Omaha daily bee., 1919-06-04
Roosevelt's Letter Relics

One Of the most interesting elements of the
Roosevelt Memorial exhibition At the Columbia
University library, is the literary section which
Is in charge of Col. Joseph B. Bishop, Colonel
Roosevelt's literary executor. great variety
Of manuscript, including correspondence OF his
torical import, are shown. Among the letters
from the crowned heads of Europe and Asia,
and, indeed, from some who have lost their
crowns, the most artistic outwardy, is letter
from the mikado This letter is written in beat
titul Japanese characters on silk paper, bound
with purple ribbon, bearing the golden seal of
the Rising Sum- The letter itself is accompanied
by translation in excellent English in which
the mikado thanks President Roosevelt tor the
gift Of the skin of large bear shot by the pres
ident. The mikado expresses himself as very
which he states will be cherished by him as a
trophy of friend commanding his entire ad-
miration. The mikado closes with a reference
to the visit of President Roosevet's daughter
and Mr.. Taft, then secretary Of war, to Japan,
regretting that their stay was SO short that he
was not able to give them more cordial re-
i $751; The letter was dated November H.
Interesting because Of its reference to the
solidarity of the English-speaking races is
letter from King Edward VII, in which he
says: II entirely agree with you that the in
terests of the English-speaking peoples are
alike in the Atlantic and the Pacific, and I look
forward with confidence to the cooperation of
the English-speaking races becoming a most
powerful civilizing factor in the progress of the
world" King Edward also expresses his unre-
served admiration for the magnificent way in
which our American admira1s had just then car
red out the around the-world cruise of the
fleet, and transmits to the United States govern
ment an invitation from King Edwards Aus
traian colonies to visit the principal ports of
that continent. This letter is dated March S,
1908
Simple, direct, and warmly friendly and per-
sonal is short letter from the present king of
England. King George expresses his thanks
for Mr.. Roosevelts kindness in sending him
copy of his Roosevelt's( book describing his
shooting expedition in Africa. He adds that he
shall always remember with great pleasure hav
ing seen Mr.. and Mrs. Roosevelt in London, and
asks them to repeat their visit Dated Decem-
Der H. 1910
There is a letter also from ex-King Charles
ten in French. It acknowledges President
Roosevelts Fluctuations upon the kings 10th an
niversary of his coming to the throne, and ex
presses reciprocal good wishes for our country.
Dated May 80, 1906.
A letter Of historical import is the one writ
ten by former Gar Nicholas The letter is
written in a clear, firm hand and in excellent
English. 1t is almost pathetic in its tone of
resignation and begs Dear Mr.. Roosevelt" to
use his kindly offices in bringing about salts
factory peace between Japan and Russia. He
refers to the fact that Russia and Japan are to
send delegates to meet in the United States, and
commends to President Roosevelt. Mr. Witte,
secretary of state for Russia and Baron Rosen,
ambassador to the United States. The letter is
remarkable for the unmstakabe tone of dejec-
ton.
The most volub1e and ELUSIVE letters are
from the one-time Emperor William of Ger
many, and in view of recent events these docu-
ments take on strange irony. In the one
dated November H. 1908, in which he signs
himself "Your sincere friend and adrnirer, Viii
Ham," he commends Count Bernstorff to Presi-
dent Roosevelt as successor to poor. speck v.
Sternburg." In conclusion he states that it has
come to his knowledge that the president desires
to do some shooting in German territory 81
assure you every aid will be given to you dur
ing your stay in German territory where you
will find some of the best shooting grounds for
big game"
In another letter, under date of May l. 1908
the former kaiser compliments the president on
the wonderful performance of the fleet under
the command of Admiral Evans, speaks of the
interests of the two great nations that have so
much in common, and sincerely hopes that the
good will between the two countries will con-
tinue in its constant development. In this letter
the ex-kaiser pleasantly includes several snap
shots of his family. These snapshots are part
of the xhibition.-Columbia Alumni News.