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Several miners visited Oyster Bay, New York, to ask President Roosevelt to investigate the labor situation in Colorado. William Loeb received them, but they did not meet with Roosevelt and declined Loeb’s suggestion that they meet with George B. Cortelyou, chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-12
President Roosevelt encloses a letter from James Sullivan Clarkson and hopes that Joseph Bucklin Bishop can speak with him. He also discusses a letter received and answered in his absence, during his visit to Yellowstone National Park. The Utah Federation of Labor had asked that the President not travel on the Union Pacific Railroad during his western trip, appealing to Roosevelt’s “sense of justice” on behalf of employees of the railroad. As Roosevelt was out of communication, William Loeb responded by noting that travel arrangements had long been made, and to accede to the request would disappointment many thousands of people. Copies of the correspondence have been sent to Edward Henry Harriman.
1903-10-02
President Roosevelt asks Joseph Bucklin Bishop to give his opinion about Roosevelt’s policies and actions. He comments on speeches that he has given and the reactions of various members of Congress. Roosevelt goes on to discuss the tariff question and provides his opinions on the matter. He also mentions the reaction of the press to his response to labor issues surrounding the Union Pacific Railroad.
1903-04-27
Wisconsin Governor La Follette is upset that President Roosevelt seems to believe aspersions that others are casting on him, though he has supported Roosevelt and has been an ardent spokesman for the regulation of the railroad and rates.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-08
President Roosevelt writes to Joseph Bucklin Bishop about negotiations between the miners and operators in the Pennsylvania coal strike. He describes his plan to get the miners back to work and to set up a commission of inquiry. Roosevelt told John Mitchell to stop the violence, or he would do so. He encloses for Bishop a letter from former President Grover Cleveland.
1902-10-05
President Roosevelt writes to Joseph Bucklin Bishop about a statute left over from Reconstruction. Roosevelt notes that it was repealed in 1878. He also discusses sending troops to intervene in the Pennsylvania Coal Strike.
1902-10-09
President Roosevelt writes to Joseph Bucklin Bishop about the Pennsylvania Coal Strike. He criticizes the mine operators as lawless, but is also wary of the disorder that can come about from a large number of idle workers. Roosevelt also comments on the press’s attacks on himself and on the role of government intervention.
1902-10-13
In a speech given in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Vice Presidential candidate Roosevelt emphasizes the successes of the current McKinley administration. He criticizes free silver and the platform of William Jennings Bryan. Roosevelt asserts that a stable currency is the most important factor in sustaining the prosperity of the nation. Roosevelt also discusses the issue of trusts and industry, the ongoing war in the Philippines, and compares the current campaign to that of 1864 when Abraham Lincoln was re-elected.
1900-09-07
The Republicans want protection but they agree that adjustments to tariff schedules are necessary. There has been much change in industries since the last law was passed that changed the tariff. To protect this new business and open new markets, such as in the Philippines, tariff revision is necessary.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-16
Newspaper article explaining Thomas F. Walsh’s desire to see more conservative leadership take over the mine unions so that the labor situation in Colorado can come under control. Walsh also pledges his support to President Roosevelt, Senator Fairbanks, and the entire Republican Party ticket in the upcoming election.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-26
Lyman Abbott wants to publish President Roosevelt’s views on the issues of the day in the next edition of The Outlook. He encloses a memorandum of several topics and asks that Roosevelt’s secretary return the best statement on each topic.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-06-17
A larger-than-life-size man, the representative for the “Employers Union,” gestures toward a sign on a wall around a construction site. The sign states “Notice – The right to lock out is as absolute as the right to strike – Employer’s Union.” A labor union “Walking Delegate” is standing with two laborers. They are shocked at being locked out and unable to work.
At the same that unions were gaining recognition and rights to organize, business in the United States were also organizing to counter their efforts. Groups like the Employers Association and the Citizens’ Alliance were comprised of businessmen who worked, especially in parts of the country where labor strife was violent, for instance Colorado and on the West Coast, to work together. These groups used means ranging from court challenges to influencing legislation to hiring scabs and strike-breakers to advocating for open shops. The National Association of Manufacturers became a lobbying organization, and still exists today, although other groups died or merged.
Article entitled “Theodore Roosevelt: His Relations With Labor” submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by Wyoming Senator Joseph O’Mahoney.
1957-05-22
A compilation of Senate documents on the life and career of Theodore Roosevelt.
1958
F. C. Nunemacher approves President Roosevelt’s decision to reinstate William A. Miller to his position at the Government Printing Office. Miller lost his job after being expelled from the labor union. Nunemacher supports an employee’s right to join a union but does not believe that employees should be discriminated against due to union membership or their decision not to join a union.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-07-22
President Roosevelt is impressed with Ray Stannard Baker’s article and the call for drawing a line on conduct. Corporations and labor unions are here to stay and are necessary for industry. However, when corruption or “brutal indifference” develops it must be fought.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-10-21
President Roosevelt defends hosting miners and labors leaders from Butte, Montana to lunch at the White House. They were all decent men and Roosevelt does not believe that any of them were involved with strike “outrages.” Some labor unions encourage rioting and violence but that is not sufficient grounds to discriminate against every member of any labor union.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-26
President Roosevelt defends his business policies, including: the creation of the Department of Commerce, the ending of the Anthracite Coal Strike, and bringing suit against the Northern Securities Company. Roosevelt has heard a lot of “dishonest nonsense” from wealthy men that should know that Wall Street’s troubles come from “watering of stocks” and speculation, not any action taken by the government. Roosevelt wants to do what is right for the business world and what is right for the world of labor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-08-13
President Roosevelt informs Senator Quay that John Mitchell has no intention of calling off the strike and insists on a compromise.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-19
President Roosevelt writes to Seth Low to inform him that no result came out of the meeting between the coal operators and miners. If Pennsylvania is unable to maintain law and order, Roosevelt is willing to allow the federal government to intervene at the request of Pennsylvania.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-04