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Two typed manuscripts signed as president, "Theodore Roosevelt," totaling three pages, 8 x 13, April 19 and 25, 1906. Roosevelt's hand-corrected drafts of proclamations issued in the aftermath of the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which led to days-long fires that took the lives of over 3,000 people and resulted in the destruction of 80% of the city. The day after the earthquake, President Roosevelt issued a proclamation placing the American Red Cross in charge of the relief work and announcing the appointment of a special agent to coordinate those efforts. When the first proclamation was released, city officials in San Francisco became upset at being usurped by a national organization. They were already in firm control of the situation, setting up various committees to handle each aspect of the disaster. When informed of the difficulty, Roosevelt drafted a second proclamation, cleverly and eloquently returning the relief response to local control.
The first, in part: "In the face of so terrible and appalling a national calamity as that which has befallen San Francisco, the outpouring of the Nation's aid should, as far as possible, be entrusted to the American Red Cross, the National Organization best fitted to undertake such relief work. A specially appointed Red Cross Agent, Dr. Edward Divine, starts to-day from New York to California to co-operate there with the Red Cross Branch in the work of relief. In order that this work may be well systematized and in order that contributions which I am sure will flow in with lavish generosity may be wisely administered, I appeal to the people of the United States, to all cities, chambers of commerce, boards of trade, relief committees and individuals to express their sympathy and render their aid by contributions to the American National Red Cross." Roosevelt heavily edits the text in his own hand, striking through a few parts and writing about twenty words.
The second, in full: "When the news of the dreadful disaster at San Francisco first came it was necessary to take immediate steps to provide in some way for the receipt and distribution of the sums of money which at once poured in for the relief of the people of San Francisco. At the moment no one could foretell how soon it would be possible for the people of San Francisco themselves to organize; and to tide over the interval the American National Red Cross Association was designated to receive and disburse the funds. But the people of San Francisco, with an energy and self-reliant courage, a cool resourcefulness, and a capacity for organized and orderly endeavour which are beyond all praise, have already met the need through committees appointed by the Mayor of the City, ex-Mayor James D. Phelan being chairman of the Finance Committee. The work of these committees has been astonishing in its range, promptness and efficiency. As I am informed by Major General Greeley, although all local transportation was destroyed, as well as practically every supply store in the city, those local committees, with the help of the army, have succeeded in caring for three hundred thousand homeless people in the last five days. Thanks to their efforts, no individual is now suffering severely for food, water or temporary shelter. This work has been done with the minimum of waste and under conditions which would have appalled men less trained in business methods, endowed with less ability, or inspired with any but the highest motives of humanity and helpfulness. The need of employing the Red Cross, save as an auxiliary, has passed, and I urge that hereafter all contributions from any source be sent direct to James D. Phelan, Chairman Finance Committee, San Francisco. Mr. Devine, or the Red Cross, will disburse any contributions sent to him through ex-Mayor Phelan and will work in accord with him in all ways." Roosevelt makes a few handwritten corrections to the text. In fine condition.
Additionally includes an ALS by the founder of the American Red Cross, signed "Clara Barton," three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 6.5, May 6, 1906, commenting on the country's overwhelming response. In part: "I am sure it was a gratification to you to receive the letter from the Governor, and for this I am glad, but you must not be disheartened if the great, and steady drain of San Francisco holds you back over the year. The country has gone wild over this disaster and relief, and the collecting of money for it is almost a craze, a competitive popularity, to see who can give the most, and this will go on till finally exhaustion produces a reaction."
In overall fine condition. Accompanied by a custom-made presentation folder for the Roosevelt manuscripts.
