printed in part, occurred the following statement which I think meets your argument: "Let me illustrate what I mean by referring to the language in which after the election of 1904 I announced that I would not be a candidate for renomination. At the time, good friends of mine suggested that I should use [some?] such formula as stating that I would not be a candidate in 1908 because of the custom that had grown up not to elect a man as President for a third consecutive term; but on thinking it over I became convinced that if I used such language it would inevitably be taken as an announcement that I would be a candidate for another term in 1912 - and this in spite of the fact, of course, the language, if taken literally, would only have referred to 1908, and have had no more bearing on 1912 than on 1916 or 1948. Accordingly I used language which simply stated that I paid heed to the essence and not the form of the wise custom of our forefathers in reference to the third term; the essence, of course, being that the custom applied just as much when my first term was the filling out of an unexpired term of my predecessor as if it had been an elective term, and that on the other hand it had no 181352 application whatever to the candidacy of a man who was not at the time in office, whether he had or had not been President before. Yet, even as it was, that at once began to ask me whether my refusal was to be held to apply to 1912 or to 1916; to which I, of course, responded that it would be preposterous to answer any such question one way or the other." In other words, I did not use the word "third consecutive term" simply because to do so would have been taken as meaning that I was a candidate for the next term that was not consecutive. Of course the word "consecutive" was necessarily implied. Then at breakfast I say "No thanks, I will not take any more coffee", it is implied that I was speaking of that particular breakfast, and not of breakfast next day. Faithfully yours, Mr H. J. Haskell, The Kansas City Star. 18136February 2nd, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has no photographs of himself and he has been nearly overwhelmed with requests for them. All that ht [sic] can do is to promise that if you will send him one of his photographs, with stamps for return, he will gladly autograph and return it. He is obliged to make this answer to very many people, and regrets his inability to send each of them a photograph as desired. You could obtain one from Messrs Pach Bros., 935 Broadway, New York City or Messrs. Harris & Ewing, Washington, D.C. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr W. A. F. Jones, Las Cruces, N. M. 18137February 2nd, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt desires me to express his regret that unfortunately it is utterly impossible for him to accept another invitation of any kind, sort or description. During the past few months he has had to refuse literally thousands of invitations, some of which he would really like to accept, but is physically unable to do so . Faithfully yours , Secretary Mr M. G. Kelley , 1106 St John Street , Brooklyn, N. Y. [*18138*]February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr Kilbourne-Priest: It was indeed goof of you to send me your kind letter. I sincerely appreciate all that you say, and thank you for writing. Sincerely yours, Mr M. Kilbourne-Priest, Denver, Colo. [*18139*]February 2nd, 1912. My dear Sir: I wish it were possible for my friends to realize my position, not for my own sake, but because then they would understand just why it is that I cannot accept all the invitation that come to me. From now on I wish to avoid making any speech that I possibly can avoid and greatly though I appreciate th courtesy of an invitation from such a body as the one you represent. It really is not possible for me to undertake anything further of any kind or sort. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Mr Charles E. Lewis, Massachusetts Real Estate Exchange Boston, Mass. 18140February 2nd, 1912. Private & Confidential. Dear Mr Linn: That is a mighty nice letter of yours. I thank you for it and appreciate it. At the moment I am very much puzzled whether to speak or not. I am trying in a not too easy situation to act as I ought to. Faithfully yours, Mr Arthur Linn, Dakota Farmers Leader, Canton, S. D. [*18141*]February 2nd , 1912 . Dear Father Lynch : I ought not to keep that article any longer . Do give me whatever facts you think I ought to have . Will you not have some one send them to me in case you have not the time yourself to do so? I hope you are all right . Faithfully yours , Rev . Thomas J. Lynch , 47 Franklin Street , New York City . 18142February 2nd, 1912 . Dear Ned: I am much amused with that editorial, and like it . I enclose you a copy of a letter I wrote to Munsey a couple of weeks ago, which I think has been published, through the fault of a certain Governor. It exactly states my position, but I do not suppose any human being will believe that it is my position . I have been reading "Stover at Yale", with very great interest, and got the writer Johnson to come in and talk with me the other day. It seems to me that he occupies substantially the position that you and I do on the club and society matter. If you go on to the dinner remember that you and your boy are to take me round to the gas house sometime on Sunday. Always yours , Mr Edward S. Martin, 178 East 64th Street, New York City. 18143February 2nd, 1912. Private and Confidential. Dear Mr McVey: That is a good letter of yours. My dear sir, I appreciate all the arguments you make. I think you do not appreciate as fully the arguments on the other side. I am thinking over this matter very seriously, and as far as I can, I am thinking over it from the standpoint of the country. I am very reluctant to speak, but it may be necessary. Faithfully yours, Mr A. McVey, Chillicothe, Mo. 18144February 2nd, 1912. Dear Mr Mebane: Are you to be in New York on Wednesday or Thursday of next week or the week after? I would really like to see you. Faithfully yours, Mr George A. Mebane, Spray, N. C. 18145February 2nd , 1912 . Dear Mr Morrison : I am greatly obliged to you for that pamphlet. It is to my mind one of the most interesting studies that there is. If I only had the time, there are a dozen points I would like to ask you about. Faithfully yours , John C. Merriam Esq., University of California, Berkeley, Cal. 18146February 2nd , 1912 . Dear George: I have already attended to that. I think you will be satisfied with the editorial. It will come out next week. Always yours, The Hob . George Von L. Meyer, Secretary of the Navy . 18147 February 2nd , 1912 . Dear George : I received your report and was greatly interested in it . Corinne told me how she enjoyed catching a glimpse of you. Mrs Roosevelt , I am happy to say , is really very much better . In great haste and with all good luck , I am , Faithfully yours , The Hon George von L. Meyer , Washington , D . C. 18148 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr. Moss: I thank you for your kind and courteous letter. I am sure, my dear sir, you would not want me to make any statement at this time. Believe me, I appreciate your kindness. Sincerely yours, Judge McKenzie Moss, Bowling Green, Ky. 18140 February 2nd, 1912. Dear Cal: I received a long letter from Ellis full of friendly expressions asking me to be a candidate. I send you a copy of my answer, which seems to me to be harmless. Always yours, Mr. J. C. O'Laughlin. 