Bristow, Joseph L. (Joseph Little), 1861-1944

A staff correspondent for the Chicago Tribune reports on President William Howard Taft’s recent visit to Kansas. Governor Walter R. Stubbs honored the president and accompanied him everywhere. Taft made friends with his smile and good humor, but there does not appear to be much change in political opinion after Taft’s visit. Many Progressives do not agree with his recent actions and policies as President such as the Payne-Aldrich tariff law, vetoing the wool, cotton, and farmer free list bill, and his Canadian reciprocity treaty. There is much opposition to Taft in Kansas, but it is not clear who else might have the vote in Kansas, perhaps Robert M. La Follette, Woodrow Wilson, or Albert Baird Cummins.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-29

The Chicago Daily Tribune continues their series on President Taft’s re-election campaign in the midwest. Following Taft’s campaign stop in Hutchinson, Kansas, the Tribune’s correspondent spoke with the public on their opinion of Taft. Generally, the insurgent Republican force is strong in Kansas. Kansans support the progressive wing of the Republican Party, favoring conservation policies and increased regulation of trusts and railroads. Kansas farmers oppose the Payne-Aldrich tariff act bill and reciprocity with Canada. Compared with other parts of the midwest, Kansan were more seriously considering Robert M. La Follette for the Republican nomination. Senator Joseph L. Bristow is a leader of the progressives in this region. As the progressive moment gains strength in Kansas, there is an increasing possibility of the Democrats carrying the state in the next election. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-28

A staff correspondent writes of the political situations in Kansas and Iowa developing around the potential presidential nominees and senators from each state. Many possibilities and political stances are suggested including the idea that Senator Albert Baird Cummins would be a compromise for Republicans who are split between William H. Taft and Robert M. La Follette, though Cummins is a solid supporter of La Follette and will not run against him. Many believe a third party might arise amongst the division.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-10-02

Following a number of legislative items, including voting on an amendment to a bill and a motion to investigate participation in international expositions, Senator Robert M. La Follette delivers a speech beginning with proposed tariff reciprocity with Canada, but quickly turning to his view that President William H. Taft has abandoned his campaign promises to continue the progressive policies of his predecessor Theodore Roosevelt. La Follette excoriates Taft on his stances on taxes and conservation, among other issues.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-15

The results of the presidential poll conducted by the Valley Farmer in February 1911.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04

The results of the presidential poll conducted by the Topeka Capital.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04-25

Postmaster General Payne updates President Roosevelt on the state of the post office investigation. Charles J. Bonaparte and Holmes Conrad have been away for the summer, and have not been consulted yet, although the investigation has proceeded in the meantime. Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Joseph L. Bristow has a large number of cases pending in the District Attorney’s office, waiting to go before a grand jury. Indictments are expected, and Payne does not believe that it would be wise for the government to publicly release information on the investigation before the grand jury has finished.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-09-08

Theodore Roosevelt informs General Wotherspoon that he has written to Senator Joseph L. Bristow.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1912-11-25

President Roosevelt and Assistant Postmaster General Joseph L. Bristow pull back a curtain to reveal black paint that reads, “Bristow’s report regarding the Post Office Department scandal: corruption, fraud, bribery, and theft.” Roosevelt holds a paper in his hand: “The guilty shall be punished to the limit of the law.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12

This collection of cartoons addresses presidential candidates for the 1904 election season, Cuban reciprocity, industrial trusts, and the Post Office scandal. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-06

President Roosevelt and Ohio Senator Marcus Alonzo Hanna have their arms on each other’s shoulders as they look toward the White House. Meanwhile, Perry S. Heath and Assistant Postmaster General Joseph L. Bristow and Major General Leonard Wood and Estes G. Rathbone fight in the background.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-02

President Roosevelt and Assistant Postmaster General Joseph L. Bristow go to throw a bag of “post office rascals” into the water. Perry S. Heath holds a lifesaver that reads “statute of limitations” and a “P.O. scandals” bag as he sits on a post in the water.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-02

Assistant Postmaster General Joseph L. Bristow and President Roosevelt shine “publicity” light on four men holding money, bribes, and grafts. The light is fed by the “Bristow Report.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-11-30

President Roosevelt holds the “daily paper” behind his back as he watches Assistant Postmaster Joseph L. Bristow clean the “scandal” water off the floor of the “P. O. Department.” Caption: Roosevelt—”Will you soon be through with the room? Bristow—”Have just this corner yet, sire. My, but it is the dirtiest job I ever tackled, sir.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-09-05

Uncle Sam looks on as Assistant Postmaster General Joseph L. Bristow holds a searchlight and a net while chasing after fleeing figures.

Comments and Context

When the Post Office scandal of 1903 erupted, it was in fact the latest in a long line of scandals, corruption, and dirty politics that were endemic to the national government’s mail services stretching back to the heyday of the Gilded Age in the 1870s. The “Star Route” frauds were celebrated, and Rural Free Delivery was oft-postponed in part because bribes and favoritism disrupted implementation.

President Theodore Roosevelt never was implicated in the scandals that erupted in 1903, but he addressed them strenuously. He cleaned house in the Post Office Department, demanding resignations, having some officials fired, and seeking prosecutions. He brought in investigators and managers from outside the department, men like James Garfield and Charles Bonaparte, each of whom rose in the president’s estimation, each ultimately becoming cabinet secretaries.

Charles Hedges submits a fourth petition to President Roosevelt asserting that Roosevelt’s November 30, 1903 memorandum falsely stated that he was indicted for fraud or theft. Hedges pleads with Roosevelt to take action to clear his name. If Roosevelt does not, Hedges threatens to sue him for libel.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-11-30

William H. Taft shares commentary on William Allen White’s letter with President Roosevelt. In his upcoming speech, Taft does not address the “negro question” but plans to do so later. Taft enjoyed the speeches of Secretary of State Elihu Root and Representative J. S. Sherman. In a postscript, Taft believes in the necessity of renominating Governor Charles Evans Hughes. He shares misgivings about his election prospects and wants to give speeches in several states.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-08-20

President Roosevelt is concerned that Democratic newspapers are crediting Assistant Postmaster General Robert John Wynne with bringing the Post Office scandal to light, instead of Postmaster General Henry C. Payne or Fourth Assistant Joseph L. Bristow. The newspapers try to blame Payne and Roosevelt, “concealing the fact” that they came into power long after the events took place.

Collection

Massachusetts Historical Society

Creation Date

1903-06-15

Postmaster General Payne encloses a memorandum on the record of John W. Pettit, a clerk in the Baltimore office. It appears that Pettit was employed during the 1900 campaign at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee while simultaneously being paid for his postal work but performed no duties. Assistant Postmaster General Joseph L. Bristow is continuing the investigation and Senator Nathan Bay Scott has been contacted about Pettit’s employment with the committee.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-08-05

Supporters of a “Square Tariff Deal,” carried in an ark by “Folk, Clark, Gore, Harmon, [and] Beveridge,” march on Jericho, blowing ram-horns labeled “The Voice of the People” causing the walls of Jericho labeled “Graft Tariff” and “Standpat Republicanism” to crumble. Among those marching are “Bacon, Borah, Bristow, Clapp, Dolliver, La Follette, [and] Wilson” and on horseback “Cummins.”

Collection

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Creation Date

1910-10-05