Your TR Source
President Roosevelt has several suggestions for Chairman Shonts. While he only saw one or two unhygienic houses, “they were one or two too many,” and he wishes to avoid scandal. He proposes they should obtain some Chinese laborers. The black West Indian workers need a change in their conditions, particularly in their food and personal cleanliness.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-11-27
President Roosevelt informs Senator Platt that he requested that the “gentleman in whom you are interested” be promoted to Consul at Barbados. Roosevelt shares that the current Treasurer of the United States, Ellis H. Roberts, will be replaced soon, and that per their recent conversation, Roosevelt can promote Charles H. Treat to Treasurer, and put Charles William Anderson in Treat’s place as Internal Revenue Collector in New York, with the goal of giving “conspicuous recognition” to an African American man there.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-28
Robert DeCourcy Ward explains to President Roosevelt that his aim in confidentially describing the drunken conduct of Minister to Uruguay and Paraguay General Edward Charles O’Brien while aboard the steamer was to make Roosevelt aware of the situation. Ward was not actually present when certain situations occurred, but more information may be forthcoming from other channels. He felt it necessary to give Roosevelt this account, and he believes that the country’s ministers should be held to the highest standards, but he does not wish to have his communications presented to the State Department as evidence.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-19
Robert DeCourcy Ward alerts President Roosevelt to Ambassador Edward Charles O’Brien’s behavior on a recent voyage from Rio de Janeiro to New York. Ward writes that O’Brien was often under the influence of alcohol, and his behavior in response to the local quarantine protocols and towards a female passenger were extremely insulting. O’Brien asked passengers to sign a document attesting to his good character, but if it were true, Ward does not feel he would need a written document stating the fact. He does not think O’Brien is fit for his position, and felt Roosevelt would want to know the truth of the situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-09-13
Theodore Roosevelt promises to investigate where William S. Cowles might go turkey shooting on his vacation, even though it will be late in the season. Roosevelt and Edith Roosevelt will leave for their sailing trip shortly; he is glad for a vacation from politics as he is disgusted with both Democrats and Republicans for not differentiating themselves from each other through their policies. Two of his books will be released next month.
1916-01-27
Herbert H. D. Peirce submits suggestions for several consular changes, particularly at Barbados and Guatemala.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-03-07
Assistant Secretary of State Peirce telephoned regarding President Roosevelt’s conversation with Senator Charles W. Fairbanks and inquired whether a decision has been made on Peirce’s suggestion that Consul Alfred A. Winslow be appointed to Barbados.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-03-12