18150 February 2nd, 1912. Dear Mr. Oveson: I did not see that article in The Outlook, but I will call your letter to the attention of the Editors. I thank you for writing to me. Sincerely yours, Mr. Raymond N. Oveson, 15 State Street, Boston, Mass. 18151 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Madam: Mr. Roosevelt receives every day a number of requests for subscriptions to various causes in which he believes, but I am sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to comply in each case. He is by no means a rich man and he is already doing all that it is possible for him to do in keeping up with the demands made upon him which he cannot well refuse. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you ask, and trusts you will understand and appreciate why he is unable to help you. Faithfully yours, Secretary Miss Nora Rinstidt, Rockford, Ind. 18152February 2ns, 1912. Dear Douglas: This is to introduce Mr. Walter Wellman, the journalist and traveler, whom doubtless you know well by reputation. I have known him a long while, and cordially ask you courtesy for him. Sincerely yours, Douglas Robinson Esq., 128 Broadway, New York City. 18153 February 2nd, 1912. Dear Teddy: All right. I do not suppose the gentleman will come, but I will follow your advice if he does. On all sides I hear words of genuine commendation upon the way you have carried yourself. I would like to see you whenever you get the chance to come here. Always yours, Hon. Theodore Douglas Robinson, Assembly Chamber, Albany, N. Y. 18154 February 2nd, 1912. Dear Archie: I think that by all means I would call Diablo. We will get along somehow or other on the desert trip and it would not be worth while keeping him on the off chance of getting rid of him later. I had a long letter from Mr. Evans, and a very nice letter it was too. I have written him in answer and have asked him to talk it over with you. I feel very strongly that it is inadvisable for you to try to get into Harvard next Fall, and on breaching the subject with Kermit and Nick, I found that both of them shared my view. Your loving father, 18155 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt receives every day a number of requests for subscriptions to various causes in which he believes, but I am sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible is for him to comply in each case. He is by no means a rich man, and he is already doing all that it is possible for him do in keeping up with the demands made upon him which he cannot refuse. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you ask, and trusts you will understand and appreciate why he is unable to help you. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr W. R. Rowlands, 140 Nassau Street, New York City. 18156February 2nd, 1912. Dear Schauffler: I shall read that article with the most genuine interest, and so will Mrs Roosevelt. By the way, she tells me that next time you are in New York I am to bring you out here so that she can see you too. Of course I should like to see anything you have as to the mingling of races in America. I was interested in the note you sent. It would, however, be more important if your correspondent had told you who the foreigners were. In the schools we find that the Jewish children are very much brighter than the American, or than any other foreigner, the American tending to come next and the Irish rather low down; yet in the Police department, in point of efficiency and usefulness, I should have said that on the average this was reversed. We must be very cautious about hasty generalization or dogmatization in this 181572 matter. Faithfully yours, Mr. Robert Haven Schauffler, 4300 Locust Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 18158 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Madam: Mr. Roosevelt naturally greatly sympathizes with you in your position, and if it were at all possible for him to help you he would do so. He is however by no means a rich man and he already has as much as he can do in helping his neighbors who desire his help. He is really sorry not to be able to be of service to you. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs. Anna A. Schroeder, Mt Olive, Ill. 18159 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr. Sheehan: I never asked for the repeal of the Sherman Law. I very clearly demanded supplementary legislation. From the library you can get the copies of my messages and speeches, and by turning to my Presidential messages you will find my position set out in full. Faithfully yours, Mr. W. G. Sheehan, 277 Magee Avenue, Rochester, N. Y. 18160 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt desires me to thank you for your letter and the enclosure. He is a Contributing Editor to The Outlook and has nothing whatever to do with the acceptance of articles for publication in that magazine. Such matters are in the hands of the Managing Editor, and if you so desire you can get into communication with him at The Outlook office. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr. W. A. Smith, Bristol, Tenn. 18161 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Sir: I wish it were possible for my friends to realize my position, not for my own sake, but because then they would understand just why it is that I cannot accept all the invitations that come to me. From now on I wish to avoid making any speech that I possibly can avoid and greatly though I appreciate an invitation coming from such a body as the one you represent, it really is not possible for me to accept. I cannot undert anything further of any kind or sort now. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Mr. E. E. Treadwell, Konckapotanauh Tribe, Bridgeport, Conn. 18162February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr Troup: I wish I could accept, but it is a simple impossibility. I have received literally thousands of similar requests and with the best wishes in the world it has proved impossible for me to accept one in a hundred of these invitations. I deeply appreciate the courtesy and kindness of those who ask me to speak, but you have no conception of the drain it is upon me even to accept the very limited proportion that I am physically able to accept and I could not greatly increase this proportion or accept more of the invitations that come to me without absolutely abandoning all thought of any other work. Very sincerely yours, Mr William E. Troup, Y. M. C. A. Tiffin, Ohio. 18163February 2nd, 1912. Dear Mr. Van Valkenburg: I am inclined to say that you have come nearer stating my exact position on the tariff than I have yet seen it stated. If possible I hope you will be in New York Wednesday or Thursday of next week or of the week after, as on those days I shall be in New York; and as they are not my regular days in the office I could have a long talk with you. Faithfully yours, Mr. E. A. Van Valkenburg, The North American, Philadelphia, Pa. 18164 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt receives every day a number of requests for subscriptions to various causes in which he believes, but I am sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to comply in each case. He is by no means a rich man, and he is already doing all that it is possible for him to do in keeping up with the demands made upon him which he cannot well refuse. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you ask, and trusts you will understand and appreciate why he is unable to help you. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Robert Walton. 18165February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr. Whitman: Mr. Francis B. Sayre is the valedictorian of the Class of 1909 at Wiliams College. He has had nothing but "A's" at the Harvard Law School. He is graduating this year from the school. He would like, if possible, to obtain some position in your office, because he wants to know the human and administrative side of law as soon as possible. I can of course make no request for any office or position; but I gladly write this letter to call your personal attention to Mr. Sayre. Sincerely yours, The Hon. Charles S. Whitman, District Attorney. 