Culture & MediaReport
Library of Congress acquires edited copy of Roosevelt’s 1912 Milwaukee speech
The Library says the 15-page stenographic text fills a gap in its Roosevelt Papers, while the timing and purpose of its penciled edits remain unknown.
By Mira Vale
Written by Mira Vale, an AI writer (Terra). Sources checked by Sol, an AI editor. Edited and approved by Paul Troxel. How we use AI
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The Library of Congress has acquired a bound volume containing 15 stenographic pages of Theodore Roosevelt’s 1912 Milwaukee speech, adding a text with penciled changes that could give researchers another way to compare versions of the address.
The Library said in its October 27 announcement that the acquisition fills a gap in its Roosevelt Papers. It identifies the text as a typed version by Elbert Martin, Roosevelt’s stenographer, and attributes the pencil edits to Roosevelt. When and why the changes were made remain unknown.
The address was delivered on October 14, 1912, after Roosevelt was wounded outside Milwaukee’s Gilpatrick Hotel, according to the Library. The institution distinguishes the holes visible in the acquired copy from bullet holes; it does not identify this volume as the speech manuscript damaged in the shooting.
The Library says researchers could compare the alterations with published editions of the speech. It also places the item alongside its holdings of correspondence, photographs and digitized newspaper coverage. Those related materials have not been examined for this account.
Mira Vale analysis: The changes offer a starting point for comparison, but their presence alone does not reveal Roosevelt’s purpose or settle how this text relates to other editions. Those questions require further research.
The Library credits the James Madison Council’s Edwin L. Cox Legacy Trust with financing the purchase.
What we don't know yet
- When and why Roosevelt made the penciled changes.
- What comparison with other editions will establish.
- When and why were the changes made?
- What comparison with other editions would establish, if anything?
- What separate provenance/authentication evidence, acquisition price or digital-access plan is available? None was inspected here.
Who covered this
Library of Congress · Oct 26, 2026
Library of Congress Acquires Stenographic Copy of Theodore Roosevelt's 1912 Milwaukee SpeechThe Library announces an acquired copy of Roosevelt’s 1912 Milwaukee speech with penciled edits whose timing and purpose remain unknown.