Your TR Source
Judge Penfield sends Secretary of State Hay a draft response that can serve as a model for similar cases involving Santo Domingo. In a handwritten response, Hay says the draft is all right as long as President Roosevelt approves.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-16
William Lawrence Penfield reports to William Loeb on a matter at the American Consulate in Brazil. After Penfield arrived in Brazil, Consul-General Eugene Seeger “launched out in charges” against Ambassador David E. Thompson. Penfield later spoke with Thompson, who told Penfield that there was a matter at the Consulate in Rio, which he believed the United States government should investigate. Penfield said he will investigate the matter quietly and suggested that Thompson submit any evidence to him under the cover of it being a matter of “commercial relations” with Brazil.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-10-12
William Lawrence Penfield asks if President Roosevelt would prefer the facilities needed for William J. Calhoun’s investigation to come through the regular legation in Caracas. Penfield indicates he would like to take his vacation after he meets with Calhoun and Elihu Root.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-13
William Lawrence Penfield forwards William J. Calhoun’s commission paperwork and states he does not know how a newspaper was able to find out about the appointment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-11
William Lawrence Penfield directs the Diplomatic Bureau how to respond to a letter from Senator Millard. Millard’s constituents had invested money and time on building a railroad, a wharf and immigration consensus in 1901, prior to a period of instability in San Domingo which stopped all American activity. An extension of time in which to accomplish these goals is requested, and consideration will be given to this request.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-16
Judge Millard sends William Loeb a draft response to Senator Millard’s plea on behalf of his constituents who have financial interests in Santo Domingo for President Roosevelt’s approval.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-17
William Lawrence Penfield discusses the rules for the capture of vessels at sea, including whether the captor has the right to destroy the vessel. He speculates on the effect such policies would have if the United States and Great Britain went to war, noting that “unless United States cruisers are authorized to destroy, in case of military necessity, neutral vessels carrying arms and…other contraband goods to Great Britain, the United States Government would be put at a great disadvantage…” He also discusses the situation with the Knight Commander and the possible effects of suggestions by Lord Lansdowne.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-04
William Lawrence Penfield notes that he did not have time to “develop sufficiently certain phases of the question of the sinking” of the Knight Commander in the supplemental memorandum. Although information about the sinking “does not change the essential aspects of the case,” it does support the argument that they should be cautious when “dealing with ‘gift-bearing Greeks.'”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-06
William Lawrence Penfield writes about James Alexander Scrymser’s request, in his capacity as President of the Central and South American Telegraph Company, for the United States to intervene on behalf of the company in Panama. Penfield details why the State Department should not intervene.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-16