18166 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr. Whitman: Mr. Francis B. Sayre is the valedictorian of the Class of 1909 at Wiliams College. He has had nothing but "A's" at the Harvard Law School. He is graduating this year from the school. He would like, if possible, to obtain some position in your office, because he wants to know the human and administrative side of law as soon as possible. I earnestly hope that you may grant his request. He is a fine fellow and should "make good" in every way. Sincerely yours, The Hon. Charles S. Whitman, District Attorney. 18167February 2nd, 1912. My dear Mr Winch: I wish I could accept, but it is a simple impossibility. I have received literally thousands of similar requests and with the best wishes in the world it has proved impossible for me to accept one in a hundred of these invitations. I deeply appreciate the courtesy and kindness of those who ask me to speak, but you have no conception of the drain it is upon me even to accept the very limited proportion that I am physically able to accept and I could not greatly increase this proportion or accept more of the invitations that come to me without absolutely abandoning all thought of any other work. Very sincerely yours, Mr Frank Winch, The Friars Club, New York City. 18168February 2nd, 1912. Dear Dan: Cannot you come and see me for a night or two soon? There is so much that I wish to talk over with you. As you know, ever since the publication of your last book, I have been wanting to talk over the preface. Love to Mrs. Wister. Every yours, Mr. Owen Wishter, 18169 February 2nd, 1912. Dear Leonard: This is to introduce Mr. Henry B. Kirtland of Toledo, Ohio. All I ask is that you read the letter he asks you to read. I do not know what the letter contains; my request is merely that you read it yourself. Always yours, Major General Wood, Washington, D. C. 18170 February 2nd, 1912. My dear Madam: Mr. Roosevelt receives every day a number of requests for subscriptions to various causes in which he believes, but I am sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to comply in each case. He is by no means a rich man, and he is already doing all that it is possible for him to do in keeping up with the demands made upon him which he cannot well refuse. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you ask, and trusts you will understand and appreciate why he is unable to help you. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs G. U. Zimmerman, 21 East 3rd Street, Denver, Colo. 18171Mr. Roosevelt presents his compliments and thanks the South Boston Citizens Association for their very kind invitation to the Banquet commemorating the 136th Anniversary of the Evacuation of Boston, and regrets that a previous engagement will not permit his being present. February 3rd, 1912. 18172 [*Bingham*] February 3rd, 1912. My dear Mr Bingham: I have just received your volume, and I look forward to reading it. What an interesting trip you did have! Of course you took it under exactly the right auspices. With thanks, Sincerely yours, Hiram Bingham Esq., Yale University, New Haven, Conn. [Brett] February 3rd, 1912. My dear Mr. Brett: I thank you for "Daily Bread". I look forward to reading it. It was kind of you to remember me. Sincerely yours, Mr. George Platt Brett. 5220 February 3rd, 1912. My dear Congressman Curry: In Mr. Roosevelt's absence I am acknowledging receipt of your letter saying that you will come to lunch with him on the 23rd of February. As you seem to think it desirable to see him before then I am sending you this note to say that if you could come in any morning next week or the week after, preferably on a Wednesday or Thursday, Mr. Roosevelt could have a very full talk with you. You could fix any time you please and come whenever you like, but it would perhaps be as well if you let me know either by letter or telegram just when you expected to be here. Sincerely yours, Secretary The Hon. George Curry, House of Representatives. 7454 February 3rd, 1912. Dear Mr. Chambers: I thank you for the volume, which I shall read with real interest. It was very pleasant catching a glimpse of you the other day. I only wish I had had more time for a talk. Good luck! Faithfully yours, Julius chambers Esq., Lotus Club, New York City. 18173 February 3rd, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt will not be in the office on Monday, but he would be glad if you and Mrs. Edwards would come round to tea at 110 East 31st Street on Tuesday next at 5 o'clock. He would really like to see you then. Sincerely yours, Secretary William S. Edwards Esq., Waldorf Hotel, New York City. 18174 February 3rd, 1912. Dear Mr. English: Your letter to Mr. Roosevelt has come to hand. Wednesday next between 11 and 12 o'clock will be quite convenient and I am sure Mr. Roosevelt will be much interested in what you have to tell him about the Men and Religion Forward movement. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr. H. D. W. English, Duquesne Club. Pittsburg, Pa. 18175 February 3rd, 1912. My dear Sir: I appreciate your having sent me a copy of your volume. I am sure I shall enjoy it. With regard and thanks, Sincerely yours, M. Jean Farmer, Paris, France. 18176 February 3rd, 1912. My dear Sir: Your letter has come to Mr. Roosevelt. If you will write to Mr James J. Ludlam of Oyster Bay, he will be able to give you the name of a reputable lawyer in that town. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Alvin J. Fink, Dayton, Ohio. 18177February 3rd, 1912. My dear Governor Fort: Mr Roosevelt wishes me to ask you if you could come in and see him at The Outlook office on Wednesday next at 11 o'clock. He would greatly like to have a further talk with you. Sincerely yours, Secretary The Hon. John Franklin Fort, Newark, N. J. 18178February 3rd, 1912. My dear Mr Gray: It was very kind of you to send me on copies of those maps of Panama. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and thank you. Faithfully yours, Mr C. P. Gray, 130 Fulton Street, New York City. 18179February 3rd, 1912. My dear Mrs James: Yes, I remember your father well. I will write at once to General Wood, but I do not know whether what I am doing is against the regulations or not, and I shall have to say that frankly to General Wood. I very earnestly hope that the transfer can be arranged. Sincerely yours, Mrs Luther R. James, Pine Inn, Carmel (near Monterey) California. 18180February 3rd, 1912. My dear Madam: Mr. Roosevelt receives every day a number of requests for subscriptions to various causes in which he believes, but I am sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to comply in each case. He is by no means a rich man and he is already doing all that it is possible for him to in keeping up with the demands made upon him which he cannot well refuse. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you ask, and trusts you will understand and appreciate why he is unable to help you. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs Rosalie Klie, Demopolis, Ala. 18181February 3rd, 1912. My dear Sir: I think the best way to answer your letter is by referring you to an article which Mr Roosevelt has written in The Outook of this date. The article gives in full Mr Roosevelt's petition upon the woman suffrage question. