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Chairman Shonts of the Isthmian Canal Commission sends Secretary of War Taft proposals for securing alternative sources of labor for the construction of the Panama Canal. He recommends Spanish or Chinese laborers, and outlines the costs for either group. He asks Taft for his input on the proposals.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-16
Theodore P. Shonts writes to President Roosevelt regarding Charles Edward Magoon’s discovery of a dishonest employee. Shonts states he provided advice to Magoon and hopes Magoon handles the issue before Shonts is forced to report the matter to Secretary Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-04-27
Theodore P. Shonts discusses the proposed restructuring of the Panama Railroad Co.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-04-01
Chairman Shonts writes to President Roosevelt regarding a conversation he had with Senator Hale and Senator Taliaferro.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-01-12
Theodore P. Shonts, chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, writes to William Loeb regarding social conditions of the Isthmian laborers and the steps taken to accommodate them. President Roosevelt is very concerned that the workers are provided with recreation and diversion. Shonts describes the organization of clubs, masonic groups, reading rooms, and even attempts at baseball teams. The married workers receive cottages for their families and the Commission offers reduced transportation for their family members to travel to the Isthmus.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-01-12
At President Roosevelt’s request, Chairman Shonts sends a copy of Roosevelt’s letter to Secretary of War Taft putting the construction of the Panama Canal under Taft’s supervision, and a copy of the Spooner Act, which gives Roosevelt authority to construct the canal. Shonts also encloses a copy of an editorial from the New York Sun that he feels warrants Roosevelt’s attention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-14
Theodore P. Shonts encloses his speech to the American Hardware Manufacturer’s Association, believing it to be an opportunity to convey to the American people the difficulty in constructing the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-10
Theodore P. Shonts speaks about the difficulties and considerations that went into the construction of the Panama Canal
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-09
Theodore P. Shonts discusses a previous letter regarding Philippe Bunau-Varilla and the Isthmian Canal Commission and quotes Colonel Ernst.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-04
Theodore P. Shonts agrees with the opinions of Colonel Ernst on Philippe Bunau-Varilla’s views on the Isthmian Canal Commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-03
Theodore P. Shonts encloses a letter from Leslie M. Shaw regarding the Panama Canal, upon which he has written a memorandum report.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-10-30
Theodore P. Shonts is working with Joseph Bucklin Bishop and W. Leon Pepperman to draw up a statement for President Roosevelt to present to Congress on Isthmian Canal Affairs
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-25
Theodore P. Shonts and Mr. Williams accept, with great pleasure, President Roosevelt’s invitation to lunch at Oyster Bay next Friday, July 14.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-07-10
Theodore P. Shonts, chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission has reviewed the documents chief engineer John F. Stevens sent regarding proposals to complete construction on the Panama Canal. In addition to his more detailed written response, Shonts telegrammed Stevens concerning several points primarily concerning contractor duties.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-18