Your TR Source
President Roosevelt asks Speaker of the House Cannon if there is a chance of a bill passing that will restructure the Isthmian Canal Commission. Roosevelt believes that it only needs one commissioner, and that the other commissioners can remain in their positions without the title. This would allow the funds to hire consulting engineers as necessary.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-02-28
President Roosevelt tells Paul Morton that he clearly laid out the role of Isthmian Canal Commission Chairman Theodore P. Shonts in a May circular. The circular stated that the Chairman would answer to the Secretary of War; Shonts must thus report to William H. Taft, and not directly to Roosevelt. No man can make decisions entirely independently.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-15
President Roosevelt outlines for Paul Morton what Theodore P. Shonts’s role should be as Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission. Shonts apparently wants to directly report to Roosevelt, rather than being under a Cabinet officer (in this case Secretary of War William H. Taft). Roosevelt believes that Shonts should model his behavior and conduct after that of Taft when he was Governor General of the Philippines. Taft was then focused more on doing his work than getting credit for his work, and Shonts should do the same in Panama. Roosevelt will speak with Taft about ensuring Shonts gets credit for his work, because it is imperative that Shonts and Taft are able to work together.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-11
President Roosevelt issues an executive order outlining the reorganization of the Isthmian Canal Commission in Panama. The order details the way in which the commission will now function, how contracts will be issued, and how reports will be made. It also appoints new members to the commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-04-01
Secretary of War Taft forwards a report from the Isthmian Canal Commission to President Roosevelt, refuting a negative report from Doctor Charles A. L. Reed regarding the sanitary conditions in the Panama Canal Zone. Taft explains that Reed was hurried in his assessment and perhaps too negative; he also believes the structure of the Isthmian Canal Commission itself is responsible for the delays in sanitation on the Isthmus. Taft will submit a plan to restructure the commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-17