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Sam Long, Wake Forest, N.C. 18182 February 3rd, 1912. My dear Mr. Martindale: Unfortunately I have had to decline the very kind invitation which was tendered to me by Mr. Powell to meet his cousin General Baden-Powell at lunch on the 13th. I cannot leave town on that day, or in fact accept any engagements of any kind or sort at the present time. I am really sorry. I am having the General out to Oyster Bay to lunch next Sunday and look forward with much pleasure to seeing him again. Sincerely yours, Mr. Thomas Martindale, Philadelphia, Pa. 18183 February 3rd, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt wishes me to thank you for your letter and to say that he has decided not to retain the suits in Claverly Hall for his son Archibald. It is probable that his son will not enter Harvard until a year later. I am returning the agreement herewith. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr. James M. Marvin, Cambridge, Mass. 18184 February 3rd, 1912. Gentlemen: Mr. Roosevelt has asked me to send on the enclosed account and to say that she sent you a check for $15.70 in settlement on January 3rd last. Up to the present time she has not received a receipt. Will you please send her one address to Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Oyster Bay, New York? Faithfully yours, Secretary Mason-Seaman Transportation Co., 622 West 57th Street, New York City. 18185 February 3rd, 1912. Dear Mr Moore: Certainly. Come next Thursday morning any time between 10.30 and 12 o'clock, and Mr Roosevelt will be able to have a good talk. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr A. P. Moore, Pittsburg Leader. 18186February 3rd, 1912. My dear Mr. Powell: I wish I could come to that informal luncheon which is to be given by you to General Baden-Powell when he comes to Philadelphia on the 13th, but unfortunately it is not possible for me to leave town on that day. I am having the General out to lunch at Oyster Bay next Sunday, and look forward with much pleasure to seeing him again. It was kind of you to invite me to your lunch and I am really sorry that I am unable to come. Faithfully yours, Wilfred Powell Esq., British Consulate, Philadelphia, Pa. 18187 February 3rd, 1912. Dear Mr. Rogers: The axes have come, and I am delighted with them. There are five of us on the place who chop, and I am sorry to say that I think on the whole I am the least efficient one of the five. So I presented one axe to each of the others. I have kept for myself two axes with rather light heads, the three pound and the 3 1/2 pound heads. The handles seem to me to be excellent. I thank you heartily and appreciate not only the gift but the good wishes in your letter. Sincerely yours, Mr. S. J. S. Rogers, New Hartford, Conn. 18188 February 3rd, 1912. My dear Sir: It will be a pleasure for Mr. Roosevelt to see you and Mr. Robins if you can call at The Outlook office on Tuesday next either at 10.45 or 12.30, the latter being the better time. Mr. Roosevelt wrote Mr. Wistor a day or two ago. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr. J. William White, Philadelphia, Pa. 18190 February 3rd, 1912. Dear Williams: That is a notable address. I return it to you. I am really obliged to you for showing it to me. I do wish the were more men like Dannenbaum. Such an address is peculiarly valuable from him, because it was always best to have a man of their own race point out to that race its defects and shortcomings. He is quite right in his anticipations of trouble It was a great pleasure catching a glimpse of you the other afternoon. Faithfully yours, The Hon. William Williams, Commissioner of Immigration, Ellis Island, N. Y. 18191[*Beall*] February 3rd, 1912. Dear Leonard: I know the late Captain John G. Bourke well. His daughter is married to Lieut Luther R. James of the 16th Infantry. He is now stationed at Fort Liscum, Alaska. Mrs James health is such that she cannot go to Alaska. Lieut. James is anxious for foreign service and his wife could accompany him to the Philippines. A transfer has been arranged between him and Lieut. Samuelsen of the 1st Infantry, which transfer has been approved by Colonel Gardener of the 16th Infantry and Colonel McGunnigle of the 1st Infantry. I have been informed of those facts, and because of my friendship for Captain Bourke, I write to say that if the recommendation of the two Colonels for the transfer can with propriety be approved by you - and only me - I shall be glad. Give my love to Mrs Wood. Faithfully yours, Major General Leonard Wood, War Department. 18192[*Beall*] February 5th, 1912. Dear Senator: I take pleasure in enclosing those notes. Faithfully yours, Hon. Ed Beall, Alton, Ill. February 5th, 1912. Dear Sturgis: In the firsr place I must tell you how I chuckled over your postscript on the effect of the Cardinal's prayers upon the snow storm. Now, has Lawrence Lowell asked you, as he said he would, to come out for dinner on the 27th? He wrote me that he wanted to get us both out that night and I said I was sure we could do it. I shall go to you from Grafton Cushing, with whom I am engaged to spend a night. But after this, if you can stand me, whenever I come to Boston I am going straight to your house; and I am going to plead a previous engagement to everyone else that asks me. If you could have John Morse to breakfast the following day, and Barrett Wendell, I should be immensely obliged. Ever yours, W. Sturgis Bigelow, Esq., 56 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. February 5th, 1912. My dear Madam: I am sorry to tell you that there is no truth in the report that a certain amount of lan is given to each soldier for his service during war. Pensions are of course granted both to soldiers and those dependent upon them, but your only plan to secure such a pension, or to make inquiries concerning one would be to get into direct communication with the Commissioner for Pensions, Washington, D. C. He will be able to tell you whether you are entitled to one or not. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs [CIRr:Mr. Bic???C??]. Box 118 Wilson, Pa. 5247[*I. Brenner*] February 5th, 1912. My dear young friend: I thank you for your letter and the clipping, but I thank you still more for your kindness and thoughtfulness in writing to me. With all good wishes, Your friend, Irving Brenner, 66 East 4th Street, New York City. [*D. A. Brown*] February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: If you would refer to The Outlook for January 21st 1911 you would find Mr Roosevelt's opinions upon the recall of the judges. The Outlook can be seen at almost any public library. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr D. A. Brown, Neodesha, Kan. February 5th, 1912. Dear Collins: I wish I could accept the very kind invitation of Mr Kennedy to deliver a lecture under the auspices of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church in Troy, some time this winter, but at the present time it really is not possible for me to undertake any further engagement of any kind or sort. During the last year I have refused about five thousand invitations of various kinds, and if I accepted one it would cause me no end of trouble with the people whom I have already refused. I am sure you will understand just why I am unable to come, although naturally it would give me particular pleasure to accept any invitation so heartily backed by you. If you are ever in New York I hope you will call and see me. I should particularly like to see you. Good luck to you always! Faithfully yours, Mr C. V. Collins, Albany, N. Y. 928February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt has received your letter and he feels su you will understand why it is impossible for him to send a personal reply. He was greatly touched by what you said. You could obtain a photograph of him from Messrs Harris & Ewing, Washington, D. C., and if you care to send it o addressed to me at the Outlook office I will ask Mr Roosevelt to autograph it for you and return it. I am sure it would give him much pleasure to do this. