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President Roosevelt informs Grover Cleveland that his actions regarding the Anthracite Coal Strike have been influenced by Cleveland’s action during the Pullman Car Strike. Roosevelt currently plans to offer to create an investigatory commission if the miners will go back to work so that a solution can be agreed upon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-05
In this edited draft of a letter, President Roosevelt lays out the events of the Anthracite Coal Strike, the operators’ demands, the miners’ demands, and his efforts to arbitrate the dispute. Currently, the strike is under the jurisdiction of Pennsylvania and the federal government has no warrant to interfere. Commissioner of Labor Wright and two other gentlemen will serve on a commission working with President Roosevelt to prepare Wright’s investigation for submission to Congress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-08
George B. Cortelyou writes to Elihu Root to inform him that, in light of the visit Root will be making, President Roosevelt sends letters he has been receiving from large employers of labor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-10
George B. Cortelyou writes to John Mitchell to invite him to a meeting on behalf of President Roosevelt in order to discuss the published offer by the coal operators which appeared in the press this morning.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-10-14
Theodore Roosevelt provides direction for how Henry Beach Needham can answer Mr. Ommen. He offers evidence from a New York State Court and the United States Supreme Court that a woman’s right to work cannot be restricted, just like a man’s. Employers can choose to work their female employees haggard for 12-16 hours per day.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-12
Theodore Roosevelt is delighted with the clear information in Charles Dwight Willard’s letter and wishes he could reply at length. He wants to quote Willard in an article about women’s rights and duties. Roosevelt congratulates Willard on his overwhelming victory in the municipal contest. Recalling his article on James B. McNamara’s trial, Roosevelt wishes that leaders would remember, as Willard does, that true progressives stand against brutal wrongdoing done by labor as much as that done by capital.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-12-11
Theodore Roosevelt tells W. S. Bigger that he is in favor of “an eight hour law for all public work.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-19
Through a series of excerpts from personal letters, President Roosevelt refutes reports in The New York Sun and Harper’s Weekly that Grover Cleveland had never been offered a position on the Anthracite Coal Strike Commission. President Roosevelt argues that in fact Cleveland was offered the position and accepted it, and describes the details of the incident.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-08-06
President Roosevelt tells his son, Kermit Roosevelt, about playing tennis, and while he enjoyed it he will keep to walking for the time being for exercise due to the cold weather. Roosevelt had delivered a speech on trusts and labor to Congress. With the election coming closer, the public are beginning to pay more attention to what the candidates are saying rather than himself, and Roosevelt relished one of his last opportunities to speak before Congress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-02-02
President Roosevelt directs Lieutenant Colonel Goethals to treat Thomas J. Dolan well. He “is a good fellow.” If it is possible, Goethals can “take back the men,” in accord with Dolan’s request.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-08
President Roosevelt appreciates Professor Davenport’s article in The Outlook. Roosevelt believes that he has dealt fairly with labor unions, although sometimes he has acted to keep them in check.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-07-13
President Roosevelt commends United States Circuit Court Judge Henry G. Ward. If other judges acted as he did, it would be easier to convince labor to trust the judiciary as their friend.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-28
President Roosevelt asks Secretary of the Navy Metcalf if there would be some way for representatives of labor organizations to have access to the facts once the wage rates are established. Roosevelt has received word that rates are too low in a number of cities. He asks Metcalf to take up the matter and listen to the arguments of representatives of the workmen and the Wage Boards.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-15
President Roosevelt appreciated William P. Daniels’s letter, especially because Roosevelt believes he stands up for honest workers and union men.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-02
President Roosevelt appreciated Governor Cutler’s letter and thanks him for his support.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-04-29
President Roosevelt notifies Thomas G. Bush that he is appointed one of the Trustees of the Foundation for the Promotion of Industrial Peace, representing the general public.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-14
President Roosevelt appoints Marvin Hughitt as a Trustee of the Foundation of the Promotion of Industrial Peace, representing capital interests.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-14
President Roosevelt notifies Seth Low that he is appointed a trustee of the Foundation for the Promotion of Industrial Peace, representing the general public.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-14
President Roosevelt notifies John Mitchell, President of the United Mine Workers of America, that he is appointed a trustee of the Foundation for the Promotion of Industrial Peace, representing labor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-14
President Roosevelt agrees with Theodore P. Shonts, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, that it would be a good time to take action now if he could, but says that he currently holds no power over the matter other than public opinion, which at this point is not interested in the issue. The commission that the coal operators have requested he establish is not something he can do on his own, but would require an act of Congress to create. Even if he could, the coal miners have not asked for it, which would give Roosevelt pause. Altogether, he does not feel that he can act at this time, but will continue to watch how the situation develops.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-03-31