Your TR Source
M. Katherine Bennett found Theodore Roosevelt’s editorial on Alaska interesting. She encloses a pamphlet on the “statue of the Alaskan native” and hopes Roosevelt will use his influential voice to remedy the situation of “those unfortunate people.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-12
Gilson Gardner sends Theodore Roosevelt a letter William B. Colver wrote to Gifford Pinchot about the program for Alaska regarding government regulation of railroad freight rates as ineffective checks on coal monopolies.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-12
H. B. Decius finds Theodore Roosevelt’s “noble life” and editorials inspiring. He comments on the work of Roosevelt, Lyman Abbott, and George W. Goethals in building the island possessions of the United States. Decius discusses how the average citizen depends on the wisdom of The Outlook to understand and act on issues of national and international importance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-13
Conrad Siem asks Theodore Roosevelt to bring public attention to the “barbarous spoilation” of Alaska’s salmon fishing resources by the Alaska Packers Association.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-14
William B. Colver reviews his proposed program for Alaskan coal mines. In order to protect labor and prevent unfair competition, Colver wants government ownership of the coal mines, the rail transport to the coal mines, and of a fleet of Pacific colliers. He fears that private ownership in distant Alaska will allow private interests to corrupt and control the local administration leading to mismanagement and scandal detrimental to the public and the United States.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-08
Millard F. Bowen has read Theodore Roosevelt’s recent article on the need to develop Alaska, but urges him to turn his gaze closer to home, as there are still a large number of cities that are in need of clean water and other sanitary improvements.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-27
William Davenport Hulbert is in Alaska reporting on various matters for The Outlook and asks for Theodore Roosevelt’s insights. First, he would like information on Representative James Wickersham, who was a District Judge during Roosevelt’s presidency. He has heard that Wickersham was lax in enforcing drinking and gambling laws and knows that Roosevelt had someone investigate his conduct. He also would like any information Roosevelt has relating to the suicide of David Henry Jarvis. It seems likely that “big special interests” and corruption in Alaska may have influenced Jarvis.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-23
Maurice H. Cole shares his views with Theodore Roosevelt regarding a number of topics, including public lands given to trusts and special interests; progressive reform measures like the initiative, referendum and recall; the influence of Catholics and socialists on the United States; and relations between labor and capital, and how the government can help arbitrate conflicts.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-26
Former governor of Alaska Wilford B. Hoggatt has read Theodore Roosevelt’s recent article in The Outlook, and would like to arrange a meeting with him sometime to discuss Alaska and how to shape legislation surrounding coal mining and the leasing of lands there.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-26
Gifford Pinchot appreciates Theodore Roosevelt’s congratulatory note regarding the Alaska outcome. He encloses an envelope that he believes was tampered with by the post office and suspects that this has been occurring for some time. Pinchot requests advice on how to handle the situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-05
A. T. Mahan acknowledges the receipt of Theodore Roosevelt’s recent letter, and states he found it engrossing. Mahan recently read John Hay’s letters on the question of the Alaskan boundary, and discusses the nature of government as well as the question of Asian immigrants.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-19
Oh behalf of Donald A. McKenzie, John W. Roberts requests Theodore Roosevelt speak publicly in support of Alaskans while in Seattle, Washington.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-05
Former Assistant United States Attorney William A. Barnhill writes to Theodore Roosevelt hoping to schedule a meeting with his father, Theodore Roosevelt, to discuss the Alaska Coal Land Fraud situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-26
Abe Spring begins his letter by drawing Theodore Roosevelt’s attention to several inaccuracies in Jack London’s latest novel about Alaska. His true purpose in writing, however, was to discuss the political situation in Alaska with Roosevelt. Spring feels that Alaska does not have clear leadership, and that without such leadership it will not develop into a useful state. While he recognizes that Roosevelt is a private citizen now, he nevertheless appeals to Roosevelt’s patriotism for assistance.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-04
William J. Hunter credits Theodore Roosevelt for the schools in Alaska and thanks him. He made enemies by exposing political corruption but feels he “did right.” Hunter offers to guide Roosevelt on an Alaskan hunt and provides a list of references.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-29
Herman D. Reeve sends Theodore Roosevelt his article based on his experiences in Alaska. He hopes it is suitable for publication in The Outlook.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-21
Senator Lodge reports on the election results from Massachusetts, where William H. Taft increased the Republican plurality, and where Eben S. Draper lost Boston by 12,000. Lodge encloses a letter for President Roosevelt regarding the nomination in Alaska. He has recommended George Sutherland, but the letter writer recommends Peter D. Overfield. He also encloses a letter from Alfred W. Brown, the Appraiser of Boston. Lodge feels that the Civil Service Commission’s ruling against two men is harsh — they were at the top of the list before a new grade was established following their examination.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-06
Attorney General Bonaparte tells President Roosevelt that their plan about John Carter Rose seems to be impractical. Rose was flattered by the offer, but thought he could not accept because of the lesser salary, even after further discussions. Bonaparte thinks he needs some time to reflect before he can suggest another person. He also comments about several vacancies and possible appointments, and advises Roosevelt about these matters.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-29
Charles Robert Eustace Radclyffe has heard rumors that President Roosevelt may be visiting England soon, and hopes that if this is true, Roosevelt will come visit him. He has also heard that after his presidency, Roosevelt will travel to East Africa or Alaska. Radclyffe would like to join Roosevelt in Alaska, and if he cannot, he would like to offer his private notes and maps of the regions he explored.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-06
Attorney General Bonaparte updates President Roosevelt on a variety of cases the Administration has in courts. First, Civil Service Commissioner Alford Warriner Cooley is reluctant to travel to Colorado or Oregon because two cases relating to civil service law will be tried in the Supreme Court soon. Second, Bonaparte has sent a report about a scandal involving New Mexico judge Daniel Hugh McMillan to New Mexico, as the report damages only McMillan. Bonaparte has also arranged for Thomas Carl Spelling and L. Allison Wilmer to prepare and conduct cases against coal-carrying roads under the Hepburn Act. Finally, Bonaparte encloses a communication relating to matters regarding the Alaska Syndicate and the Morgan-Guggenheim interests in Alaska. A dispute between Senator Simon Guggenheim and Governor Wilford B. Hoggatt over land rights of railroads has led to bloodshed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-08