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President Roosevelt would like to discuss “certain Georgia matters” with Robert James Lowry and J. F. Hanson.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-30
Harry Stillwell Edwards recounts a recent conversation with Walter H. Johnson, a Republican leader in Georgia, regarding political appointments in the state. He believes that generally, the men appointed should be locally acceptable. However, in cases where men who have reapplied for the position and have proven efficient and well-qualified are not as acceptable locally, the President has decide between the people’s opinion or the quality of the service matters more.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-06
President Roosevelt informs Clark Howell, a Democrat, that he stands by his federal appointments in the South, including the appointment of people of color. Roosevelt explains his selection and vetting process, and names Major J. F. Hanson, Walter H. Johnson, and Harry Stillwell Edwards as individuals with whom he has consulted in Georgia, Howell’s state. Roosevelt trusts that Howell would accept the opinions of these men. Also, while he considers the feelings of the people in a locality, Roosevelt emphasizes that he can only do this so much “without sacrificing principle.” Rather, “character, fitness, and ability” are his “prime tests” when making an appointment. Roosevelt concludes by expressing his concern at the attitude on this matter that many from the South have taken, but this attitude will not make him “swerve one hair’s breadth to one side or the other” from the course he has chosen.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-23
President Roosevelt sends President-Elect Taft a memorandum advising him to visit several people while he is in Georgia, to back up the Taft clubs there, and to avoid most office-holders.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-03
President Roosevelt is having problems with the white community in Georgia because the three best state offices are held by African Americans. He also remains firm in his support for Cuban reciprocity.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-02-04
Harry Stillwell Edwards answers the charges that John M. Barnes made against Edwards in a letter sent to President Roosevelt. Roosevelt had forwarded Barnes’s letters to Edwards so that Edwards could address the accusations. Edwards refutes every charge in detail.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-24
John M. Barnes informs President Roosevelt that Harry Stillwell Edwards borrowed $400 from him, and despite Barnes’s best efforts, Edwards has still not repaid the full amount. Being a poor man, he cannot afford this loss. Barnes also complains of Judge Emory Speer, who he says has “pursued [him] with such implacable revenge” that no one will hire Barnes in Georgia. He is selling his property in hopes of returning to New York where he once held a good position.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-15
The commission of Albany, Georgia postmaster Benjamin F. Brimberry has expired and he is up for reappointment, but is charged by his enemies with involvement in a case of adultery. Brimberry is said to have written love letters for an illiterate Black man, Fred Crapps, to a married woman, Lucy Vandergrift. Brimberry did write the letters, but knew neither party and did not know Vandergrift was married. Brimberry’s friends and colleagues praise him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-26
Assistant Secretary to the President Benjamin F. Barnes has asked that papers be sent to President Roosevelt regarding the case of a postmaster in Georgia. C. I. Robinson was recommended for reappointment when his commission expired, but a competitor, James R. Webster, was also nominated. Webster, however, was said to have cheated on his wife and to be an alcoholic, so Robinson was reappointed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-24
J. F. Hanson believes it would be dangerous to pursue a policy in the South that would endanger Republican strength in northern states. The old party organizations of the South should not be ignored.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-23
Marshal Johnson encloses Major Hanson’s letter replying to President Roosevelt’s suggestion that he be elected a Georgia delegate to the Republican National Convention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-18
Macon Postmaster Edwards expresses concern about his candidacy as Georgia Delegate-at-Large to the Republican National Convention and discusses political issues in Georgia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-17