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 and ahead of his time; a rugged individualist.
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 surprising insights.
It is interesting to note that the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt 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, Kermit Roosevelt 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.
‘Teddy Roosevelt’s Secret Mission to Japan’ provides surprising new insights to U.S. Japan engagement during the first half of the 20th Century, while also revealing T.R.’s struggle to combat racism in America.
This rare sepia photo was acquired by the author while researching for the biography: The Art of Peace, which highlights the Japanese statesmen Iyesato Tokugawa (1863-1940) and Eiichi Shibusawa (1840-1931), who creatively engaged with many other world leaders in the pursuit of international harmony – Theodore Roosevelt, along with his presidential successor Taft, developed a friendly alliance with Tokugawa and Shibusawa during the first two decades of the 20th Century.
WRITTEN IN PEN on the back of the photo are the words:
“Yokohama” and what looks like the abbreviated month of Dec. 1909.
Photo measures 4.25″ x 3.25″
The book is Dedicated to these organizations
World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) – a national, non-profit, non-partisan, educational/political affairs association whose goal is international cooperation and understanding. The author is on the board of directors of the San Diego World Affairs Council, a local chapter. On a yearly basis, WACA and her many chapters across the U.S. organize exciting local and national high school competitions called Academic World Quest, where students display their knowledge of significant world events.
Rotary International promotes good will projects in local communities and internationally. Their motto, “Service Above Self.”
Japan Society of New York City has a long history of supporting good relations between U.S. and Japan.
America-Japan Society headquartered in Tokyo, celebrated its 100th Year Anniversary in 2017. They promote peace and stability for Japan-U.S. relations, as well as for the world, encouraging educational and cultural exchange.
Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation and Museum located in Japan. Baron Shibusawa Eiichi and Prince Tokugawa Iesato were friends and allies with President Theodore Roosevelt and with other U.S. presidents in the promotion of goodwill between their nations.
National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS), a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that offers educational, cultural, and business programs about Japan and U.S./Japan relations. Located in 32 cities in the U.S., their mission to strengthen cooperation and understanding between Japan and the U.S.
*Appreciation is also given to other organizations promoting inter-racial goodwill within the United States and internationally.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter One 1
-Early Research to Identify the Individuals in the 1909 photo
-Overview of U.S. Japan relations mid-1800s thru early 1900s
-T.R. combats Racism against Japanese Americans
Chapter Two 31
-Economic Instability and an International Arms Race
Chapter Three 48
-Six of the Eleven Individuals in the Mystery Photo are identified
– T.R.’s exciting 1909-1910 Smithsonian African Expedition
Chapter Four 73
-Diverse Theories as to why Teddy Roosevelt might have Secretly Visited Japan in late 1909
Chapter Five 89
-Despite the strong presence of Racism in America, Theodore Roosevelt Advances the Rights and Respect of Black Americans
Chapter Six 109
-How might T.R. & his companions covertly travelled to Japan?
-The Cornelius Vanderbilt Family connection.
Chapter Seven 127
-Andrew Carnegie and the Beginnings of an International Peace Movement, Supported by T.R. and influential Japanese statesmen.
-Presidents Grant & Roosevelt – Was History Repeating Itself?
Chapter Eight 146
-‘Highly Classified Secrets’ at THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF JAPAN offers a potential key to the mysterious 1909 visit to Japan.
Chapter Nine 172
-TEDDY’S FASCINATING 1909-1910 WORLD TOUR CONTINUES THROUGH EGYPT AND EUROPE.
Chapter Ten 194
-With WORLD WAR I on the Horizon, a strong U.S. Japan Alliance was more Important than Ever.
CLOSING REMARKS 210
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 219
NOTES SECTION 220
Additional Research Resources 265
Index 267
Praise for Author’s Prior Two Books
The Emperor and the Spy, a historical novel about a U.S. intelligence agent who allied with the Japanese royal family in an attempt to prevent war.
The Art of Peace, an illustrated biography of Prince Iyesato Tokugawa Heir to the Last Shogun of Japan, who became an international statesman.
Reviews for ‘The Emperor and the Spy’:
‘’I have learned a lot about Colonel Mashbir and his real friendship with Prince Tokugawa which was a pleasant surprise for me. Your stories about Japanese-American Military Intelligence Service have also done a great justice to so many unsung heroes.” Kazuo Kodama, former Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations
“I realize how difficult it is to weave fact and fiction but you did a masterful job. I have often wondered about the closing of WW II and how Japan got its new system of governance.” J. L. Ruthenberg, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC, Retired
“A fascinating story . . . a fine book,”
Lisa Wolff, past Managing Editor of Simon & Shuster
BARNES & NOBLE chose this novel to honor Veterans Day Weekend with a Book signing at their Oceanside, California Store.
“Novelist brings spy out of the shadows. Looking forward to the movie.”
Pam Kragen, SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE
“The Emperor and the Spy…I couldn’t put it down.”
Hilliard Harper, Retired Naval Reserve Commander and former Writer for the Los Angeles Times
“My mother is a history expert. She taught history to high schoolers. She read your book in a day over the weekend and is now rereading it. These are her comments: It’s a fun read, page turner, shows tremendous research, historical novels don’t get better than that, intelligently written book, informative, conversations enlightening, she learned a lot…In sum, she said this is an outstanding book. Congratulations!”
Dave Edick Jr., President of San Diego World Affairs Council & President of San Diego International Sister Cities Association
“The book is fast-paced yet thoroughly researched. I compare the depth and factual detail of Katz’s writing with those of Wilbur Smith and Dick Francis. You’ll appreciate the weaving of concurrent events, and the nuances only an expert in the field can convey. Like Frederick Forsyth’s books, the international intrigue with imminent national security threats keep one in suspense . . . Katz’s narrative subtly demonstrates the pivot points around which the arc of history may have been so very different… It’s deliciously epic.”
Rita Lim Wilby PhD., Rotarian and Chairman of Programming at San Diego World Affairs Council
“Thank you for having interest in Japanese History. Looking forward to your new book! [The biography of Prince Tokugawa]
Kenko Sone Director of Global Communications for Shinzō Abe Prime Minister of Japan
Reviews for ‘The Art of Peace’ biography:
“The importance of preventing war is rarely given recognition through literature and in accounts of history. It can be every bit as exciting as glorified accounts of war and certainly a better approach.” Professor Claire Langham, former President of the East-West Center of Southern California
“We look forward to adding The Art of Peace to the School’s library collection. Your goal to reach high school and college students with this information is an ambitious – but important – goal. Best wishes with your project.”
Suzette Heiman, Director of Planning and Communications Missouri School of Journalism at University of Missouri
“We appreciate your kindness and all the work you have done to promote understanding of Shibusawa Eiichi and US-Japan relations as a whole. I wish you all the best in your current and future endeavors. With gratitude,” Toru Shigehara: Head Librarian/Information Resources Center, Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation and Museum located in Japan
VISIT THE WEBSITE: DrStanKatz.com to receive a free download of Chapter One of this biography.
You will also be notified when the book is published.
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