Letter from John F. Stevens to Theodore Roosevelt
Subject(s): Bishop, Joseph Bucklin, 1847-1928, Canals, Interoceanic--Design and construction, Employee selection, Employees--Dismissal of, Employees--Resignation, Isthmian Canal Commission (U.S.), Panama--Culebra (Chilibre), Panama--Panama Canal, Philippines, Politicians--Travel, Ripley, E. P. (Edward Payson), 1845-, Shonts, Theodore P. (Theodore Perry), 1856-1919, Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930, United States. Congress, Wallace, John Findley, 1852-1921, Washington (D.C.)
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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.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1907-01-30
Creator(s)
Stevens, John F. (John Frank), 1853-1943
Recipient
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
Language
English
Period
U.S. President – 2nd Term (March 1905-February 1909)
Repository
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Page Count
6
Production Method
Record Type
Multi-image
Resource Type
Rights
These images are presented through a cooperative effort between the Library of Congress and Dickinson State University. No known restrictions on publication.
Citation
Cite this Record
Chicago:
Letter from John F. Stevens to Theodore Roosevelt. [January 30, 1907]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o55431. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Stevens, John F. (John Frank), 1853-1943. Letter from John F. Stevens to Theodore Roosevelt. [30 Jan. 1907]. Multi-image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 12, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o55431.
APA:
Stevens, John F. (John Frank), 1853-1943., [1907, January 30]. Letter from John F. Stevens to Theodore Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o55431.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. March 12, 2026. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
