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Associate Judge Alfred Spring wants to succeed Judge Albert Haight and asks Theodore Roosevelt to look into the situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-27
Alfred Spring has enclosed three of his own articles for Theodore Roosevelt to read when he gets the chance. The articles include “The Recognition of Panama,” “The Monroe Doctrine,” and an article about Governor Fish.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-20
Justice Spring found Theodore Roosevelt’s editorials on Nationalism and the judiciary interesting and was pleased Roosevelt quoted him. He discusses how judges beliefs influence their interpretations of the Constitution and rights of the public, particularly noting John Marshall and Roger Brooke Taney. Then he discusses the role the three branches of government regarding law making and interpretation. Spring will send an article he wrote responding to Roosevelt’s 1905 recognition of Panama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-17
Alfred Spring sends Theodore Roosevelt the article he wrote based on his lectures to University of Buffalo law students on the history of the adoption of the Constitution. He comments on the Republican Party’s defeat in the recent campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-09
Judge Spring writes to President Roosevelt on the situation in New York. According to Spring, the administration of Governor Higgins has been good and free of taint. Spring details “factional quarrels,” happening in New York and hopes that Roosevelt can persuade Warren to put an end to it. Spring worries that the quarrel could add to Democratic strength in New York. He also discusses Roosevelt’s appointment of a successor to Justice Brown for the United States Supreme Court.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-06
Alfred Spring writes to President Roosevelt regarding the state of the Republican party in New York State and the race for the governorship. Spring insists that the current Governor Benjamin B. Odell should resign from his post and asks for Roosevelt’s thoughts on the future options for the party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-02-02
Alfred Spring, Associate Justice of the New York Supreme Court, writes to President Roosevelt regarding various political strategies. Spring mentions James Wolcott Wadsworth Jr.’s nomination for Speaker of the Assembly, divisions within the Democratic party, and encourages the President to aid Governor Higgins.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-23
Alfred Spring recommends appointing a new postmaster in Fredonia, New York. Spring is doubtful of Republicans carrying New York in the upcoming election. He recommends that President Roosevelt make national affairs and his administration’s policies the main issues of his presidential campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-02
Justice Spring believes that President Roosevelt’s nomination and election are assured but he believes it is important for New York to be in the “Republican column.” If the New York election is about national issues, Spring is confident of a Republican victory. If state issues are prominent, the election is much more uncertain. The best national issues candidate for governor is Secretary of War Elihu Root and the best state issues candidate is Lieutenant Governor Frank Wayland Higgins.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-15
New York Republican Party leaders prefer a united delegation in favor of President Roosevelt’s presidential nomination. Only Louis F. Payn and Lemuel Ely Quigg appear interested in developing opposition to Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-03-28
Alfred Spring spent several days in Washington, D.C., exploring the politics surrounding President Roosevelt’s nomination next year. He found opposition among “men representing aggregated wealth and also among certain Senators and Representatives in Congress.” However, this opposition had not crystallized around a particular candidate in large part because of the clear popular support for Roosevelt in Republican states. He proposes that New York delegates to the national convention be chosen as early as possible to prove unanimity of home state support.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-03-07
Judge Spring argues that there is no opposition to President Roosevelt in New York, but that it is possible that Governor Odell desires to be a presidential candidate. For this Odell would need to cooperate with Senator Platt, which is unlikely. Spring suggests that by keeping in touch with local leaders, Roosevelt can keep abreast of any challenges.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-03-12