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Linwood F. Crockett, City Solicitors Office, Westbrook, Maine. 6280[*Negores*] February 5th, 1912. My dear Mr Bibbs: I wish I could accept, but it is a simple impossibility. I have received literally thousands of similar requests and with the best wishes in the world it has proved impossible for me to accept one in a hundred of these invitations. I deeply appreciate the courtesy and kindness of those who ask me to speak, but you have no conception of the drain it is upon me even to accept the very limited proportion that I am physically able to accept and I could not greatly increase this proportion or accept more of the invitations that come to me without absolutely abandoning all thought of any other work. Very sincerely yours, Mr Benjamin Bibbs, Lexington, Ky. 18193February 5th 1912. My dear Dr. Conklin: I am genuinely interested in your pamphlet. I wish it were possible to make the average man understand what are the matters of fundamental importance. Of course the one vital matter for the future of humanity is that the right people shall have children, and that the wrong shall not have them. But there is small wonder that the average man of today should not be awake when you think that as great philosophers as Stuart Mill and Malthus completely misunderstood the question a couple of generations ago. Both of these men advocated the reduction of families, and the diminution of the birthrate, utterly failing to see the obvious fact that their advice could only reach and receive acceptance by the very people whom it was disastrous, from the standpoint of the Nation, to have act upon it. I am genuinely encouraged by the fact that there are certain of our States which are not tentatively taking steps along the line of preventing the breeding of the conspicuously unfit. Of course it is criminal to let a family like the Jukes continually perpetuate itself. As you have mentioned the Jonathan Edwards family as one conspicuous on the other side of the equation, I am glad to be able to tell you that Mrs Roosevelt is descended from Jonathan Edwards, and so my children are also. Sincerely yours, 94February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: You could obtain Mr Roosevelt's views upon the recall of the judiciary by turning to The Outlook for January 21st, 1911. A copy of The Outlook may be seen at almost any public library. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr J. H. Epps, Tusculum, Tenn. 18195February 5th, 1912. My dear Madam: I am sorry to tell you that it is quite impossible for Mr. Roosevelt to render such help as you desire, not does he know who would be interested in financing such an invention. He is really sorry not to be able to be of service to you. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr. Daisy Fisher, Durham, Wyo. 18196 February 5th, 1912. My dear Sirs: Mr. Roosevelt does not desire to have any more photographs taken of him and therefore he is unable to grant permission you desire. He much appreciates your letter. Faithfully yours, Mr. S. E. Franconi, 41 West 25th Street, New York City. 18197 February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has asked me to acknowledge receipt of your letter and to express his regret that unfortunately he is unable to send the message you desire. He is approached in so many hundreds of cases for messages of various kinds, that if he were to comply in one case he would be compelled in common fairness to do so in all the other cases, and this would mean such a drain upon his time and energy that it would become simply unbearable. Besides this, the messages, by reason of their being so numerous would utterly fail to achieve the object desired. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him comply. Faithfully yours, Secretary Rev. S. G. Gillette, North East, Pa. 18198February 5th, 1912. My dear Mr. Hanne: It is kind of you to write. I agree with you about big business. As a matter of fact I think Wall Street when it comes to the pinch will be for almost anyone against me. I do not mean the rational element in big business, I mean that element which has grown to have a swollen head, and which instead of recognizing that there must be wise regulation, thinks that it could get on without any regulation at all. Thanking you, I am, Sincerely yours, Hon. D. R. Henna, Aiken, S. C. 18199 February 5th, 1912. Dear Hapgood: Of course it will be satisfactory to Kermit to have it printed within the next few months. I am very much pleased that you like it. Faithfully yours, Mr. Norman Hapgood, Collier's Weekly. 18200 February 5th, 1912. My dear Mr. Herrod: I thank you for your kind and courteous letter. I am sure, my dear sir, you would not want me to make any statement at this time. Believe me, I appreciate your kindness. Sincerely yours, Mr. A. J. Herrod, The Wyandotte County Republican Club, Kansas City, Kan. 18201 February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has asked me to acknowledge receipt of your letter, and to express his regret that unfortunately he is unable to send the message you desire. He is approached in so many hundreds of cases for messages of various kinds that if he were to comply in one case he would be compelled in common fairness to comply in all the other cases, and this would mean such a drain upon his time and energy that it would become simply unbearable. Besides this, the messages, by reason of their being so numerous, would utterly fail to achieve the object desired. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to comply. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr George M. Hersey, Boston, Mass. 18202February 5th, 1912. My dear Mr Hodgson: I am touched by your letter and appreciate your kindness in telling me the inside story of the recent Amherst banquet. It was very good of you to write me. As regards the latter part of your letter, I will bear in mind all that you say. With all good wishes, Faithfully yours, Mr Clarence Robert Hodgson, 489 Fifth Avenue, New York City. 18203February 5th, 1912. Gentlemen: Mr. Roosevelt receives every day a number of requests for subscriptions to various causes in which he believes, but I am sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to comply in each case. He is by no means a rich man and he is already doing all that it is possible for him to do in keeping up with the demands made upon him which he cannot well refuse. He is really sorry not to be able to do as you ask, and trusts you will understand and appreciate why he is unable to help you. Faithfully yours, Secretary Tifereth Israel, Greenport, N.Y. 18204February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: I wish it were possible for my friends to realize my position, not for my own sake, but because then they would understand just why it is that I cannot accept all the invitations that come to me. From now on I wish to avoid maki any speech that I possibly can avoid and greatly though I appreciate an invitation coming from such a body as the one you represent it really is not possible for me to accept. and cannot undertake anything further of any kind or sort now. