Your TR Source
Perry S. Heath has been implicated in the Post Office frauds. There is not sufficient evidence to convict Heath but Postmaster General Payne should have an inspector make a thorough investigation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-15
President Roosevelt notes Holmes Conrad’s advice that there is insufficient evidence to convict Perry Heath or recall the Grand Jury. Roosevelt would like to know if Charles J. Bonaparte shares these views.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-06
President Roosevelt finds Charles J. Bonaparte’s and Holmes Conrad’s report on the charges against Seymour Wilcox Tulloch to be damaging. It shows that the practices under Perry S. Heath, the First Assistant Postmaster General, were “reprehensible.” Roosevelt calls Postmaster General Payne’s attention to the report’s conclusions which state that the conditions have existed for two or three years. Joseph L. Bristow’s inspectors should be able to state definitely what has been going on.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-15
President Roosevelt would like Oliver E. Pagan to be thanked for his admirable work and requests several different memoranda from Assistant Postmaster Bristow to go along with his report. “All possible diligence” should be used to collect the information on Perry S. Heath’s case so that it can be submitted to Charles J. Bonaparte and Holmes Conrad.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-03
President Roosevelt thanks Charles J. Bonaparte for his recent letter discussing the aftermath of the criminal investigation into the conduct of Post Office officials. Roosevelt called it an “exasperating fact” that in cases like these “moral certainty” is difficult to achieve.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-17
President Roosevelt is not in favor of himself or other involved parties making a statement to the press, including William Allen White’s Emporia Gazette, regarding accusations against Joseph L. Bristow, chief investigator into the ongoing post office scandal. Accusations have been made against everyone associated with the scandal and investigation, including himself. He has already taken strong action in New York to address the scandal, but the public, influenced by Democratic and mugwump newspapers, may confuse his actions as complicity with the wrongdoers. Roosevelt worries that this will damage Republican candidates in the fall elections.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-04-04
President Roosevelt, through William Loeb, announced to the press that there is no conflict between Roosevelt and Senator Hanna, rather they have the “closest and friendliest relations.” Although they disagree about General Wood they are still friends and Roosevelt makes no comment on the Perry Heath matter. Roosevelt hopes to see Senator Hanna at the White House often to help dispel rumors.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-05
President Roosevelt encloses clippings about the case of Comptroller Robert J. Tracewell. Only Secretary of the Treasury Leslie M. Shaw has spoken in favor of Tracewell. Roosevelt wants to make it clear to the public that he is not ignoring Charles J. Bonaparte’s report and suggests a supplemental report that makes it clear whether Tracewell’s offense is or is not on par with that of Heath or Beavers. Roosevelt wants to do “exact justice” and make it clear that he is not shielding anyone from punishment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-24
The investigation into the Post Office frauds has implicated Perry S. Heath but there is not enough evidence to convict Heath of any offense. President Roosevelt would like a trusted inspector to make a more thorough investigation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-15
President Roosevelt understands why Holmes Conrad would fail to connect the two incidents. However, Secretary of the Treasury Leslie M. Shaw has provided several statements that Thomas W. Gilmer is rude and tactless when dealing with outsiders. Shaw is against Gilmer’s reinstatement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-10
President Roosevelt encloses documents related to the case of Perry S. Heath. He requests Charles J. Bonaparte and Holmes Conrad’s opinion whether Heath can be found guilty of violating the law. If so, Roosevelt intends to reconvene the grand jury.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-06
The report on the case of Seymour Wilcox Tulloch from Charles J. Bonaparte and Holmes Conrad shows that the practices at the post office under Perry Heath were “very reprehensible.” President Roosevelt calls Postmaster General Payne’s attention to the summary that states that similar conditions have persisted in other post offices during the last two or three years.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-09-15
Chairman of the Republican National Committee Henry C. Payne kicks Perry S. Heath out of the “Rep. National Comm.” Heath says, “To take effect at once, sir?” President Roosevelt looks on and says, “Excuse me while I smile.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-27
Ohio Senator Marcus Alonzo Hanna holds Perry S. Health’s hand and a whip directed at a Republican elephant. President Roosevelt stares at the elephant’s feet.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-08
Ohio Senator Marcus Alonzo Hanna stands beside a sign that reads, “1904 Resolved that I will not be a candidate against Teddy but at the same time I will hold off the Ohio convention to see which way the wind is blowing. Mark.” Hanna puts his hand on Perry S. Heath’s head and says, “Nice little guy.” Heath holds papers that read, “Hanna for president talk.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12
Perry S. Heath carries several musical instruments, including the “Hanna boom” drum that he is striking. There is a “statute of limitations” chained to his right foot. Ohio Senator Marcus Alonzo Hanna looks surprised as he watches Heath outside of his window.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-28
President Roosevelt holds a “Panama” hat and gestures toward the seat for the “Chairman of the Republican National Committee.” Ohio Senator Marcus Alonzo Hanna stands still, wearing an “I am a candidate” feather and having a pocket for “buttons.” Beside him is a small Perry S. Heath, who wears a button that says, “Vote for Hanna.” There is a picture of New York Governor Benjamin B. Odell on the wall. Caption: Roosevelt—Delighted; won’t you be seated? Hanna—No, thank you; I’ll stand pat.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01
Perry Heath carries Ohio Senator Marcus Alonzo Hanna on his back toward the “White House.” A “Roosevelt barrier” stands in between them and the White House.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-15
President Roosevelt attempts to lasso the “Hanna delegates” train driven by Perry S. Heath.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-17
Uncle Sam puts his hand on President Roosevelt’s shoulder as Uncle Sam holds a paper that reads, “states pledged for Roosevelt.” Various men are around them: James J. Hill, Perry S. Heath, a “grafter,” and “Wall Street.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-19