Cummins, Albert Baird, 1850-1926

Letter from John Callan O’Laughlin to Theodore Roosevelt

John Callan O’Laughlin found Theodore Roosevelt’s letter heartening, especially his conviction in rebuking Simeon E. Baldwin and Senator William Lorimer’s vindication as an infamy. He discusses his association in prosecuting Lorimer’s case, including which senators support him and the potential implications of allowing him to retain his seat despite obtaining it through bribery.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-12-22

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

President Taft asks Theodore Roosevelt for a statement of his views on the Japanese question. Secretary of State Philander C. Knox believes he has a solution regarding the treaty and has proposed it to Senator Elihu Root. He recently met with Governor-elect of California Hiram Johnson and believes he is content with a practical solution. Taft feels Congress would be headed in the right direction if it passed the Tariff Commission bill. The Senate passing Senator Albert Baird Cummins’ resolution would prove even more advantageous to exposing the Democrats’ wrong view to the country.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-12-09

Letter from John C. Sherman to Theodore Roosevelt

John C. Sherman ardently admires Theodore Roosevelt and is deeply interested in his future political involvement. He warns that the “tools of the Interests” will try to blame Roosevelt for the Republican defeat even though it resulted from the people’s distrust and lack of confidence in these tools. Democratic success in the 1912 campaign is certain unless Roosevelt or Senator Albert Baird Cummins are nominated. Sherman wants to help Roosevelt and requests data on his policies. Roosevelt is “the only one in public life with backbone.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-12-09

Letter from W. C. Brown to Theodore Roosevelt

W. C. Brown sends Theodore Roosevelt a letter he wrote to the newspaper about Senator Albert Baird Cummins’ recent statement that he feels is mistaken and hurtful to business. He knows Roosevelt believes in justice for all interests and has done much to protect railroads against big shippers.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-10-10

Letter from Frederick C. DeLang to Lyman Abbott

Frederick C. DeLang heard Theodore Roosevelt is speaking in Chicago, Illinois, before the state primaries. He reports the progressive sentiment is strong. He is a progressive candidate for Congress and encloses some statements that he requests Lyman Abbott give to Roosevelt and asks The Outlook to support his candidacy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-08-17

Letter from Gifford Pinchot to Theodore Roosevelt

Gifford Pinchot writes to Theodore Roosevelt in Africa to provide a recap of current events. An investigation into Secretary of the Interior Richard Achilles Ballinger and the Forest Service will begin shortly. Pinchot believes that special interests control Congress and President William H. Taft’s administration, whose actions are characterized by “a most surprising weakness and indecision.” Taft has abandoned many of Roosevelt’s policies, and Pinchot sees a rift emerging between Taft and the more progressive elements of the Republican party. Pinchot sends his love to Kermit Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-12-31

Letter from Elihu Root to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Root updates Theodore Roosevelt on political and legislative matters that he has missed while he has been on safari in Africa. He believes that in time President William H. Taft will be seen as a good president in the eyes of the public, and lists some legislature currently before Congress. The Republicans have now been in power for a long time, and Root reports that some people are getting tired of the leaders. Root leaves to argue the Atlantic Fisheries case before the Hague, and Andrew Carnegie would like him to meet with Roosevelt and work on bringing about disarmament in Europe. Root believes this is a bad idea. He discusses news of Roosevelt’s family, including the engagement of his son Ted and reports that Kermit has shot a female warthog.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1910-02-11

Letter from Albert Shaw to Theodore Roosevelt

Albert Shaw thanks President Roosevelt for writing his letter about Abraham Lincoln, which will be read in public schools in February. Shaw also comments on the current state of affairs in Congress, concluding that “the only hope for the Senate lies in its newer members.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-01-09

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

William H. Taft encloses a letter that is being sent out widely by General Solicitor of the Burlington Railroad James Blythe. Taft discusses the stops on his trip and writes that, based on the reception thus far, he feels the campaign will be a success even if there are still worries about the labor vote. Support for William Jennings Bryan appears to be waning after President Roosevelt’s swift attack. Taft has written to Treasurer of the Republican National Committee George Rumsey Sheldon about avoiding contributions from trust affiliates and instead soliciting businessmen across the country. The election is four weeks away, and Taft is anxious for the speeches and events that precede it.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-10-03