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Rev. Philip Jaches, 270 East Broadway, New York City. 18205February 5th, 1912. Dear H. H.: You are always a friend, you are not brutal, and I w you to speak frankly; but as to this question, I do not at all agree with you. I was very indignant that that letter was ma public. In it, however, I stated my full and exact position. I am not in the least concerned with whether either Taft or La Follette is sore, and honestly I am not giving one thought to my own interests in the matter. I am trying to look at it purely from the public standpoint. Have you seen all the letter? If not, I will send it to you. Faithfully yours, H. H. Kohlsaat, Esq., The Chicago Record-Herald, Chicago, Ill. 18206February 5th, 1912. My dear Madam: Every day almost without exception, Mr Roosevelt receives a number of letters asking him to obtain positions of various kinds for those who write to him. Now I am sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to render help in this way. He is no longer in public office and has nothing whatever to do with the disposal of positions of any kind, nor does he know anyone who might be able to render such help. It is therefore with regret that he is compelled to send an unfavorable rely much though he appreciates the circumstances and sympathizes with the needs of the applicant. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs Mary E. Lewin, Berlin, Conn. 18207February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: I wish it were possible for my friends to realize my position, not for my own sake, but because then they would understand just why it is that I cannot accept all the invitations that come to me. From now on I wish to avoid making any speech that I possibly can avoid and greatly though I appreciate an invitation coming from such a body as the one you represent, it really is not possible for me to accept. I cannot undertake anything further of any kind or sort now. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Mr David M. Lockrow, Tremont Temple Brotherhood, Boston. 18208February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt wishes me to thank you for your courtesy in sedning him a copy of that pamphlet which you have prepared reviewing the tariff on sugar. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Frank V. Lowry, 138 Front Street, New York City. 18209February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: I wish it were possible for my friends to realize my position, not for my own sake, but because then they would understand just why it is that I cannot accept all the invitations that come to me. From now on I wish to avoid making any speech that I possibly can avoid and greatly though I appreciate an invitation coming from such a body as the one you represent, really is not possible for me to accept. I cannot undertake anything further of any kind or sort now. I am very sorry. Sincerely yours, Mr Alexander Mackie, John Eiseman Camp, Brooklyn, N.Y. 18210February 5th, 1912. Private and Confidential Dear Mr Marshall: I am sincerely obliged to you for your letter, and thank you for it. It has been a horrid position, but I have taken what seemed to me to be the only right course. With regards to Mrs Marshall, I am, Very faithfully yours, Mr Thomas F. Marshall, 303 Empire State Building, Spokane, Wash. 18211February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt wishes me to thank you for your courtesy in sending him a copy of the third annual report of your society. He looks forward with pleasure to reading it. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr S. Mason, 229 East Broadway, New York City. 18212February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: I am sorry to tell you that Mr Roosevelt is unable to give you any advice upon the matter which you recently wrot to him about. He does not know anyone who would be interested in such a project. With regret, Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Arthur McCorbould, 18213February 5th, 1912. My dear young friend: I am touched by what you say in your letter, and I hope that your father will soon be well again. I am always glad to hear from the daughter of a Spanish War vete Your friend, Norah McGlone, 15 Vine Street, Paterson, N. J. 18214February 5th, 1912. Dear Mr. Secretary: This is to introduce to you State Senator Edmund Beall of Alton, Illinois. He is very much interested in the Navy, and would like to get some relics of the Maine. I cordially commend him to your courtesy. Very truly yours, The Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. 18215 February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has received your letter and he wishes me to say that he never gives his opinion upon public questions in letters to friends for quotation. The only way you can obtain his views upon the question you put to him is by referring to his published speeches. Most of these have been issued in book form and may be consulted at almost any public library. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it would be for him to answer in personal letters all the queries that are put to him by correspondents. If he were to try to do it would entail such a drain upon his time and energy that would be simply unbearable. He is very sorry that he cannot comply your request. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr C. C. Mullins, Kimberlin Heights, Tenn. 18216February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt has received your letter and he wishes me to say that he never gives his opinion upon public questio in letters to friends for quotation. The only way you can obtain his views upon the questions you put to him is by consulting his published speeches. Most of these have been issued in book form and may be consulted at almost any public library. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it would be for him to answer in personal letters all the queries that are put to him by correspondents. If he were to try to do it would entail such a drain upon his time ane energy that would become simply unbearable. He is very sorry that he cannot comply with your request. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr F. G. Murdock. 18217February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr Roosevelt desires me to tender to you his thanks for your letter. He would write you a personal note of acknowledgement, but he is overwhelmed by the floods of correspondence from his friends. He very heartily appreciates what you say. Faithfully yours, Secretary Dr. Stephen A. Northrop, Kansas City, Kan. 18218February 5th, 1912. My dear Madam: Mr Roosevelt has received your letter and he wishes me to say that he never gives his opinion upon public questio in letters to friends for quotation. The only way you can obtain his views upon the questions you put to him is by referring to his published speeches. Most of these have been issued in book form and may be consulted at almost any public library. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it would be for him to answer in personal letters all the queries that are put to him by correspondents. If he were to try to do so it would entail such a drain upon his time and energy that it would be simply unbearable. He is very sorry that he cannot comply with your request. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr Agnes P. Parr. 18219February 5th, 1912. Dear Fannie: I wish I could speak as you desire, but it would be an absolute impossibility. I simply could not do it. You have no idea of the number of invitations I have had to refuse. They have mounted up to more than five thousand since I returned. