Scope and Content Note
The papers of Charles Burke Elliott (1861-1935) span the years 1910-1912 and consist of typewritten diaries, a letterbook, newspaper clippings, and translations from Spanish and Filipino of newspaper articles from the Philippines. The collection focuses exclusively on Elliott’s service in the Philippines as associate justice of the supreme court of the Philippines, 1910-1911, and from 1911 to 1912 as secretary of commerce and police of the second Philippine Commission. The diaries are detailed and extensive, covering social, political, and governmental affairs as well as Elliott’s travels throughout the country and to China. Included are a few memoranda, reports, and copies of letters sent and received relating to conditions in the Philippines and governance of the country, including a memorandum from W. Cameron Forbes on transferring the authority of the office of secretary of commerce and police from him to Elliott.