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President Roosevelt tells Theodore P. Shonts that figures show the steam shovel operators in the United States and in Panama are paid comparable wages. Thomas J. Dolan will provide figures to back up this claim.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-14
President Roosevelt encloses a self-explanatory letter from Thomas J. Dolan. He thinks highly of Dolan, and feels that president-elect Taft is the appropriate person to deal with this matter. Roosevelt hopes that the two men can meet in person.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-05
President Roosevelt outlines for Patrick H. Grace the reasons that he and all labor leaders and laborers should support William H. Taft. He details Taft’s judicial record, and important decisions he has made that have protected the rights of workers. Roosevelt also discusses Taft’s work in his administration, particularly regarding the Panama Canal, in which he has supported working men. Roosevelt believes that if elected, Taft will continue “the definite and constructive program of social reorganization” begun in the current administration, while William Jennings Bryan’s proposals are all vague. A handwritten note by William Loeb states that this letter will be published in the papers on October 26, and asks that it be kept confidential until then.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-10-19
President Roosevelt directs Lieutenant Colonel Goethals to treat Thomas J. Dolan well. He “is a good fellow.” If it is possible, Goethals can “take back the men,” in accord with Dolan’s request.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-08
President Roosevelt thanks St. Clair McKelway for his editorial about Roosevelt’s address at the opening of the Jamestown exposition. Roosevelt also appreciated McKelway’s editorial on his letter to William Henry Jackson (Honore Jaxon) regarding the Moyer-Haywood affair. Roosevelt is proud of the letter because he was providing leadership to politicians on a current issue.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-04-28
President Roosevelt is delighted with the army’s preparations under Secretary of War Taft. He thanks Taft for sending Judge Advocate General George B. Davis’s opinion on the right to intervene in Cuba. However, if intervention is necessary, he would “not dream of asking the permission of Congress.” He regards the treaty as the law and he “shall execute it.” Roosevelt requests Taft give speeches in Colorado and Idaho.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-17
Fred L. Hartigan requests a meeting with Theodore Roosevelt. He discusses his employment on the Panama Canal and subsequent resignation due to a misunderstanding.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1910-12-31
Secretary of War Taft forwards a letter to Theodore Shonts from President Roosevelt. Thomas J. Dolan has asked Roosevelt that his men be given first-class passage to Panama and while Taft agrees with the accommodations, he wants Shonts to be clear with Dolan that the men must behave and any objectionable conduct by the laborers is to be met with discipline from the ship’s captain. Taft instructs Shonts to return the enclosure to William Loeb to be filed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-01
Thomas J. Dolan’s suggestion of having Theodore Roosevelt head the waterway work was enthusiastically received.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-11-02
William H. Taft reports that he followed President Roosevelt’s advice and accepted the election as an honorary member of the Steam Shovel and Dredge Men.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-11