Letter from John Callan O’Laughlin to Theodore Roosevelt

John Callan O’Laughlin provides President Roosevelt an overview of his impressions of the political mood of the country. O’Laughlin has concluded that Secretary of War William H. Taft will receive the Republican nomination for president, and recounts the various states that he believes will go for Taft, as well as the political figures who he believes should be watched or contacted in the various states. There is still substantial popular support for Roosevelt in the country, and O’Laughlin believes that if Roosevelt were to run he would win. Roosevelt’s action in ordering an investigation of the wage scale of railroad employees is very popular. Taft draws much of his strength comes from his connection to Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-02-24

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of War Taft writes that the note from Governor Albert Baird Cummins indicated “a desire to be counted on the side of the Lord.” He called on Secretary of the Treasury George B. Cortelyou to try to straighten up the situation between them, and discussed the matter with Cortelyou’s wife, who was home at the time. He wonders what William Loeb would think of Assistant Postmaster General Frank H. Hitchcock, and says Secretary of the Interior James Rudolph Garfield will talk to Roosevelt about it.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-12-20

Letter from James Sullivan Clarkson to William Loeb

Surveyor of Customs for the Port of New York Clarkson reports to William Loeb that voters in the South and West want President Roosevelt to be re-elected, though they admire William H. Taft, and George B. Cortelyou is also favored. Clarkson asks for clarity as to who he should expect to provide direction for him in the coming campaign. Representative Herbert Parsons wishes to change several appointments, some of which have been under the control of the Surveyor. Clarkson also discusses the presidential campaign in Iowa.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-05-13

Letter from James Sullivan Clarkson to William Loeb

James Sullivan Clarkson explains the political situation in Iowa to William Loeb. Clarkson is concerned that a group of powerful men and various corporations is conspiring to control delegations in Iowa and the surrounding states to the detriment of President Roosevelt and Vice President Taft. In particular General Dodge, a close friend of Governor Cumins, is thought to be behind the operation. Clarkson believes that most people will support Roosevelt’s cause, including capitalists who have criticized him in the past. A handwritten note posits that perhaps Dodge is actually on Roosevelt’s side and is influencing matters in his favor.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-04-24

Letter from Leslie M. Shaw to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of the Treasury Shaw returns the letter from Loren B. Burham, and reassures President Roosevelt that he will support the ticket and that he has written to newspapers in the state. If members of Congress from other states speak to Roosevelt in regard to Shaw’s “alleged failure,” Roosevelt can feel free “to disabuse their minds.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-29

Kansas in doubt after Taft trip

A staff correspondent for the Chicago Tribune reports on President William Howard Taft’s recent visit to Kansas. Governor Walter R. Stubbs honored the president and accompanied him everywhere. Taft made friends with his smile and good humor, but there does not appear to be much change in political opinion after Taft’s visit. Many Progressives do not agree with his recent actions and policies as President such as the Payne-Aldrich tariff law, vetoing the wool, cotton, and farmer free list bill, and his Canadian reciprocity treaty. There is much opposition to Taft in Kansas, but it is not clear who else might have the vote in Kansas, perhaps Robert M. La Follette, Woodrow Wilson, or Albert Baird Cummins.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-29

Kansas and Iowa centers of fight

A staff correspondent writes of the political situations in Kansas and Iowa developing around the potential presidential nominees and senators from each state. Many possibilities and political stances are suggested including the idea that Senator Albert Baird Cummins would be a compromise for Republicans who are split between William H. Taft and Robert M. La Follette, though Cummins is a solid supporter of La Follette and will not run against him. Many believe a third party might arise amongst the division.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-10-02

Taft’s Iowa trip stirs politics

A staff correspondent reports on President William Howard Taft’s recent visit to Iowa. Taft was respectfully received and listened to, but it is not clear that public opinion was affected by his visit. Many farmers and small business owners were interviewed for their opinion and there was not a consensus for or against Taft among Republicans.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-09-30

Congressional record

Following a number of legislative items, including voting on an amendment to a bill and a motion to investigate participation in international expositions, Senator Robert M. La Follette delivers a speech beginning with proposed tariff reciprocity with Canada, but quickly turning to his view that President William H. Taft has abandoned his campaign promises to continue the progressive policies of his predecessor Theodore Roosevelt. La Follette excoriates Taft on his stances on taxes and conservation, among other issues.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-07-15

The farmer’s choice for president

The results of the presidential poll conducted by the Valley Farmer in February 1911.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04

Topeka Capital poll on president

The results of the presidential poll conducted by the Topeka Capital.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-04-25