Your TR Source
J. H. Woodard congratulates President Roosevelt on the treaty with Panama and expects the canal to benefit the United States and the world.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-22
In a recent speech, General Sickles stated that if a canal is built across the Isthmus of Panama the United States must have sovereignty over the canal and adjacent territory.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-14
The unknown author scolds journalists for spreading rumor and suspicion about President Roosevelt and Secretary of State Hay’s involvement in the Panamanian revolution. The United States is obliged to protect communication and transit across the isthmus and must deal with whichever government holds the land, including the Panamanians. The author expects a treaty with the new republic and an American built, owned, policed, and controlled canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-14
Alvey A. Adee forwards a letter sent to Secretary of State John Hay from José Gabriel Duque Amaro which describes the Panama canal situation. Adee believes that Duque’s political forecast is plausible. Adee also sends several telegrams from Minister Arthur M. Beaupre regarding the political situation in Colombia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-30
Benjamin F. Montgomery forwards a telegram from Governor Taft to President Roosevelt. Taft has advised Beekman Winthrop to decline the judgeship and wait for another vacancy. Winthrop is outranked by several individuals and his rapid promotion could be embarrassing. Secretary of State Hay should be informed that the Colombian Congress has not discussed the canal question and the situation is unchanged. Deciphered telegram and original cipher.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-19
The Committee on Interoceanic Canals recommends that Senate Bill 5676 should not be passed. The bill would “provide for construction of a canal connecting the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-05-26
E. Spencer Pratt relays the latest news from Paris regarding the Panama Canal. He believes that the Panama route will be the easiest and most commercially viable route for an inter-oceanic canal and suggests that the concessions for the canal be purchased from the Compagnie Nouvelle du Canal de Panama. Pratt offers his services to the government for future negotiations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-02
Hermann Speck von Sternburg would like to serve in Washington, D.C., more than anywhere else, but his return depends on President Roosevelt. Sternburg reviews Russia’s actions in Asia, including its preoccupation with Afghanistan and a blockade of Persian railways.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-08
The Isthmian canal treaty is fine and the British government only requests the removal of their own amendment. Ambassador Swenson informed Secretary of State Hay that Denmark will not negotiate unless the prices are raised. Hay asks President Roosevelt to consider the matter and provide him with an answer tomorrow.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-24
Newspaper article praising President Roosevelt’s popularity and recent success in international affairs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-19
Mr. Brown’s employer instructs him to investigate the meetings Frederick William Holls had with leading British politicians. Holls serves as a mouthpiece for the Roosevelt administration and he has been saying that the United States will not tolerate any interference in the effort to build a Nicaraguan Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-18
John J. McCook believes that the United States is in a position to “dominate the American continent.” The country’s growing power will help “compel peace” and may even lead to expanded borders under the Roosevelt administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-16
Judge Whitfield commends President Roosevelt for his actions since succeeding to the presidency, particularly his treatment of the south and his appointment of former Governor Thomas Goode Jones as District Judge in Alabama. Whitfield suggests that Roosevelt build the Nicaragua canal, select the best men for judicial openings, avoid appointing African Americans in the south, and appoint Democrats to southern positions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-08
Secretary of State Hay directs President Roosevelt to an admirable article about the President written by Spectator editor John St. Loe Strachey. Hay is pleased with the progress towards a Central American canal, and the British appear supportive. Congressman Hepburn will attempt to rush a canal bill through the House. Hay hopes to extend his New Hampshire vacation a week or two more but is available at any time.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-02
Hermann Speck von Sternburg encloses clippings from the leading Indian papers that have commented on President Roosevelt’s policies. The potential canal and the benefits of American industrial products are popular topics in India.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-24
Edward Van Dyke Robinson, economist, argues against the neutralization or fortification of the proposed Nicaraguan canal. Robinson proposes that the only way to secure the canal is to establish control of the canal region, exercise control for the benefit of all nations, and maintain nearby military and naval bases. Robinson concludes by reviewing potential locations for bases to defend the canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-20
Edward Van Dyke Robinson encloses his article, “The West Indian and Pacific Island in Relation to the Isthmian Canal,” which he had previously discussed with President Roosevelt. Robinson also encloses another article he wrote primarily about the potential neutralization of the canal. He believes that a change in the State Department needs to be made before the canal question can be solved.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-20
Samuel E. Moffett examines the relationship between the United States and Great Britain. He concludes that the current, ongoing relationship depends upon the present policies of each nation and not on ancient history or sentimentalism. American policy is to be the dominant power in the Western hemisphere, and if this principle can be accepted by the British there should not be any problems with maintaining a harmonious relationship.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-14