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Nathan Bay Scott encloses a telegram from Walter Cohen regarding a postmaster appointment. Scott “does not care to get mixed up in these matters.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-03
Francis Bennett Williams details the political situation in the last election, including voter participation and corruption by Democrats. He suggests possible replacements for Walter L. Cohen and gives a very bad report of H. Dudley Coleman. Finally, Williams states that the opinion of President Roosevelt in the American South is changing, largely due to the effectiveness of his policies and appointments there.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-24
President Roosevelt thinks that the circular Booker T. Washington enclosed is “designed to do mischief to the Republican party.” Roosevelt points out a number of things that are false, including the account of the “Lily White convention.” Roosevelt also states that it is “preposterous” to support the same Republicans in Louisiana who have “failed to accomplish one thing for the negro in the State.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-08
President Roosevelt tells Booker T. Washington that he does not think it would be wise to reappoint Walter L. Cohen and James Lewis until after the Republican National Convention meets. He has heard accusations from Francis Bennett Williams that Cohen and Lewis helped the Democrats in the last election.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-09
President Roosevelt cannot take action until Senator Hanna finds out if his New Orleans friend is Walter L. Cohen, the register of the land office, or Mayer Cahen, the coiner of the mint. Roosevelt would like the name as soon as possible.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-15
President Roosevelt encloses papers regarding the conduct of Walter L. Cohen, register of the land office at New Orleans. Roosevelt understands that Cohen is being investigated and would like a full report.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-24
Pearl Wight updates President Roosevelt on the Republican National Convention, specifically regarding the seating of the Louisiana delegation. There is a concern among committee members that if Wight’s delegation is seated, it could affect the vote in the border states as it will appear to be a “lily-white” delegation, and could push the nomination away from Secretary of War William H. Taft. It has been proposed that both Louisiana delegations be seated with a half-vote. Wight tells Roosevelt that the feeling among the delegation is to reject the half-vote and return to Louisiana, but they will stay and help nominate Taft if the vote appears to be close. He asks Roosevelt to send him a telegram in reply to let him know if this is acceptable.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-09
Francis Bennett Williams writes to Theodore Roosevelt to ask that he arrange a leave of absence for Alexander B. Kennedy, receiver of public money in New Orleans, Louisiana, in order to attend the Republican National Convention. Williams encloses a letter from William A. Richards, commissioner of the general land office, in which he denied Kennedy the requested time off.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-28
William A. Richards writes that the leave of absence requested by Alexander B. Kennedy, the receiver of public money in New Orleans, has been revoked because Walter L. Cohen, registrar of the U.S. Land Office, has requested the same period of time off.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-18
Assistant Commissioner of the General Land Office Fimple informs Commissioner Richards that both the Register, Walter L. Cohen, and the Receiver, Alexander B. Kennedy, from the federal land office of Louisiana have requested leave to be delegates for the Republican National Convention, and it will be necessary to close the office if both men are given leave. Fimple also explains that there are contradictory state organizations in Louisiana holding state conventions and selecting delegates. One, the Lilly-Whites, has refused to allow a “colored representative” in their delegation, while the other selected two white men and two “colored men.” It is Fimple’s understanding that President Roosevelt was displeased with the convention that refused to admit minority representatives to its delegation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-17
Emile Kuntz requests aid from J. T. Macy to obtain a leave of absence for Walter L. Cohen.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-14
Summary of the “Lily White” takeover of the Republican Party in Louisiana. They have forced out all African American participation and declared for “white supremacy.” The previous Republican organization, led by Walter L. Cohen, have held their own convention and will send delegates to the Republican National Convention. The Equal Rights Association of Louisiana calls for Republicans to combat the lily whites.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-02
Francis Bennett Williams discusses the election of negro delegates at the Louisiana Republican Convention and the objections of some convention members to sit in the convention with negro delegates.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-06
Rudolph Forster informs William Loeb that he called on Private Secretary Smith, who is positive no interior record indicates interest by Ohio Senator Marcus Alonzo Hanna in register Walter L. Cohen. He will go over the papers first thing in the morning to verify Smith’s recollection.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-1905
Francis Bennett Williams reports on the Republican Party organization in Louisiana. The State Central Committee started by Emile Kuntz has recognized Williams as legal chairman. The party will send a strong delegation to the Republican National Convention, including some African American delegates. Walter L. Cohen continues to cause trouble for the party, but Williams opposes removing Cohen right now.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-28
Francis Bennett Williams discusses Republican politics in Louisiana. He replies to President Roosevelt’s request concerning a resolution adopted by the Equal Rights Association.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-17
Booker T. Washington hopes that no adverse action against Walter L. Cohen will be taken until he can talk with Theodore Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-28
Booker T. Washington requests the re-appointment of Walter L. Cohen and James Lewis of New Orleans.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-24
Francis Bennett Williams discusses the selection and appointment of Republican Party officials in New Orleans, Louisiana. Williams recommends the removal of United States Marshal Charles Fontelieu, to be replaced by Victor Loisel, and the removal of Registrar of the United States Land Office, Walter L. Cohen.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-24
Senator Hanna received President Roosevelt’s letter regarding the New Orleans matter. Hanna believes Walter L. Cohen, register of the Land Office, should be retained. He is interested in Mayer Cahen, coiner of the mint, as well, but has a special interest in Cohen.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-19