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President Roosevelt agrees with Secretary of War Taft’s recommendations regarding the water contracts in Cienfuegos, Cuba. He will direct Occupation Governor Charles E. Magoon to issue a decree which will put them into effect.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-04
President Roosevelt has reviewed letters from Secretary of War Taft and Secretary of State Elihu Root regarding the recommended construction to provide the city of Cienfuegos, Cuba, with a water and sewage system. Roosevelt agrees with the views of Taft and Root that this construction is important, as Cienfuegos is a major Cuban port, and will become even more important with the opening of the Panama Canal. Roosevelt has heard of some local resistance to this construction, largely centered around rival politicians trying to use the construction to get an edge on their rivals, but assumes that Governor Charles E. Magoon will be able to navigate the construction in such a way to not provide political advantage to any party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-02
President Roosevelt discusses his thoughts about the situation in Cuba with Senator Foraker.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-28
President Roosevelt has withdrawn the appointment of Robert J. Thompson as consul to Cienfuegos, Cuba, as requested. Roosevelt adds he understands Thompson’s motivations.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-11
Clarence Ransom Edwards relays parts of a report on the water situation in Cienfuegos, Cuba, to Secretary of War Taft. After speaking with representatives of various classes and groups, the conclusion Frank Ross McCoy arrived at was that the central government should take responsibility for the contract to avoid corruption or political infighting.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-09
Frank Ross McCoy updates Secretary of War Taft on his investigation into the Cienfuegos waterworks case. His conclusion is that the opposition to Hugh J. Reilly’s contract on one side, and support on another, is due to political factions fighting for control of the city. He spoke to many people in Cienfuegos who believe that the best way to resolve the conflict is for the central government to do the work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-08
Alex Gonzalez, Deputy Auditor for the Republic of Cuba, reports the findings of his trip to Cienfuegos. The people there are so eager for a solution to the water problem that they want the aqueduct to be built, and do not care who builds it or how much it costs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-01
Emilio del Real sends a copy of letters relating to a matter Hugh J. Reilly has overseen in Cienfuegos, Cuba. The letters do not directly answer Reilly’s request to construct an aqueduct and a system of sewers, but avoid the question, noting that all the people of Cienfuegos want is water, however it comes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-15
Secretary of War Taft expects to leave Cuba for the United States on the USS Louisiana around October 14th. Admiral Couden believes it is no longer necessary for the battleships to remain after this date and requests instructions from the bureau. Couden also reports that Hannibal has sailed for Cienfuegos and the USS Kentucky and Prairie have arrived in Havana.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-05
Provisional Governor William Howard Taft seeks guidance from President Roosevelt on the transfer of office in Cuba between him and his replacement, Charles Edward Magoon. Taft feels it is important for the Cuban people to know that the policies already in place with the Platt Amendment will be continued with the new leadership; implying otherwise, Taft asserts, would be “a most serious obstacle to slowly coming peace and tranquility.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-10
William F. Fullam reports Cuban revolutionary forces have committed “gross outrages.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09
Lists numbers of ships and marines already in Cuban waters, en route to Cuba, or preparing to depart for Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-30
Acting Secretary of the Navy Newberry reports on the present disposition of vessels of the Navy with reference to the Cuban situation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-27
Acting Secretary of the Navy Newberry informs President Roosevelt that the press is aware of the movement of ships and troops towards Cuba. Newberry asks how much information they should share.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-25
Acting Secretary of the Navy Newberry received correspondence from Commander William F. Fullam in Cienfuegos. The warship Dixie has sailed for Monte Cristi, with the Cleveland ready to replace it. British subjects are asking for American help with lawless bands breaking the armistice agreement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-21
Admiral Converse telegrams from Cienfuegos that warship Dixie is headed to Monte Cristi. Converse notes armistice had been broken by lawless bands. He has sufficient men for now, with the warship Cleveland sending replacements.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-21
Assistant Secretary of State Bacon writes to Secretary of State Root. Bacon will answer tomorrow about the arrival of the Dixie and other warships, likely delayed due to weather. Bacon asks Root for updates on ship movement as well.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-20
Secretary of the Navy Bonaparte assures President Roosevelt that he is consulting with the Department of State regarding actions in Cuba. Bonaparte made transportation arrangements for Secretary of War Taft and Acting Secretary of State Bacon to travel to Havana by way of Key West, but they decided to go via Tampa instead. Bonaparte believes Taft should command the Navy in Cuban waters during an emergency and urges Roosevelt to send instructions to that effect. On another matter, Bonaparte encloses a letter from Philllips Lee Goldsborough inquiring whether he may serve as chairman of William H. Jackson’s congressional campaign. Bonaparte believes that allowing Goldsborough to do so would benefit Roosevelt politically. Having Jackson in Congress will offset losses elsewhere.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-18
Captain Beehler sends a letter to Theodore Roosevelt confirming the receipt of a telegram wired on September 18, 1906, concerning the destruction of American property near Cienfuegos.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-19
Mark Rolla Spelman informs William Loeb that Insurgent General Cleto Collado del Cueto burned the Esperanza American property this morning, but the Constancia sugar mill was saved by Commander William F. Fullam and his men. Present forces can protect the sugar house only, so they need reinforcements.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-18