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Senator Lodge returns the papers pertaining to the matter of the colliers. In his opinion, it is fine if the Department sends coal in foreign vessels just as long as there are not any more American vessels that can carry it. Lodge also mentions that some New York newspapers say he supports a third term. In fact, Lodge would like to “smash them thoroughly.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-11
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with W. B. Hoggatt about “a leasing system for use in the coal lands.” Roosevelt believes in a liberal system to allow “ample profit” for the miner. Roosevelt invites Hoggatt to lunch and to meet The Outlook people.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-28
President Roosevelt agrees with Theodore P. Shonts, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, that it would be a good time to take action now if he could, but says that he currently holds no power over the matter other than public opinion, which at this point is not interested in the issue. The commission that the coal operators have requested he establish is not something he can do on his own, but would require an act of Congress to create. Even if he could, the coal miners have not asked for it, which would give Roosevelt pause. Altogether, he does not feel that he can act at this time, but will continue to watch how the situation develops.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-03-31
President Roosevelt is glad to hear from James G. Furie and believes him to be a good American.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-16
In light of his recent article on miners, Harriet Clay Penman again asks Theodore Roosevelt to speak in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She discusses mining’s impact on the area.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-01-15
John Priest enjoyed Theodore Roosevelt’s article on coal miners and wrote a similar article during his time as a minister in the coal regions. He offers to send it to Roosevelt, who could perhaps get it published.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-29
Judson C. Clements, acting chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission, reports to President Roosevelt the principal facts established in its investigation of the Union Pacific Railroad. Upon interviewing competitors of the Union Pacific Coal Company, “every dollar of whose stock is owned by the Union Pacific Railroad Company,” the Commission finds that a monopoly on coal production and transport has been established in the area. Further, the Commission recommends remedial legislation as a result of its investigation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-13
James Bronson Reynolds informs William Loeb that the invitation to Daniel Keefe has been sent, but Keefe will be in Chicago Friday and Saturday. Reynolds notes that the result in Maine gives both Samuel Gompers and the Republicans “the chance to shout,” but that there is not the least feeling that the labor leaders have made a mistake. Reynolds wants to speak with Loeb regarding the “labor situation” and the “present tangle.” Reynolds believes it would be worthwhile for the Republican leaders of the American Federation of Labor to be on more intimate terms with President Roosevelt. Reynolds invites Loeb to lunch at the Century Association.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-13
Secretary of War Taft discusses the “misuse and abuse” that has led to the concentration of capital “in the hands of the comparatively few,” and the demand of the public for legislation to restrain, regulate, and supervise “the exercise of the mighty means of good and evil which organized capital has proven to be.” Taft stresses, however, it is important to keep in mind that wealth used as capital for the production of goods and services is essential to the life and comfort of the people, and without it, the country would not have prospered. Taft provides a history of government involvement in regulating “organized capital” through legislation and discusses present efforts to expand the rights of laborers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-29
J. J. Huckett urges President Roosevelt, on behalf of the Industrial Council of Kansas City, Missouri, to take action against the harsh policies of Colorado Governor James Hamilton Peabody and General Sherman Bell in the labor dispute in Colorado.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-12
President Roosevelt describes his negotiations with the representatives of the owners of the coal mines and with John Mitchell of the United Mine Workers during the 1902 coal strike. Roosevelt informs Winthrop Murray Crane that the stubborn position of the owners was threatening to unleash violence, and he describes how the make up of the commission designed to negotiate a settlement was finally agreed upon by both parties.
Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal
1902-10-22
The article outlines the previously unknown ways that ex-President Grover Cleveland aided President Roosevelt in mediating the Anthracite Coal Strike. In response to accusations that Roosevelt exceeded his powers as president, the writer of the article discloses that Cleveland wrote to Roosevelt in support of his actions and offered to chair the commission that would mediate an end to the strike. Cleveland ultimately was not chosen because the coal mine operators objected.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-15
James G. Blaine stands before starving miners outside the entrance to the “Hocking Valley Mines.” He is holding a paper that states “Blaine’s $25,000 share in ‘Hocking Valley’ Ohio,” and on the ground behind him is a paper that states “I have never ‘owned a share of stock in any coal, iron or land company in the state of Ohio’ J. G. Blaine.” In the background, on the left, is a large house with banner that states “J. G. Blaine’s Washington House cost $150,000,” and at center a band of “Italian Cheap Labor” miners are coming up the road. Caption: Hungry Miner – “You call yourself our friend! Your ask for our votes! Why, you are the ally of the monopolists who starved us out in Hocking Valley, and imported cheap Italian laborers to take our places!”
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
1884-10-15
John J. McCook recommends Charles J. Devlin for appointment to the Anthracite Coal Strike Commission. McCook explains that Devlin began his career as a “practical miner” and gradually achieved higher levels of power and authority. Devlin now operates mines in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and New Mexico. McCook assures Roosevelt that Devlin is a fair man with a great deal of knowledge about the situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-16
Reverend Lansing claims that the coal presidents are telling the truth about the acts of violence committed by the striking miners.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-04