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President Roosevelt introduces Colonel Goethals to one of his Rough Riders wishing to work on the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-18
President Roosevelt informs Chairman Goethals that Sir Harry Johnston, an English Colonial Administrator, will be visiting the Panama Canal. Roosevelt would like Goethals to show Johnston “everything in connection with the canal.” Roosevelt suggests William H. Taft may like to accompany Johnston.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-28
President Roosevelt tells George W. Goethals that his letter is exactly what he expected, and that while he did not believe that things were bad at the Panama Canal, he likes to make sure of things. He will forward Goethals’s letter to president-elect William H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-04
President Roosevelt informs George W. Goethals that he plans to send William H. Taft to visit the Panama Canal zone early in 1909, along with several engineers, to investigate the matter of the Gatun dam. Many rumors currently exist in opposition to the construction of the Gatun dam, but Roosevelt tells Goethals that he is not beholden to anything but completing the canal in the safest and best manner. Roosevelt additionally tells Goethals that he would like to send a man named William Stickney to Panama to work on the canal, and asks if there is a position where Stickney might be able to show his merits.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-13
The information President Roosevelt has received corroborated reports he already had. Reports on the Panama Canal’s construction and engineering are overwhelmingly positive, while those on the living and subsistence conditions of the workers are poor. Roosevelt fears they are on the verge of an “ugly scandal” in this regard and recommends taking up the measures outlined by Secretary of War William H. Taft. Roosevelt thinks it would be wise for George W. Goethals to ask for the resignation of Jackson Smith and put General William Penn Duvall in charge of labor and quarters.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-16
President Roosevelt sends George W. Goethals, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, a letter from former Rough Rider Walter S. Cash whom Roosevelt heartily endorses. Roosevelt wonders if there is a job that Goethals might know of where Cash could be given a trial.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-26
President Roosevelt directs the Isthmian Canal Commission to prepare orders giving medals to citizens who have served satisfactorily on the Isthmus for two years, and says he will find a good artist to design the medals.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-23
President Roosevelt forwards a letter from Henry W. Taft to Lieutenant Colonel Goethels introducing Frederick C. Lobnitz whose firm, Lobnitz & Co., specializes in developing rock-breaking equipment and techniques.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-18
President Roosevelt asks George W. Goethals of the Isthmian Canal Commision about his opinion regarding the location of telegraph lines in the Panama Canal Zone. Roosevelt believes it would be best to have the cables entirely in American Territory so as to avoid the constant friction arising from parts of the cable being controlled by the Panamanian government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-05
President Roosevelt directs Lieutenant Colonel Goethals to treat Thomas J. Dolan well. He “is a good fellow.” If it is possible, Goethals can “take back the men,” in accord with Dolan’s request.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-08
President Roosevelt informs George W. Goethals, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, of his plan to form a National Advisory Board on Fuels and Structural Materials. Roosevelt wants this new board to experiment with building materials to devise the best means to construct the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-10
President Roosevelt asks Lieutenant Goethals, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, to look into R. R. Bowker’s complaints against the commissariat. Roosevelt encloses the letter from Bowker with instructions to take criticism seriously.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-04-02
President Roosevelt tells Colonel Goethals that he would like Gray to be reinstated to his position on the Isthmus.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-29