Your TR Source
President Roosevelt permits Thomas J. Dolan to quote him concerning his appreciation for Gertrude Beeks from the National Civic Foundation and her work regarding the Isthmian Canal. Although Roosevelt could not always follow her suggestions, he appreciated the spirit in which she worked and the good that came from her visit.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-24
President Roosevelt does not need further recommendations from Ralph M. Easley until George W. Goethals comments on Gertrude Beeks’s book. Secretary of State Elihu Root will likely not be able to speak at Easley’s conference, but Roosevelt would be delighted if Secretary of the Treasury George B. Cortelyou could. Roosevelt agrees with Root about the proposed Reynolds Commission’s excellence.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-24
President Roosevelt requests Colonel Goethals, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, review sociologist Gertrude Beeks’s report and work to resolve the worker safety issues mentioned. Roosevelt counsels that good management only remains so “by constant and alert activity.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-15
President Roosevelt tells Ralph M. Easley of the National Civic Federation that he is impressed with sociologist Gertrude Beeks’ Panama report. Before publishing it, however, Roosevelt strongly recommends removing any unsubstantiated claims of bribery. He asks Easley how he can best provide assistance and suggests sending the report to Colonel George W. Goethals, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, to review.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-10
Isthmian Canal Commission Secretary Bishop updates President Roosevelt on his family. Chairman and Chief Engineer of the Isthmian Canal Commission Colonel George W. Goethals requested Bishop’s presence on the Isthmus to have a channel of communication to Roosevelt, and Roosevelt’s recent letter pleased him. Bishop says the only major issue is the arrogant behavior of Jackson Smith, the Head of the Department of Labor, Quarters, and Subsistence on the Panama Canal Commission. Additionally, the engineer Joseph Ripley created incorrect blueprints and has been proven to be no expert on locks, but Major William L. Sibert is excellent. Bishop thinks the Republican Club of New York’s motives for disparaging Roosevelt’s canal policy are political. In response to Roosevelt’s suggestion to include local events in the new paper, Bishop explains that it may be hard to keep current, but he will try his best.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-03
President Roosevelt finds Gertrude Beek’s report on working conditions in the Panama Canal generally favorable but disagrees with some of her findings. Roosevelt is very pleased with the new designs for the Eagle and Double Eagle coins by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-06
Secretary of War Taft tells President Roosevelt about a report made by Gertrude Beeks recommending changes to labor conditions on the Panamanian isthmus. The commission has acted on some, but others it does not consider necessary, and Taft would like to get the opinions of some people familiar with practical conditions of laborers on the isthmus. He proposes appointing a Commission to visit the isthmus and evaluate conditions, and suggests several people who could be a part of it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-07