Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt recommends John Jacob Astor’s book to his sister Anna and informs her of the latest on his battle with journalist Edwin Lawrence Godkin. Roosevelt fights to get his civil service reform work done. Postmaster General John Wanamaker calls President Cleveland’s second administration “lamentable.” Son Kermit had trouble with his knee.
1894-06-24
Civil Service Commissioner Roosevelt answers journalist Edward Porritt’s letter by sending him copies of reports dealing with the Civil Service Act and Rules, addressing the abuses and consequences of the spoils system. Roosevelt responds to a paper written by Porritt by saying there is no basis for a charge of favoritism in the working of the Civil Service Law at Washington. He adds that the belief appointments and removals are based on favor and influence was perpetuated by the spoils system that prevailed for sixty years.
1895-01-11
Civil Service Commissioner Roosevelt is glad to help journalist Edward Porritt obtain the “correct impression of the merit system in this country.” He draws parallels between the experience Great Britain went through in the reform of their civil service and the reforms in America. He explains what type of person should be hired and the results of using an examination.
1895-01-26
Theodore Roosevelt thanks William Warland Clapp for supporting his work as Civil Service Commissioner. Roosevelt says that he may be a small part of Benjamin Harrison’s administration but his policy must accepted as part of the administration’s policy. He says some “mugwumps” are trying to separate his work from the administration.
1889-07-02
Civil Service Commissioner Roosevelt congratulates editor of the Boston Journal William Warland Clapp upon his retirement. He says he has appreciated all the support his paper has shown the Republican party and civil service reform.
1891-07-05
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna Roosevelt updating her on the status of things in Washington. He dines out with colleagues nearly every evening and is working hard on his third volume of Winning of the West. He is having a disagreement with certain members of the cabinet over the Civil Service Law. He hopes there is no truth to rumors of abandoning Samoa and thinks Hawaii should be annexed.
1894-05-20
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna Roosevelt about recent happenings in Washington. He is spending a great deal of his time meeting with various politicians at social engagements. Roosevelt speaks highly of Senator Davis and comments on Native Americans in New Mexico and Arizona. He continues to engage in a battle over Civil Service reform.
1894-05-27
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna Roosevelt about current happenings with the family. Alice is away at school, and brother Elliott sent Roosevelt a Christmas gift. He and Edith continue to socialize quite a bit. He feels the Civil Service Commission is accomplishing something but his book is not really coming along. Roosevelt goes for scrambles in Rock Creek Park.
1893-12-31
Theodore Roosevelt writes to his sister Anna Roosevelt about his Civil Service Commission work. He is trying to make President Cleveland make extensions of classified service. He has been spending time with Senator Lodge riding and hiking. Edith is improving and daughter Alice’s ankles are bothering her.
1894-01-06
President Roosevelt’s determination to hire civil service workers based on merits rather than political motivation has alienated the party machine and lost him support in the South. In particular, Roosevelt’s focus on civil service reform has led to the removal of many unqualified party machine appointees, including many African American workers. These same actions, however, have won Roosevelt support elsewhere, and no one is likely to oppose him successfully for the Republican nomination for the presidency in 1904.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-18
Henry Van Kleeck reports that federal rules prohibiting office holders from engaging in political activity are not being enforced in Colorado.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-10
James A. Clarkson replies to President Roosevelt’s inquiry about the raising of funds for political purposes by Inspectors of the New York Custom House. Clarkson has investigated the matter and now encloses the report of the Civil Service Commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-04
James Sullivan Clarkson defends himself and the Inspectors of the New York Custom House against allegations of wrongdoing from the Civil Service Commission. He believes that the facts in the recent report are correct, but not the inferences.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-04
The Civil Service Commissioners enclose a report on the raising of funds among New York custom house inspectors for political campaigns and for promoting passage of a bill raising inspector’s wages.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-28
William D. Foulke submits a report on the raising of campaign funds among New York custom house inspectors and efforts to promote the passage of a bill raising inspectors’ wages.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-01-28
Albert Shaw covers several political topics, primarily statehood for Arizona and New Mexico. Shaw currently opposes their statehood and thinks that the Democrats merely want the electoral votes. As a result, he urges President Roosevelt to veto any statehood bill. He argues that the territorial governments do a good job of protecting these areas, and that statehood would subject the people to the influence of other interests. Shaw also told Vice Governor of the Philippines Luke E. Wright to return to Memphis for his furlough, rather than spending a lengthy time in Philadelphia for a Civil Service meeting.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-12-05
A political battle is unfolding in Yonkers, New York, between various Republican Party factions over the position of postmaster. Frederick William Holls is against the current postmaster, Henry Osterheld, and supports Gustav Schlueter. Holls writes President Roosevelt to point out that the opinion held by Alford Warriner Cooley of Osterheld are erroneous. Holls argues that Osterheld is a party hack who has not handled his job as postmaster effectively over the past four years.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-16
Henry Loomis Nelson encloses some papers from Edward F. McSweeney, Commissioner of Immigration, port of New York, which McSweeney sent in response to the announcement that Terence V. Powderly was being removed as U.S. Commissioner General of Immigration due to corruption. The papers are McSweeney’s effort to defend his integrity against growing allegations against his conduct in immigration services. Nelson adds that he wishes to help President Roosevelt in a case involving Captain William Crozier.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-09
John Watson Yerkes responds to George W. Jolly’s claims regarding civil service reform in Kentucky. He disagrees with Jolly on a number of points.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-08
George W. Jolly complains of the lack of civil service reform in Kentucky and suggests a “vigorous civil service campaign” for the state. He believes that the enforcement of civil service laws will be good for the public and the Republican party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-02