TLS as president, two pages, 7.25 x 9, White House letterhead, September 1, 1911. Letter to Theodore Brentano, Chief Justice, Superior Court, Chicago, Illinois. President Roosevelt writes out of concern over the reaction of the New England Conference of Evangelical Lutherans to his official condolences on the recent death of Pope Leo XIII. The Lutherans have adopted an official protest directed at Roosevelt because: "It is clear to our mind that the President in officially sending condolences to the papal secretary of state on the death of Leo XIII, and other officials in similarly paying their respects, have taken it upon themselves...to speak in behalf of all Christianity of this country." In this letter, Roosevelt seeks the advice of a trusted colleague, and states: "...If the President of the American republic refused to send such an expression of condolence, he would, from my standpoint, have erred as a man...Is there not something that can be done to make these excellent people see the thing in its right light?...Personally, I belong to the Dutch Reformed, and when in Washington attend the German Reformed church." Roosevelt has added several lines and corrections in his own hand. Accompanied by a photocopy of the Lutheran protest. In fine condition, with some light toning. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA.
