Pre-publication

Teddy Roosevelt’s Secret Mission to Japan

Igniting the creation of this book was the unexpected acquisition of an antique; a one of a kind unpublis​ hed photo of Theodore taken during what convincingly appears to have been a secret diplomatic mission to Japan in 1909. T.R. is one of our most admired presidents and became the first American to win a Nobel Prize. Roosevelt was awarded the prize for his work to resolve the Russo-Japanese War. Extensive research linked to this mysterious photo revealed a new vantage point for understanding T.R., both the adventurous individualist and astute politician during the fascinating and challenging times in the early 20th century.

INTRODUCTION

The people that we choose to honor, shape and inspire our future

Theodore Roosevelt (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) was truly a man of & ahead of his ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ time; a rugged individualist and a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Frequently referred to by his ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ initials T.R. or more informally as Teddy Roosevelt, he approached life with exuberance. He wore the hat of an American statesman, politician, conservationist, naturalist, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909, and before that from March to September 1901 under President William McKinley as the 25th vice president. Prior to those highest level national offices, T.R. also served as the 33rd governor of the influential State of New York from 1899 to 1900, having emerged as a dominant political leader and a driving force for antitrust legislation supporting Progressive policies in the early 20th century. Notably, his face is depicted on Mount Rushmore alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.

Igniting the creation of this book was the unexpected acquisition of an antique, one of a kind photo of Theodore taken during what strongly appears to have been a secret diplomatic mission to Japan in 1909. Based on the individuals thus far identified in this photo, Theodore was accompanied by his wife Edith, his daughter Alice, his son Kermit, along with seven other companions, two of whom have thus far been identified. T.R. is one of our most admired and even beloved presidents. Extensive research linked to this mysterious photo revealed a new vantage point for understanding Teddy, both the adventurous man and astute politician during the fascinating and challenging times in which he lived. Like many national leaders, there were controversies linked to some of his domestic policies, and certain of his foreign engagements in Asia. These topics are explored using documentation, leading to new insights.

It is interesting to note that the legacy of has recently been in the media headlines linked to the Black Lives Matter movement and the heightened awareness of how certain public statues might convey racist messages. Among these public statues is one of Theodore Roosevelt, which is scheduled for removal from the front entrance of the Museum of Natural History in New York City, where it has stood since 1940. The museum’s leadership stated that it had long seen that statue as problematic. It is worthy of comment that that particular statue represents the symbolic message of the artist who created it, not of Roosevelt, who had already passed twenty years earlier. When dealing with historical symbols of racism, anger is often the initial response. ​ ​ However, once that cathartic emotion is faced rationally, the enduring path to moving forward proceeds more effectively with a kind hearted approach to changing the system through improved education, as well as cultural and social engagement. This achieves stronger, longer-lasting gains, versus a heated approach which might further negatively polarize the various sides of the issue. ​ Shedding light on this topic, Theodore Roosevelt’s great-great-grandson, III, legal scholar and professor of law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School in Philadelphia commented on whether it is appropriate to remove this statue. During an interview given by Eyewitness News-ABC 7 reporter, Beccah Hendrickson, on June 22, 2020, Kermit Roosevelt III ​ stated, "If you look at it [the statue] now, I think it gives the wrong message…I think the problem is you've got one white man on a horse and then a native [American] person and an African person walking along, behind, below in this subordinate posture."

Overall, Kermit Roosevelt III stated there were many memorials that represent the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt well, however, that statue wasn’t one of them. "That's a statue that people thought at the time was celebrating about him, but people's thinking at that time was very inflected by white supremacy," he said. "He wanted a society where what's best about our natural parks, our natural resources was shared widely and available to everyone and I think he should be ​ ​ remembered as an egalitarian and a conservationist".

It is an interesting coincidence that Kermit Roosevelt III’s great grandfather Kermit Roosevelt, was one of the four family members that appears to have gone on the 1909 covert mission to Japan, a journey that had connections to the issue of racism and international political intrigue many years ago.

Initially, the reason for gathering and the identities of any of the eleven individuals in the 1909 photo was an enigma - Two helpful clues came from the U.S. and Japanese flags attached to the ceiling above the individuals, giving the impression of a diplomatic event. And among those standing arm in arm, the one at the far left looked familiar, and I wondered if he might be Theodore Roosevelt?

From an early age, I’ve had a deep admiration for Theodore for various reasons. I’ve appreciated his sheer determination to overcome his limitations as an unhealthy child, and instead live a robust, adventurous life. He was a leader who looked out for the average citizen, while strongly confronting the racism of his day, and he wasn’t afraid to face off with powerful corporations in order to defend ​ ​ America’s natural environment. Theodore, accompanied by the naturalist John Muir once embarked on a three-night camping trip exploring the most beautiful and pristine areas of Yosemite. This inspired Theodore to realize that many of America’s most beautiful areas needed protection, so he established the U.S. National Park Service to watch over this precious legacy that continues to this day.

If this 1909 photo was linked to this fine American statesman, then it would be my pleasure to ​ share the excitement of uncovering the hidden details related to it. Drawing from long forgotten, personal and official historical written documents & many rare photos and illustrations, this journey of ​ ​ discovery offers unique insights on Teddy Roosevelt, and the fascinating times in which he engaged – The research for this project was like solving a Sherlock Holmes mystery, unravelling clues, finding hidden meanings, and making connections to possible collaborators in their mission, while also ​ recognizing those dangerous forces who might have stood in their way.

Little did I know that this exploration would lead to some of the most influential international leaders of their day and to unexpected political and diplomatic “Highly Classified Secrets” from over a ​ ​ ​ ​ century ago.

Author and Historian Dr. Stan Katz