Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Secretary of War William H. Taft proposes to President Roosevelt that an Executive Committee be created for the Isthmian Canal Commission, to include a Chairman (by appointment), the Chief Engineer, and the Governor of the Canal Zone. Other members of the Commission would then serve in an advisory role, with salaries adjusted accordingly. Taft assumes that any publicity regarding such a structure should be delayed until after the Senate adjourns.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-03-10

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Secretary of War Taft disagrees with Bishop Rooker regarding the threat posed by Gregorio Aglipay y Labayan and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente to the Philippine government.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-06-22

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

As requested, Secretary of War Taft sent the enclosed dispatch to Colonel Edwards.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-06-22

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Secretary of State Taft offers Theodore Roosevelt feedback on Roosevelt’s letter to Watson. Taft does not think it wise for Roosevelt to equate support for an investigation into the Panama Canal and support for a sea-level canal, solely with people who oppose the canal. Taft also does not think that Roosevelt should include those who oppose the canal with those who oppose the San Domingo treaty, which he thinks will be passed next winter, if Roosevelt handles the political situation correctly. Roosevelt should call public attention to “the wonderful record of the present Congress” through a letter to pressure Congress to ease its resistance. Taft also believes Roosevelt should include a line citing the need for stronger government regulations to protect the working classes from “abuses by organization of power” in connection with Congress’s current resistance.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-14

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Secretary of War Taft responds to Bishop Thomas Augustine Hendrick’s letter on the situation in the Philippines. He agrees that Hendricks is out of line in his accusations. Taft denies that the government is purposefully appointing followers of Gregorio Aglipay y Labayan. He suggests that Hendricks and other prelates should go through the courts if their wish is to obtain property for the Catholic Church. There is great confidence in Philippine courts but no Catholic prelate has submitted a case.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-05-04

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

William H. Taft encloses communication from the Department of State and expresses concerns about Theodore P. Shonts and John F. Stevens in Panama.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-23

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Secretary of War Taft informs President Roosevelt that he has received a letter from Henry Scanlan Kerr through Taft’s brother, Henry W. Taft. Kerr’s letter is about his conversation with William Jennings Bryan while they were in the Philippines; Bryan adheres to the Jefferson model while Kerr adheres to the Hamilton one. Taft asks Roosevelt to discuss with Kerr his views on the Philippines and his desire to prevent a “Democratic House now or a Democratic Administration in two years.” Henry Taft has written to J. S. Sherman to introduce Kerr who would like to be useful in the present Congressional campaign.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-01

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

President Taft explains why the railroad acquisition suit was dismissed by Attorney General Wickersham. It was decided that the systems were supplementary and not competitive so their consolidation would not constitute an unlawful restraint of trade.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-04-05

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

President Taft thanks the Roosevelts for the wedding anniversary gift. A garden party is being planned at the White House.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-06-18

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

President Taft rejects the application for clemency filed on behalf of Charles W. Morse, following the recommendations of the Attorney-General. In coming to this conclusion, Taft compares the case of Morse with the case of John R. Walsh, convicted for a similar–if less severe–crime.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-24

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Although President Taft doubts there will be a war against Mexico and Japan, he is favorable to Theodore Roosevelt’s request to form a cavalry division similar to the Rough Riders. Taft reviews his understanding of conditions in Mexico and the actions he has taken to protect American interests.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-03-22

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

President Taft would like to see the construction of a modern highway between New York, New York and Montreal, Quebec as suggested by Howard D. Hadley’s letter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-02-14

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

President Taft appreciates Theodore Roosevelt’s letter regarding the “diplomatic questions” with Japan. He agrees that action should not be taken in Manchuria that would be considered hostile by the Japanese but American rights under the open door policy should not be abandoned. The Japanese find parts of the new treaty discriminative and reflective of the “old order.” Original and copy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-01-17

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

President Taft requests that Theodore Roosevelt write to Senator Lodge encouraging him to make a speech on the Lorimer case. He has been working on reciprocity with Canada and it appears that an agreement will be reached on “natural products.” Taft reviews the potential for Canadian reciprocity and would appreciate Roosevelt’s opinion. Original and copy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-01-10

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

President Taft has been looking into the Lorimer case and has consulted with several senators. He sees corruption in Senator Lorimer’s election and hopes to see Lorimer ousted. However, Taft cautions against speaking out regarding the case due to the “clubdom” and resentment of outside interference in the Senate. He suggests that Theodore Roosevelt withhold his article on the subject until after speeches have been made on the floor of the Senate. Original and copy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-01-06

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

President Taft is glad that Secretary of State Philander C. Knox and Theodore Roosevelt came to a full understanding regarding the Japanese matter. He feels the Pacific is important but recognizes the factor the Japanese have in domestic affairs and “Oriental” politics. Taft hopes Knox’s proposal will be satisfactory.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-12-20

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-12-02

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Recipient

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Publication Date

2025-10-16

President Taft asks Theodore Roosevelt for a statement of his views on the Japanese question. Secretary of State Philander C. Knox believes he has a solution regarding the treaty and has proposed it to Senator Elihu Root. He recently met with Governor-elect of California Hiram Johnson and believes he is content with a practical solution. Taft feels Congress would be headed in the right direction if it passed the Tariff Commission bill. The Senate passing Senator Albert Baird Cummins’ resolution would prove even more advantageous to exposing the Democrats’ wrong view to the country.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-12-09

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

President Taft is grateful Theodore Roosevelt approves the message. Secretary of State Philander C. Knox will visit Roosevelt later in the week to discuss Japan. Taft is anxious for Roosevelt’s opinion on the matter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-12-11

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-11-30

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Recipient

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Publication Date

2025-10-16