Your TR Source
President Roosevelt responds to rumors that the District Attorneys and Marshals in Alabama are changing their deputies for political reasons. Any government office should be kept free of improper action on partisan grounds. Appointments to a position should be made on the basis of fitness only.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-09
President Roosevelt sends notice to stop the removal of Deputy Marshal Alfred B. Colquitt from office, and thanks Thomas Goode Jones for calling his attention to the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-09
President Roosevelt believes that in dealing with the southern states it is his duty to not put weight on the side of “reactionary forces.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-28
President Roosevelt describes his policy for making federal appointments in the South and believes he has been fair.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-02
After consulting the Alabama senators, President Roosevelt has decided to appoint G. B. Deans as Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-15
Privately, President Roosevelt reveals that Dallas B. Smith has aligned himself with efforts to organize the Alabama Republicans on a “lily white” basis. Roosevelt is still examining the case but Smith might need to go.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-12
President Roosevelt thanks Judge Jones for his service and is proud of him as an American. He encloses a letter from Lyman Abbott.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-17
President Roosevelt is appreciative of Thomas Goode Jones’s service as a district judge and will write to Lyman Abbott regarding the action Jones suggested.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-22
President Roosevelt would like to hear William F. Aldrich’s proposals and of any offices which are “improperly, laxly, or corruptly managed.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-03-14
President Roosevelt would like to speak with Judge Roulhac on Alabama issues and suggests that Roulhac consult with Judge Jones, Judge Boyd, and Booker T. Washington.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-22
President Roosevelt agrees with Surveyor Clarkson that it is against the principles of the Republican Party and the government to appoint an improper man simply because he is African American as well as excluding a man because he is African American. Roosevelt would prefer to appoint Rheulach as District Attorney in Alabama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-29
President Roosevelt requests information on the political situation in Alabama. He does not know where to get reliable information due to the fighting among and between the Democrats and Republicans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-12
President Roosevelt asks Justice White his opinion of Judge Shelby. Roosevelt is considering consulting Shelby about the appointment of Alabama judges.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-14
President Roosevelt was impressed by Robert Chisolm’s letter and requests Senator Lodge’s opinion. Chisolm could be a useful consultant on Alabama matters.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-31
Vice President Roosevelt can meet with Claris Yeuell when he is in Alabama but he will not give an interview. Roosevelt is comfortable with any attacks he receives from the planned visit to Booker T. Washington at the Tuskegee Institute.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-07
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Roosevelt informs Representative Morris that the Armor Board cannot visit even a small portion of the requested places. The Board is trying to get an idea of places in the West, East, and South and has already visited Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Alabama. The Board may go to two or three more locations. Roosevelt has asked the Board to sift through the applications, but that is all he can do in the matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1897-09-23
Bainbridge Colby has received Frank Harper’s letter of July 12. He called Senator Borah and sent him digests of the contests in Washington, California, Arizona, Texas, 13th Indiana, 1st Arkansas, and 9th Alabama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-07-16
Governor O’Neal thanks Booker T. Washington for the chickens that were raised by students at the Tuskegee Institute. The question of the food supply is important in Alabama and O’Neal congratulates Washington and Tuskegee on their influence and progress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-05-01
Oscar Richard Hundley relates the irregularities of the Alabama Republican Convention which was organized by state employees and supported President Taft. Roosevelt delegates were not seated and the legal requirement for a primary was ignored.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-03-11
Ralph D. Harbison writes to Theodore Roosevelt confident that if Roosevelt receives the Republican nomination, that he will easily carry Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Arkansas. Harbison travels to those states regularly and talked to many people there who said they would vote for Roosevelt if he earns the nomination. President Taft is clueless as to the sentiment of the people and his friends are not brave enough to tell him. Harbison will write to Roosevelt on March 5, 1913, reminding him of when he predicted his victory.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-02-13