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed dining with you on Monday. Always yours, Mrs FT Parsons, 550 Park Avenue, New York City. 18220February 5th, 1912. My dear Madam: Mr Roosevelt has asked me to acknowledge receipt of y letter, and to express his regret that unfortunately he is un to send the message you desire. He is approached in so many hundreds of cases for messages of various kinds that if he we to comply in one case he would be compelled in common fairness to do so in all the other cases, and this would mean such a dr upon his time and energy that it would become unbearable. Be this, the messages, by reason of their being so numerous, woul utterly fail to achieve the object desired. He feels sure on thinking it over you will see how impossible it is for him to comply. Faithfully yours, Secretary Miss Eleanor W. Pomeroy, Boston, Mass ss. 18221February 5th, 1912. Dear Mr Robinson: Herewith I beg to send you a check for $120.00 received from the Astor Trust Company and a check for $47.88 from Houghton Mifflin Company. Will you please pay both into Mr Roosevelt's account? Sincerely yours, Secretary Douglas Robinson Esq., 128 Broadway, New York City. 18222February 6th, 1912. My dear Madam: I have made some inquiries concerning your recent letter to Mr Roosevelt and I found that you have now received all the money which you put into the concern. I hope this is so. Faithfully yours, Secretary Miss Adelaide M. Rogers, 45 Bowdoin Street, Boston, Mass. 18223February 5th, 1912. PRIVATE, NOT FOR PUBLICATION. Dear Mr Rogers: The axes have come, and I am delighted with them. There are five of us on the place who chop, and I am sorry say that I think, on the whole, I am the least efficient on of the five; so I have presented one axe to each of the oth I have kept for myself two axes with rather light heads - 3 pound and the 3 1/2 pound heads. The handles seem to me to be excellent. I thank you heartily and appreciate not only the gift but the good wishes in your letter. Sincerely yours, Mr S. J. S. Rogers, New Hartford, Conn. 18224February 5th, 1912. Dear Elihu: I am enormously amused at the clipping from Town Topics. How lovely it is to be able to assert even in a paper like that that I ordered the President to send you to the Senate, and that the President was able to carry out the order. Well! I sometimes wonder that we ever get anywhere at all. Always yours, The Hon. Elihu Root, United States Senate. 18225 February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Every day, almost without exception, Mr Roosevelt receives a number of letters asking him to obtain positions of various kinds for those who write to him. Now I am sure on th it over you will see how impossible it is for him to render he in this way. He is no longer in public office and has nothing whatever to do with the disposal of positions of any kind or s nor does he know anyone who might be able to render such help. is therefore with regret that he is compelled to send an unfavorable reply much though he appreciates the circumstances and sympathizes with the needs of the applicant. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mr John E. Rowe, 311 West 118th Street, New York City. 18226February 5th, 1912. Dear Friend: It was very kind of the boys of the Roosevelt Club of the Henry Street Settlement to invite me to be present at their second anniversary on February 17th next, and I hope you will say to them, and to your leader Miss Taylor, that I am really sorry not to be able to come. At the present time I have so much work on hand that it is physically impossible for me to accept any further engagements of any kind or sort. You know how thoroughly in such work as your club is doing, in training boys to become good Americans, and I wish you all success. I wish I could come and tell you so in person for the immediate future race depends upon what kind of training is given to the children of today. Your friend, Mr Abraham Rudick, 267 Henry Street. New York City. 18227February 5th, 1912. Dear Friend: It was very kind of the boys of the Roosevelt Club of the Henry Street Settlement to invite me to be present at their second anniversary on February 17th next, and I hope you will say to them and to your leader Miss Taylor, that I am really sorry not to be able to come. At the present time I have so much work on hand that it is physically impossible for me to accept such engagements. You know how thoroughly I believe in such work as your club is doing in helping boys to become good Americans in every sense of the word. Wishing you all success, I am, Your friend, Mr Abraham Rudick, 267 Henry Street. New York City. 18228February 5th, 1912. My dear Mr Rudisell: I must send just one line of hearty congratulation to you you, and especially to Mrs Rudisell, and to wish well to both of you and to your little son. It was fine to get your letter. Faithfully yours, Mr H. C. Rudisell, Mokane, Mo. 18229February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Your letter to Mr Roosevelt has come to hand. From inquiries we have made the gentlemen mentioned are spoken of quite favorably, but the investment itself would seem of a highly speculative character, and you would probably be wise in keeping out of it altogether. Faithfully yours, Secretary Rev. Edgar E. Saxton, Methodist Episcopal Church, Wakonda, S. D. 18230February 5th, 1912. My dear Sir: Mr. Roosevelt has no photographs of himself which he could send to you but you could obtain a very good one from Messrs Harris & Ewing, Washington, D. C. I am sorry not to be able to send one to you right away. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr. J. H. Shaw, 1326 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 18231 February 5th, 1912. My dear Mr Shaffer: I have just received your letter. I trust I need not say to you, my dear fellow, that I know that any step you take is taken with a genuine desire to do me service. Now I am sure you will not mind my adding that I regret very much the publication of that letter. It was written as a purely private letter, and contains various sentences which I should have omitted if I had expected that it would be published. In view of what you say as to Governor Osborn's writing you, I understand how you happened to publish it; but I am chagrined that Governor Osborn should have sent it to you. I have sent copies of it to various friends who made the same request to m that Munsey did, those friends including three different editors. I am a good deal puzzled now as to what to do in the matter. Faithfully yours, Mr John C. Shaffer. 18232February 5th, 1912. Dear Mr Secretary: This is to introduce to you State Senator Edmond Beall of Alton, Illinois. He is very much interested in the Navy, and would like to get some relics of the Maine. I cordially commend him to your courtesy. Very truly yours, The Secretary of War, War Department, Washington, D. C. 18233February 5th, 1912. Dear Harry: I read twice over your letter about the judges. It is most natural that you should lay chief emphasis upon the undesirable features, and there are many, of the present tendency to attack the judges. I am very keenly aware that there are not a few among the men who claim to be leaders in the progressive movement who bear unpleasant resemblance to the lamented Robespierre and his fellow progressives of 1791 and '92. What I am earnestly trying, as far as my abilities permit, is to prevent this country from sinking into a condition of political oscillation between the progressive of the Robespierre type and the conservative of the Bourbon type. One complements and inevitably produces the other. In my article, I confine myself to dealing only with the remedy necessary to meet a situation like that here in New York, or in Connecticut. In Massachusetts the courts, curiously enough, have generally taken advanced ground of recent years, although seventy years ago, under Chief Justice Lemuel Shaw, they took the lead in the iniquitous decisions concerning labor as ever were rendered. But there are other problems for other States and for the Nation. In California, in Missouri, and at times in Montana and Washington, the State courts have taken action which can be adequately met 182342 only by the summary removal of the judges. I