Your TR Source
President Roosevelt details how Attorney General Bonaparte is to respond to United States District Attorney N. M. Ruick, using quotations from various correspondences.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-24
President Roosevelt relays to Senator Lodge that the objection to Judge William B. Sheppard is his successful handling of peonage cases. Roosevelt believes the charges against Sheppard by Horatio Bisbee are not serious, and occurred several years ago.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-19
President Roosevelt instructs Attorney General Bonaparte to stop investigating the matter involving William B. Sheppard, and to fill out his appointment as the judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Roosevelt has directed Special Assistant Attorney General Ormsby McHarg to continue the prosecution in New Mexico. While Roosevelt feels that McHarg lacks the experience to handle the case, he understands that halting the prosecution would likely result in the statute of limitations coming into play. He hopes to send Assistant Attorney General Alford Warriner Cooley to new Mexico to help take up the matter. Bonaparte should continue insisting on an immediate separate trial for Senator William Edgar Borah. The press continually attacks Roosevelt and Bonaparte.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-15
Former U.S. Marshal Walter P. Corbett suggests to Senator Lodge that Florida lawyer Ezra P. Axtell be considered for U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Florida. He lists Axtell’s previous positions and argues that candidate William B. Sheppard is unqualified for the position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-13
Senator Lodge forwards President Roosevelt a statement from Walter P. Corbett, who recommends that Ezra P. Axtell be considered as a candidate to succeed Judge Charles Swayne. Lodge is impressed with Corbett but also discussed other candidates with Senator James Piper Taliaferro.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-16
Attorney General Bonaparte submits a detailed analysis of the case against Idaho Senator William Edgar Borah to President Roosevelt. Bonaparte believes, ultimately, that a postponement in the case against Borah will be necessary. Bonaparte has received reports of charges against Florida judge William B. Sheppard. In North Carolina, Bonaparte believes the situation between the legislature, the railroad, and the Federal government has been resolved, but in future would prefer to let local authorities do their own negotiating.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-01