Your TR Source
On behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, his secretary thanks Alfred P. Thom for his courtesy in sending the brief on employers’ liability and workman’s compensation legislation. He looks forward to reading it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-12
President Roosevelt appreciated John Campbell Greenway’s letter, which he will show to Edith Kermit Carow Roosevelt. As requested, he encloses a copy of the employers liability bill for Greenway.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-15
President Roosevelt has called in Charles Patrick Neill regarding the employers’ liability bill and tells Attorney General Bonaparte that Congress may have to recall the bill to avoid it being ruled unconstitutional. Roosevelt thought that suit was going to be brought regarding “the trolley line business,” as he thought it was a clear violation of the law.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-17
The Minnesota Employers’ Association issues a resolution calling for the Minnesota Legislative Assembly to not take up the topic of workplace injury laws until the next legislative session, as it would not be possible to thoroughly examine the topic in the few weeks remaining in the current session.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-23
Senator Newlands is traveling and will not be able to welcome Theodore Roosevelt to Nevada. Having heard that Roosevelt’s speech will focus on Nevada as a progressive state, Newlands sends a pamphlet on its progressive legislation. Some of these include the referendum, initiative, employer’s liability, and direct primary. Unfortunately, other important measures failed during the recent legislative session because of a divided party.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-09
Attorney General Bonaparte provides President Roosevelt with notes and suggestions on his upcoming message. In particular he suggests modifications on portions relating to labor liability laws and employee compensation for injuries. Bonaparte also suggests removing the words “good” and “bad” from the portion on trusts, as certain trusts are claiming to be “good” trusts to avoid injunctions. He also provides comments on changing wording to avoid accusations of naming specific individuals, and on the language in the delicate sections about judges.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-22
Attorney General Bonaparte updates President Roosevelt on the outcomes of several Supreme Court cases. The Court has ruled against the Roosevelt Administration in the employers’ liability cases. Bonaparte provides a summary of the judges’ opinions in the event that he wants to send a special message to Congress urging a passage of the law that the court would deem constitutional based on the case. The Court ruled against the administration in the Williamson case, but on grounds that allow it to be tried again. As expected, the Court overturned the conviction of Major Carrington, who was sentenced in the Philippines to 40 years. Bonaparte asks Roosevelt’s advice on waiting to take action on Christian Schuebel’s nomination as Senator Fulton has requested. Finally, Bonaparte writes that Tracy C. Becker will help with prosecutions in Oregon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-06