Isthmian Canal Commission (U.S.)

Secretary of War Taft reports to President Roosevelt on the progress of the Panama Canal. He has heard from the men working on the canal, those in charge of steam shovels, locomotive engineers, and construction conductors, but does not want to make a decision until he hears back from the President. Taft tells Roosevelt he should receive a letter with Taft’s in-depth analysis and a copy has also been sent to George W. Goethals. Taft is in Cuba for the next week and then travels to Puerto Rico.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-04-07

Minutes of a conference held in Colón, Panama, between Secretary of War William H. Taft and three steam shovel operators working on the Panama Canal over the rate of pay and medical care for the operators.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-04-03

R. R. Bowker reports to President Roosevelt regarding complaints he has heard about worker conditions in Panama. Most of the complaints relate to the types and quality of food available to workers there. One possible solution would be to purchase more fresh supplies locally. It might also be worthwhile to send someone who is familiar with providing food to large numbers of people to inspect the operations.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-30

Chief Engineer Stevens writes Secretary of War Taft about a misunderstanding which arose during the visit of a Congressional delegation to the Panama Canal Zone. Members of the delegation complained bitterly about what seemed to them an arbitrary enforcement of the quarantine procedures intended to prevent the spread of yellow fever. Some even suggested that the delay was orchestrated to keep them from reviewing conditions in the canal zone. Stevens explains that, on the contrary, he and his colleagues were prepared to receive the party and accompany them over “all or any part of the work to explain details.” Both the visiting delegation and the receiving party are very disappointed with what occurred.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-28

President Roosevelt’s message to R. R. Bowker confirms to Bowker what he has heard from many in Washington about John F. Stevens’ resignation as Chief Engineer on the Panama Canal. Bowker believes Stevens’, “a man of railroad training and association”, resignation may have been influenced in part by Roosevelt’s policies on railroad regulation. Bowker will send a memorandum or report to Roosevelt in person on the situation to improve the transport of supplies to the canal workers.  

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-28

Secretary of War Taft forwards President Roosevelt a telegram that he received from John F. Stevens regarding Stevens’s resignation as Chairman of the Commission, and has appointed George W. Goethals to replace him.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-22

Secretary of War Taft forwards a telegram he received, sent by John F. Stevens to Joseph Bucklin Bishop, that shows Stevens is still with them.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-07

On behalf of President Roosevelt, Secretary of War Taft instructs John F. Stevens to pause any delegation until his arrival, then they can consult with Major George W. Goethals. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-07

Henry S. Pritchett suspects John F. Stevens, Chief Engineer of the Isthmian Canal Commission, is under considerable mental and emotional strain and is inadequate in “government methods of business.” While he praises Stevens’ work ethic, Pritchett believes he lacks the moral fortitude and patience necessary it succeed in this position. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-05

Chairman Shonts sends Secretary of War Taft the details of the contract for the building of the Panama Canal. Walston H. Brown and Chief Engineer Stevens conferred to come up with a percentage-base plan for the contractors.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-03

This memorandum outlines the differences in proposed contracts of the construction of the Pamana Canal between Walston H. Brown, railroad builder, and John F. Stevens.  

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-03-03

Secretary of War Taft relays a telegram to John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal construction project, that his telegram was received.  Taft informs Stevens that he will be made Chairmen of the Isthmian Commission on March 5th and “will exercise supreme control” until his departure.  

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-02-28

Fred W. Carpenter, private secretary under the direction of Secretary of War William H. Taft, instructs Theodore P. Shonts, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, to relay a telegram to Chief Engineer John F. Stevens that his telegram was received.  Carpenter informs Stevens that he will be made Chairmen of the Isthmian Commission on March 5th and “will exercise the supreme control” that the position entitles to him.  

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-02-28

John F. Stevens thanks President Roosevelt for accepting his resignation as chief engineer of the Panama Canal construction project. Stevens elaborates on his comments towards the Isthmus Commission, stating that the commission works adequately but lacks “intelligent leadership”, citing a lack of communication between the Chairman, committee, and himself. This, along with the political hostility in Congress concerning the project, influenced his decision, stating “when a man must adjust the balance of his life to certain conditions, he would not be wise to overlook any of them.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-02-26

Secretary of War Taft requests Commissioner Shonts forward the following dispatch from President Roosevelt to Chief Engineer John F. Stevens. After serious review, Taft asks Shonts whether to accept a bid for the construction of the Panama Canal under the present contract or to reject all bids entirely. Taft cites that the two most desirable bids, McArthur Syndicate then William J. Oliver and Anson M. Bangs fit all the requirements with exception to “the least expense of the Government.” Taft informs Shonts of the resignation of Stevens, Chief Engineer of the project, and solicits to have him replaced with Major George W. Goethals. In the meantime, Taft requests that the Commission reject the two bids aforementioned. In a typed postscript, Taft informs Stevens that Goethals will replace him as Chief Engineer and Chairman of the Commission. Roosevelt expects him to use every attempt to assists Goethals with “as little friction and as little loss of efficiency” as possible.

After serious review, Secretary of War Taft asks Chairman Shonts whether to accept a bid for the construction of the Panama Canal under the present contract or to reject all bids entirely. Taft cites that the two most desirable bids, McArthur Syndicate then William J. Oliver and Anson M. Bangs, fit all the requirements with exception to “the least expense of the Government” due to the bidders’ desire to split profits with investors. Taft informs Shonts of the resignation of John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the project, and solicits to have him replaced with Major George W. Goethals, who agrees with Taft and Stevens that a new contract must be drafted. In the meantime, Taft requests that the Commission reject the two bids aforementioned. 

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-02-23

John F. Stevens responds to what he considers a new bid for construction of the Panama Canal, which he still believes to be inadequate. He is sending a letter to President Roosevelt with more details.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-02-09

Chairman Theodore P. Shonts showed W. C. Brown’s letter to President Roosevelt, “who read it with interest.” Roosevelt agreed with Brown and understands that the need for increased pay for employees and shorter work hours requires appropriate rates, and the government wants to ensure no discrimination in rates. Roosevelt also wants to ensure that railroad securities are used for specific improvements like more terminals or additional rolling stock to ensure the security of investors’ money.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-02-01

John F. Stevens writes to Secretary of War Taft that news has reached Panama that steam shovels and men are coming to “make dirt fly.” Stevens warns that careful organization is needed, especially if they use the labor of southern African American prisoners.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-01-31

John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal, objects to the construction bid made by W. J. Oliver, and updates Secretary of War Taft on the Panama Canal’s construction progress.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-01-30