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John F. Stevens asks Theodore Roosevelt if he might call upon Roosevelt next week, after he returns from a trip to the West.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-15
Chief Engineer Stevens writes Secretary of War Taft about a misunderstanding which arose during the visit of a Congressional delegation to the Panama Canal Zone. Members of the delegation complained bitterly about what seemed to them an arbitrary enforcement of the quarantine procedures intended to prevent the spread of yellow fever. Some even suggested that the delay was orchestrated to keep them from reviewing conditions in the canal zone. Stevens explains that, on the contrary, he and his colleagues were prepared to receive the party and accompany them over “all or any part of the work to explain details.” Both the visiting delegation and the receiving party are very disappointed with what occurred.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-28
John F. Stevens informs Secretary of War Taft that Colonel Goethals will become the chief engineer in Panama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-21
Chief Engineer of the Panama Canal, John F. Stevens, asks Secretary of War Taft if he should give permission for a group of steam shovel operators looking for increased wages to visit Washington.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-06
John F. Stevens, chief engineer and newly appointed Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, informs ICC secretary Joseph Bucklin Bishop that he will take charge of the Washington office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-05
John F. Stevens informs Secretary of War Taft that he will stay on in Panama to help Colonel George W. Goethals train as his replacement. Stevens recently resigned as head engineer of the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-28
John F. Stevens informs Secretary of War Taft that he will stay on to thoroughly advise Colonel Goethals until Stevens leaves Panama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-28
John F. Stevens thanks President Roosevelt for accepting his resignation as chief engineer of the Panama Canal construction project. Stevens elaborates on his comments towards the Isthmus Commission, stating that the commission works adequately but lacks “intelligent leadership”, citing a lack of communication between the Chairman, committee, and himself. This, along with the political hostility in Congress concerning the project, influenced his decision, stating “when a man must adjust the balance of his life to certain conditions, he would not be wise to overlook any of them.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-26
John F. Stevens responds to what he considers a new bid for construction of the Panama Canal, which he still believes to be inadequate. He is sending a letter to President Roosevelt with more details.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-09
John F. Stevens cables Secretary of War Taft that he is unfamiliar with those parties, but he judges their bids to be less than perfect.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-08
Chief Engineer Stevens knows nothing of George Pierce and Company or the Milan Dredging Company, and considers these companies to make no significant contribution to W. J. Oliver’s proposal for building the Panama Canal. Stevens also expresses concern about the involvement of William Barclay Parsons, August Belmont, and John B. MacDonald. Stevens finds Oliver’s quotation “unfortunate” and does not want a one-man proposal like Oliver’s to be the winning bid.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-06
John F. Stevens writes to Secretary of War Taft that news has reached Panama that steam shovels and men are coming to “make dirt fly.” Stevens warns that careful organization is needed, especially if they use the labor of southern African American prisoners.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-31
Chief Engineer Stevens was surprised to learn of Chairman Shonts’s resignation and President Roosevelt’s acceptance. He had understood that Roosevelt was not going to take action without consulting Stevens. Stevens does not desire to be the only one in charge of the Panama Canal construction; he had wanted the post in the Philippines instead and only accepted the position in Panama reluctantly. Stevens wanted to be in charge of construction and not a political actor. He complains that his salary is too low and the “honor” of the position is not enough. Stevens worries that the upcoming election might change the plan for construction, and he expresses particular concern for the future of the Republican party. He argues on behalf of the Isthmian Commission. He is not anxious to continue in the service, and wishes to return to railroad work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-30
John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal, objects to the construction bid made by W. J. Oliver, and updates Secretary of War Taft on the Panama Canal’s construction progress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-30
John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal, does not think that W. J. Oliver is the right person for the contract, and advises Secretary of War Taft to call for new bids.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-29
John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal, cables Secretary of War Taft that he believes it is a mistake to award the contract to build the Panama Canal to W. J. Oliver.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-29
John F. Stevens requests no action until he has thoroughly discussed the matter with President Roosevelt. This is in regard to Theodore P. Shonts resigning from the Panama Canal Commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-24
John F. Stevens, Chief Engineer of the Panama Canal, wires Secretary of War Taft, objecting to a person who has submitted a bid to build the canal. Stevens asserts that the person lacks the “nature, experience or achievement.” He advises that the contract should not have been advertised yet, and that more time should be taken to secure the best combination of contractors for the work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01
John F. Stevens writes the Isthmian Canal Commission that the lowest bid is still too high, but they should examine the record and capacity of the bidders.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-16
John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal project, informs President Roosevelt that a stevedoring contractor named J. W. Foulke has been visiting the canal, and has intimated that he has financial backing from a group which includes Chairman of the Isthmian Commission Theodore P. Shonts. Stevens suggests that if these connections came to light it may “prove embarrassing.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-05