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Davis, George W. (George Whitefield), 1839-1918

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Memorandum of actual work done on the Panama Canal

Memorandum of actual work done on the Panama Canal

This memorandum discusses developments on the Panama Canal and surrounding areas between July 1, 1904 and January 1, 1905, including dam plans, the Culebra Cut, and the building and mechanical departments. It is suggested that if the progress continues in the next six months as it has in the past six months, the canal can be completed in ten years by January 1, 1915.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-01-01

Creator(s)

Barrett, John, 1866-1938

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Goethals

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to George W. Goethals

President Roosevelt informs George W. Goethals that he plans to send William H. Taft to visit the Panama Canal zone early in 1909, along with several engineers, to investigate the matter of the Gatun dam. Many rumors currently exist in opposition to the construction of the Gatun dam, but Roosevelt tells Goethals that he is not beholden to anything but completing the canal in the safest and best manner. Roosevelt additionally tells Goethals that he would like to send a man named William Stickney to Panama to work on the canal, and asks if there is a position where Stickney might be able to show his merits.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-13

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Letter from Joseph Bucklin Bishop to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from Joseph Bucklin Bishop to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of the Isthmian Canal Commission Bishop thanks President Roosevelt for his constant support, and says that if Roosevelt is satisfied with his work, then he does not mind criticism from other parties. Work on the Panama Canal is proceeding smoothly and at a faster pace than was initially thought possible, for which he gives credit to Chairman and Chief Engineer of the Isthmian Canal Commission George W. Goethals. Bishop blames irresponsible reporting for reopening an argument about whether a canal with locks or a sea level canal is better, but believes the upcoming visit by President-Elect William H. Taft should help settle the debate. Bishop approves of Roosevelt’s denunciations of journalists William MacKay Laffand and Joseph Pulitzer, and says that it is important to fight against “lying and debased journalism.” Bishop’s wife, Harriet Hartwell Bishop, appreciates being remembered by Roosevelt, and he praises her strength in remaining sanguine during their long residency away from the United States. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-26

Creator(s)

Bishop, Joseph Bucklin, 1847-1928

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

President-elect Taft has communicated with Secretary of the Navy Truman Handy Newberry, who has offered him two cruisers to travel with. Paul Charlton has suggested that Taft bring Charles Sooysmith with him on his trip to inspect the Panama Canal, but Taft thinks it would be wise to consult with Alfred Nobel before making any decisions on this issue. Taft forwards President Roosevelt a letter from George W. Davis, who has also made suggestions of engineers who should accompany Taft.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-12-22

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Concerning public order

Concerning public order

Panamanian president Tomás Arias announces the separation of Panama from Colombia and the creation of their own independent nation. The “pacific” nature of the people and the open, honest government both contributed to this end result. There is hope that the Panama Canal and Panama’s relationship with the United States will bring happiness and abundance to the nation, still reeling from the “demoralization caused by the last war.” The Hay-Bunau Varilla Treaty signed November 2 will help ensure this new time of peace and rebuilding. Self governance must be done with the good of the entire community in mind and a unity of purpose, as the intolerance of old will lead to ruin. The report writer recounts internal disagreements around the last election and the detention of Colombian, Cuban, Mexican, and Nicaraguan officials who were working against this new unity.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-11-23

Creator(s)

Arias, Tomás, 1856-1932

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of War Taft updates President Roosevelt on the progress of the construction of the Panama Canal. Taft returns Ambassador John Barrett’s letter to Roosevelt and reports that Barrett has been the recipient of complaints from canal employees due to General George E. Davis’s managing style. Taft also remarks that Barrett does not want to impeach the Isthmian Canal Commission but is justified in criticizing its members. The construction of the canal’s water works may be delayed but is understandable, considering what they have to construct.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-02-13

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Letter from John G. Walker to William H. Taft

Letter from John G. Walker to William H. Taft

Rear Admiral Walker writes to Secretary of War Taft to report on his visit to Panama and the progress of the Canal project. Walker provides updates on the surveys, equipment inventories, and research into the work necessary to build the Canal and then details the establishment of the Canal Zone government, including the passage of laws and penal codes, the establishment of government departments, and the construction of a hospital. He also discusses his and Taft’s plan to make spots available on the Board of Directors of the Panama Railroad Company for members of the Panama Canal Commission and asks Taft for his permission to open at least two more such spots.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-09-16

Creator(s)

Walker, John Grimes, 1835-1907

Letter from Daniel O. Lively to Cecil Andrew Lyon

Letter from Daniel O. Lively to Cecil Andrew Lyon

Daniel O. Lively, a wholesaler who is in business on the Panama Isthmus, reports to Texas businessman and politician Cecil Andrew Lyon about the poor conditions there that he believes will prevent the canal from being dug in a timely manner. In particular Lively criticizes the “absolutism” of the army and navy, the red tape and lack of wages for anyone not in the army, and the conduct and management skills of Governor General George W. Davis.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-09-07

Creator(s)

Lively, Daniel O. (Daniel O'Connell), 1868-1933

Memorandum from John Barrett to George B. Cortelyou

Memorandum from John Barrett to George B. Cortelyou

Minister Barrett counteracts the Democrats’ accusations that President Roosevelt acted too hastily in the creation of the Panama Canal and had not honored the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty. He demonstrates how a small discontented group in Panama caused unrest by not fully understanding the implications of the Treaty and now all are grateful for Roosevelt’s actions and leadership.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-09-06

Creator(s)

Barrett, John, 1866-1938