Your TR Source
The Daily Telegraph reports on a speech by President Roosevelt in which he insisted on the peaceful nature of the Great White Fleet’s movement and reiterated his plans to regulate trusts via existing laws rather than attempting new legislation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-03
In the script for an economic policy speech to be delivered at the Cincinnati Music Hall before many captains of industry, President Roosevelt argues that the trusts are a natural result of the prosperity brought by the Industrial Revolution and that we cannot pride ourselves on progress while denouncing the men whose “commanding business ability” made it possible. He uses the example of how one can control the Mississippi River’s flooding but not prevent it; therefore, America cannot end corporations but can and must study and regulate them. Roosevelt urges calm, informed evolution on the issue of trusts, not rancorous revolution. Labeling the “demagogic denunciation of wealth” to be unwholesome and even dangerous, he asserts that the public’s objection to any corporation should be based on its conduct, not its size or wealth. Roosevelt opposes lifting tariffs for trust-made goods, as that would hurt smaller producers and wage workers more than the trusts. Since most trusts conduct interstate commerce, Roosevelt recommends federal oversight, calling for legislative solutions and perhaps a constitutional amendment. He reminds the crowd that, as part of the executive branch, he is limited in his ability to stop the trusts alone.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-09-20
President Roosevelt, in the “GOP Back Yard,” stands atop a box on top of a barrel and leans over a fence. On the other side of the fence, Attorney General Philander C. Knox holds a paddle labeled “Sherman and Interstate Commerce Laws,” and he is about to paddle the rear end of a large boy, “The Trust.” The boy has his head turned toward Roosevelt and is broadly smiling, with his right hand slightly covering the smile. The left hand of the boy is protecting his rear end. Caption: “Roosevelt (to Knox): Make all the noise you can; but remember, we can’t afford to hurt him.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-05-04
A bill introduced by Senator Foraker that would relax some provisions from previously passed commerce legislation. The bill was referred to the Committee on Interstate Commerce.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-29
Jeremiah Whipple Jenks warns of a plan the Democrats will propose regarding trust legislation. They will recommend a bill for the “voluntary incorporation by the Federal Government of corporations doing an interstate business.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-02-02
President Cassatt of the Pennsylvania Railroad encloses an amendment to the Interstate Commerce Act which enlarges the powers of the Interstate Commerce Commission and places railroads under government regulation. Cassatt supports the bill but does not believe that it will pass without active support from President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-04-01
Text of a proposed amendment to the Constitution presented by Representative John James Jenkins to give Congress the power to regulate commerce, with a supporting speech by Jenkins.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-19
After reviewing the relevant Supreme Court decisions, Senator Platt doubts state corporations that engage in interstate commerce can be compelled to make reports to government officials. He believes the decisions allow for the regulation of commerce but not the regulation of corporations engaging in commerce.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-13