Your TR Source
President Roosevelt finds it unpleasant to request the resignation of a government official. Acting Governor of New Mexico James W. Raynolds’s actions make him undesirable in the office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-19
President Roosevelt informs Governor Curry of New Mexico of his upcoming discussion with Ormsby McHarg. Roosevelt insists Curry’s subordinates meet standards of honesty. He requests Curry look into former Governor of New Mexico Territory Herbert J. Hagerman’s use of public money and supposes that Willard S. Hopewell and George W. Pritchard have already been removed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-09
President Roosevelt shares his thoughts and reasoning with New Mexico Attorney General Llewellyn regarding the removal of former Governor Herbert J. Hagerman and former Secretary of New Mexico Territory James W. Raynolds from office. Roosevelt finds the actions of Raynolds and Hagerman inexplicable, and suspects that Hagerman to be the “tool of powerful corrupt interests.” Roosevelt insists that the conduct of his appointees in New Mexico Territory must be free of misconduct or the appearance of misconduct.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-29
President Roosevelt reports that he has been “very much discontented” by the recent controversy around New Mexico governor Herbert J. Hagerman. Roosevelt initially thought Hagerman was merely foolish, but now wonders if he were not a knave like those with whom he committed a “swindling land transaction.” Roosevelt has removed Hagerman from office and appointed George Curry in his place.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-27
Assistant Attorney General Cooley returns Philip Battell Stewart’s letter to President Roosevelt. He also includes a report from Stewart’s attorney wherein he tries to cast doubt on Cooley’s account and the propriety of Roosevelt’s choice to remove Herbert J. Hagerman from the position of territorial governor of New Mexico. Cooley cites multiple cases that give precedent to his claims. He feels that Hagerman was treated leniently.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-08-23
Assistant Attorney General Cooley provides President Roosevelt with a preliminary report on the circumvention or violation of laws relating to the disposal of public lands in the Territory of New Mexico, including the involvement of the Territory’s governor, Herbert J. Hagerman. Cooley presents evidence that Hagerman’s actions were both “illegal and unjustifiable.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-04-12
Former New Mexico Territory Governor Hagerman has refrained from addressing President Roosevelt’s statements in his letters concerning Hagerman’s forced resignation because he felt that on further reflection, Roosevelt would correct his false accusations. However, Hagerman now feels compelled to answer the accusations Roosevelt has made against him and set the record straight. Hagerman includes a detailed timeline and description of events and persons involved in his forced resignation due to accusations of land fraud. In conclusion, Hagerman says that the entire affair has hurt the standing of the Republican Party in New Mexico and asks Roosevelt to take this into consideration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-19
Former New Mexico Territory Governor Hagerman responds to President Roosevelt’s letter accepting his resignation in language that “should not be considered less forceful because of the absence of harsh language.” Hagerman says that in 1898, Congress placed restrictions on land leases in New Mexico Territory which were inappropriate to the landscape and climate of the territory, and ever since, individuals and businesses have worked to skirt these restrictions. When Hagerman became governor, he tried to get guidance from the federal government regarding these restrictions and the seemingly illegal contracts granted by his predecessor, but received none. Hagerman was left to either break deals made by his predecessor, or fulfill them if no harm would come to the territory, and the Pennsylvania Land Company deal was one such deal. Hagerman holds that the action he took was neither illegal nor improper, and refutes several specific points from Roosevelt’s letter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-15
Assistant Attorney General Cooley writes President Roosevelt concerning an issue of political corruption in New Mexico. Governor Herbert J. Hagerman illegally sold New Mexican land to Willard S. Hopewell, which Hopewell then transferred to the Pennsylvania Land Development Company to build the Santa Fe Central Railroad. Cooley meticulously looks at a letter that Hagerman sent to Roosevelt and points out the fallacies of his logic.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-23