Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore P. Shonts
Subject(s): Bangs, Anson M. (Anson Myron), 1860-1919, Construction contracts--Evaluation, Construction contracts--Management, Gaillard, David Du Bose, 1859-1913, Goethals, George W. (George Washington), 1858-1928, Isthmian Canal Commission (U.S.), Letting of contracts, Oliver, W. J. (William Jesse), 1867-1925, Panama--Panama Canal, Sibert, William L. (William Luther), 1860-1935, Stevens, John F. (John Frank), 1853-1943, United States. Army. Corps of Engineers
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After serious review, Secretary of War Taft asks Chairman Shonts whether to accept a bid for the construction of the Panama Canal under the present contract or to reject all bids entirely. Taft cites that the two most desirable bids, McArthur Syndicate then William J. Oliver and Anson M. Bangs, fit all the requirements with exception to “the least expense of the Government” due to the bidders’ desire to split profits with investors. Taft informs Shonts of the resignation of John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the project, and solicits to have him replaced with Major George W. Goethals, who agrees with Taft and Stevens that a new contract must be drafted. In the meantime, Taft requests that the Commission reject the two bids aforementioned.
Collection
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
Creation Date
1907-02-23
Creator(s)
Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930
Recipient
Shonts, Theodore P. (Theodore Perry), 1856-1919
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 William H. Taft to Theodore P. Shonts. [February 23, 1907]. Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o55565. Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University.
MLA:
Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930. Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore P. Shonts. [23 Feb. 1907]. Multi-image.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. December 11, 2025. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o55565.
APA:
Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930., [1907, February 23]. Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore P. Shonts.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/digital-library/o55565.
Cite this Collection
Chicago:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. 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. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library. Dickinson State University. December 11, 2025. https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
APA:
Library of Congress Manuscript Division. Library of Congress Manuscript Division.
Retrieved from https://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/collection/library-of-congress-manuscript-division.