could not prove that the judges in those instances were corrupt, but I have no more question about it than I have in connection with the New York City aldermen who granted certain railway franchises in the past. No corrupt legislature ever did as much harm to honest citizenship and the spirit of orderly living as the highest courts of Missouri and California did in connection with turning loose the St Louis [?boadlers] , and reversing the judgment against Schmitz, because forsooth it had not been proved that he was mayor. If you will refer to the leading number in the present Everybody's you will find in the course of an intemperately written article an account of the action of certain judges in Washington which, I am sorry to say, is absolutely true. I do not myself believe in the recall of the judiciary as the best or indeed as a normal remedy. But most emphatically, in either California or Missouri, I should vote for the recall rather than leave the present situation unchanged. It is idle to say that impeachment meets the difficulty. We are dealing not with theories but with facts, and as an actual fact impeachment does not in any shape or way meet the difficulty. There must be some far easier method of getting rid of an undesirable judge. When we come to the Federal judiciary the case is different, but I am 182353 sorry to say, Harry, that I cannot agree with your estimate of the Federal judiciary. I do not believe we have ever had a corrupt judge on the Supreme Court, but a Chief Justice like Taney, is a far worse influence to the country than a President like Pierce or Buchanan, and there should be some possibility of removing him. You are, of course, familiar with Lincoln's attack on these two Presidents and the Chief Justice, where he accused them of a criminal conspiracy against the interests of the people. In my own time I have seen upright well-meaning judges, such as Peckham, Fuller and Brewer, whose presence on the Supreme Court was a menace to the welfare of the Nation, who ought not to have been left there a day. I think the average Supreme Court justice is a better man than the average Senator. I think that an irremovable Supreme Court is a good deal better than an irremovable Senate would be. Moreover I see the dangers that would come from removal, and I appreciate to the full that under any system injustice will come, and that juries act just as badly as judges. Therefore I have been steadily hoping that the Supreme Court would so conduct itself as to remove the causes for agitation against it. Latterly it has seemed to me to be doing so. But there are plenty of local Federal judges who seem to me to be as thoroughly mischievous as any judge elected for a short term and subject to the recall could by any possibility be. 182364 Some of these judges I have myself appointed, urged thereto not merely by Senators but by Bar associations and lawyers and big business men generally. The recommendations I got for these men were often on their face so excellent that I thought I was making unusually good appointments, and yet they turned out to be men who, if not dishonest, were at least without any conception of real social justice, in any understanding or appreciation of the needs of the bulk of their countrymen. I am not prepared to say what, if anything, should be done as regards the federal judiciary, and I have no sympathy with sweeping general attacks upon it; but I have just as little sympathy with failure to recognize the many and grave shortcomings of the federal judiciary, including the Supreme Court, during the past three decades or so; and I believe that failure to war against these abuses and unintelligent partisan championship of the court, will in the end do just the reverse of what those who indulge in the championship hope. Ever yours, The Hon. Henry L. Stimson, Washington, D. C. 18237February 5th, 1912. My dear Madam: I am sorry to tell that you that it is impossible fo Mr Roosevelt personally to try to give you any help in obtaining your son's entrance to West Point. If you wrote to, or saw, Congressman, I am sure that he would give you full informatio upon how your son might be admitted. He has practically sole control of such appointments. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs F. W. Thomas, 2 Collins Avenue, Troy, N.Y. 18238February 5th, 1912. My dear Mr. Viereck: I hardly know whom to suggest to you to give you that information. I enclose you a little card that Mr. Munsey has published. How would it do for you to see Mr. Lawrence Abbott? I thank you for your kindness. Sincerely yours, Mr. George Sylvester Viereck, 134 West 29th Street, New York City. 18239February 5th, 1912. My dear Miss Wald: I wish I could accept that invitation from the boys of the Settlement, but unfortunately I have had to decline it. You know how much pleasure it would have given me if I had been able to come, but at the present time I am so pressed with work of various kinds that it is physically impossible for me to do anything more. I am really sorry. Faithfully yours, Miss Lillian D. Wald, 265 Henry Street, New York City. 18240February 5th, 1912. My dear Madam: Mr. Roosevelt has no photographs of himself, and he has been nearly overwhelmed with requests for them. All that he can do is to promise that if you will send him one of his photographs, with stamps for return, he will gladly autograph and return it. He is obliged to make this answer to very many people, and regrets his inability to send each of them a photograph as desired. You could obtain one from Messrs. Pach Bros., 935 Broadway, New York City, or Messrs Harris & Ewing, Washington, D.C. Faithfully yours, Secretary Mrs J. A. Werwinski, South Bend, Ind. 18241My dear Sir: Almost every day Mr. Roosevelt is approached by friends with a view to getting his assistance in their efforts to have pensions granted to them, or to have their present pensions increased, and greatly though he appreciates the circumstances in most of such cases and would like to be of service, it really is not possible for him to do anything. Since he left the White House he has it a rule not to interfere in any official matter of any kind or sort, and he feels sure on thinking it over you will approve his course in this respect. It would not do for him to interfere, as his interference would naturally be resented by those at present in office. Your best plan is to get into direct communication with the Commissioner for Pensions, Pensions Bureau, Washington, D. C. Sincerely yours, Secretary Mr. M. E. Worley. 18242 February 5th, 1912. My dear Mr. William: I thank you for your kind and courteous letter. I am sure, my ear sir, you would not want me to make any statement at this time. Believe me, I appreciate your kindness. Sincerely yours, Mr. E. R. Williams, Yazoo City, Mass. 18243February 5th, 1912. My dear Miss Williams: I wish I could accept, but it is a simple impossibility. I have received literally thousands of similar requests and with the best wishes in the world it has proved impossible for me to accept one in a hundred of these invitations. I deeply appreciate the courtesy and kindness of those who ask me to speak, but you have no conception of the drain it is upon me even to accept the very limited proportion that I am physically able to accept and I could not greatly increase this proportion or accept more of the invitations that come to me without absolutely abandoning all thought of any other work. Very sincerely yours, Miss Mary W. Williams, The Philemon Club, Tottenville, S. I. 18244February 5th, 1912. My dear Mr. Wilson: I appreciate your letter, and it will have my careful consideration. More at the moment I cannot say. Sincerely yours, Mr. C. L. Wilson, Roosevelt, Okla. 18245