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R. L. Woodward supports John S. Wise’s movement to improve the Republican Party in Virginia and the South. Political offices should go to those that are best qualified, no matter their race.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-12
Thomas Lloyd Owens is interested in applying as collector of customs at the port of Savannah, Georgia. Owens is a Democrat but has the support of the business community. He will apply if it can be assured that President Roosevelt will see his application. Owens’s family was friendly with Roosevelt’s mother, Martha Bulloch Roosevelt, and one of his relatives secured the appointment of Roosevelt’s uncle, James Dunwody Bulloch, to the Navy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-14
The “leaders” approve the appointment and appreciate being consulted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-14
William F. Draper encloses a letter he sent to President Roosevelt regarding an appointment for Henry St. George Tucker. If Senator Lodges approves of appointing Tucker, Draper hopes he can use his influence with Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-14
William H. H. Llewellyn claims that Robert Bradley Hawley controls all federal appointments in Texas in exchange for delivering thirty-six votes at the Republican National Convention. He fears that this combination could be used against President Roosevelt and that unfit individuals, such as the collector at the Port of El Paso, are being maintained in their positions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-14
William Allen White writes to President Roosevelt and argues that if Cyrus Leland cannot convince the average American that the charges against him are false then he should not be appointed. In a postscript, White clarifies that Leland is a “clean man” and good citizen that has the support of White and his wife, Sallie White.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-14
The Republican leadership in Virginia is too well entrenched to challenge through conventional means so John S. Wise is seeking, with the approval of President Roosevelt, to create a new party that will supplant the old system. As per Roosevelt’s wishes, they will be holding a small council after the pending election. Until then, Roosevelt has directed that there be no appointments in Virginia until he is consulted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-14
William J. Youngs thanks President Roosevelt for the letter and his kindness. The suggested position is exactly what he is looking for. Youngs will call on General Burnett as soon as possible.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-14
Senator Hawley recommends Albert D. Elliot as secretary of Puerto Rico.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-07
Booker T. Washington reports on his inquiries about Julian H. Bingham. He has found that Bingham has a good record and “stands high in both official and personal character.” Any opposition to Bingham is purely political.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-07
The reappointment of Cyrus Leland can be prevented if enough complaints are lodged by Kansas Republicans. Patrick Henry Coney asks Fennimore P. Cochran to write a letter to President Roosevelt protesting the appointment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-08
Senator Foster recommends the appointment of Albert D. Elliot as secretary of Puerto Rico.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-08
Judge McCormick is concerned that Colonel Hunt, collector of internal revenue in McCormick’s district, will lose his position after President Roosevelt’s succession to the presidency. McCormick describes Hunt as a devoted civil servant that will positively reflect the Roosevelt administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-08
Judge Whitfield commends President Roosevelt for his actions since succeeding to the presidency, particularly his treatment of the south and his appointment of former Governor Thomas Goode Jones as District Judge in Alabama. Whitfield suggests that Roosevelt build the Nicaragua canal, select the best men for judicial openings, avoid appointing African Americans in the south, and appoint Democrats to southern positions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-08
John S. Wise asks President Roosevelt and his cabinet to avoid making any further appointments in Virginia. Wise believes that the faction opposing him will collapse without patronage. He congratulates Roosevelt on the appointment of former Governor Thomas Goode Jones to the Alabama judgeship.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-08
Commissioner General Powderly instructs John R. DeBarry that his new station is in Malone, New York. He will follow instructions from Special Inspector Robert Watchorn.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-09
Senator Hanna had no interest in the Alabama judgeship but had to recognize the demands of the local Republican organization. He has stated to them that he will take no further action. It would be helpful to Hanna if the appointment of Thomas B. Morton, J. H. Bingham’s successor as collector of internal revenue, was issued.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-09
Robert Watchorn of the Bureau of Immigration instructs John R. DeBarry to travel to Malone, New York, as they require an efficient immigrant inspector.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-09
S. Weir Mitchell, medical doctor, has received news that he has lost the appointment previously made by William McKinley. Though Mitchell had asked McKinley to enact the “rule of appointing sons of officers,” Mitchell mentions his contributions to the world of medicine and he and his brothers’ service during the Civil War to justify asking for this “little” appointment. He claims that in England he would have received high and honorable awards for his work. McKinley allowed for the appointment and then died. Now Mitchell has received news that the appointment has been lost. However, he has heard no official word from the Navy and hopes that he has been mistaken. He asks for President Roosevelt’ s final decision. (It is possible that the appointment spoken of is for Mitchell or his son.)
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-11
Thomas Roberts Slicer encloses a letter from Mr. Gill regarding the “School City” idea being used in Cuba. Slicer has declined to send appointment requests to President Roosevelt but is available to consult on any applicants. He hopes Roosevelt will revisit Colonel Shepard’s case and suggests that he consult with Nicholas Murray Butler regarding the Immigration Department.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-11