Your TR Source
In a private letter, President Roosevelt thanks the editor of Puck magazine for the editorial discussing the unfortunate suffering of some who are innocent in any movement to punish the guilty. Roosevelt disdains the belief that businesses must be protected at the expense of honest politics.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-09-04
While Attorney General Moody believes that Henry W. Taft’s memorandum is the result of careful thought inspired by the difficulties in enforcing trust law and similar laws, he is unwilling to express a final opinion on the second condition, which deals with imposing conditions upon corporations engaged in interstate commerce. Moody fears the relation between the large corporations and the national government, especially the legislative branch.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-24
President Roosevelt addresses his audience in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the subject of trusts and corporations, and the factors and difficulties that the government must consider when contemplating regulation of the trusts. He begins by tracing some of the conditions that have led up to the present situation, and compares the trusts to the Mississippi River, which helps many people but can also threaten great destruction. He makes the analogy that while damming the Mississippi would be futile and harmful, building levees can offer protections without obstructing the river. Roosevelt continues by saying that while there should be some regulation, this must be carefully done so as to effect the desired result on the largest trusts and corporations without imposing more difficult penalties on smaller companies and the laborers who work for the companies.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-20
President Roosevelt addresses the current state of legislation in Congress regarding federal oversight of combinations. He informs Seth Low that he would be forced to veto certain measures brought forth by Congressmen who have been speaking with Victor Morawetz, who is counsel for J. P. Morgan. If necessary, Roosevelt will make his views clear in a message to Congress. Although some of the proposed work could be done by the courts, Roosevelt cites the work of the Interstate Commerce Commission as an illustration of why supervisory power should lie with the executive branch.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-01
President Roosevelt would like to Frederic Adrian Delano to come to Washington to speak with him and Attorney General William H. Moody about railroads and other businesses. Roosevelt believes that if there is not some kind of government regulation implemented, they will be faced with a movement either for government ownership of the railroads or for legislation of a “drastic and damaging character” against corporations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-10-11
President Roosevelt explains that the Department of Justice shall be responsible for enforcing laws such as anti-trust laws, and the Bureau of Corporations will collect information to provide the full knowledge necessary for law enforcement. Roosevelt would like to secure additional legislation to have better control over the corporations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-09-30
James Keeley, manager of the Chicago Tribune, encloses an editorial for Theodore Roosevelt. The article outlines the paper’s view of the current situation concerning the government and trusts, which it believes is the biggest problem since the Civil War. Keeley invites Roosevelt and other public men to express their views on the trust problem and potential solutions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-11
James McMahon has been pleased with President Roosevelt’s recent speeches on the “Trust question.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-10
After reviewing the relevant Supreme Court decisions, Senator Platt doubts state corporations that engage in interstate commerce can be compelled to make reports to government officials. He believes the decisions allow for the regulation of commerce but not the regulation of corporations engaging in commerce.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-13