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Opponents to the Panama Canal have organized and plan to stop construction in Panama, citing false starts and the suitability of Nicaragua for the project.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-08-16
Reconsideration by the U.S. Senate of appointments to the Panama Canal Commission may include the issue of salaries for commission members. The author sees the Senate’s action as an attack on President Roosevelt’s administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-21
Transcript from the Panama Canal Appropriation discussion. Secretary of War William H. Taft, as well as Senators Shonts, Hall, Perkins, Wetmore, and Warren discuss various issues regarding the salaries of the Chief Engineer John Frank Stevens, as well as the use of auditors.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-21
Secretary of War William H. Taft proposes to President Roosevelt that an Executive Committee be created for the Isthmian Canal Commission, to include a Chairman (by appointment), the Chief Engineer, and the Governor of the Canal Zone. Other members of the Commission would then serve in an advisory role, with salaries adjusted accordingly. Taft assumes that any publicity regarding such a structure should be delayed until after the Senate adjourns.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-03-10
President Roosevelt writes to his son Kermit to say that he is glad Ted visited Kermit at Groton, and, if Kermit works hard, he can finish school at home next year. Roosevelt says he is having problems with the Panama Canal because of clashes between Secretary of War Taft and Chairman Shonts. Massachusetts is going crazy over the tariff as well. Roosevelt says he is getting plenty of tennis, rides, and scrambling walks. He adds that Edith has been reading a lot to Archie and Quentin and the next day African hunter Frederick Selous is visiting.
1905-11-12
The Annual Report of the Isthmian Canal Commission for a portion of the current year to November 30, 1904.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11
President Roosevelt writes to the United States Congress to submit a report of the Isthmian Canal Commission on the proposition of the New Panama Canal Company selling their rights, property, and unfinished work. The commission believes the best route is through Panama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary tells Mrs. A. B. Thompson that while Roosevelt cannot remember every detail, if she desires more information about Charles J. Thompson’s medal she could write to Joseph Bucklin Bishop.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-17
Theodore Roosevelt’s secretary informs Alfred James Brown that his letter to Roosevelt has been received, but unfortunately Roosevelt cannot give him the information he requested. However, if Brown would care to write to the secretary of the Isthmian Canal Commission in Panama, that individual might be able to provide him with the information he needs.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-03
President Roosevelt writes to Dr. Gorgas, stating that he refused to sanction the removal of Gorgas from the position of Chief Sanitary Officer with the Isthmian Canal Commission. Roosevelt sends Christmas greetings and jokes that the cold weather must be making Gorgas yearn for Panama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-23
Theodore Roosevelt introduces Albert J. Beveridge. Beveridge’s politics are very similar to Britain’s Liberal Party. He is studying the situation of the Great War and will be writing about it for Collier’s Weekly.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-04
Theodore Roosevelt thanks the assistant disbursing officer at the Isthmian Canal Commission for his letter and the clipping.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-23
President Roosevelt looks forward to seeing President-elect Taft on February 24, and will give any advice or counsel that he can. He discusses the work of the Isthmian Canal Commission, and admires Taft’s letter to President Jose Domingo de Obaldia of Panama. Roosevelt has been having a difficult time with the California Legislature over the “Japanese business,” and has sent a letter to future Secretary of State Philander C. Knox about it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-13
President Roosevelt intends to send President-Elect William H. Taft and six engineers to examine the Panama Canal. Roosevelt asks that Secretary of War Wright instruct the Isthmian Canal Commission to pay for the trip.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-06
President Roosevelt sends Secretary of War Wright the text of two letters written by former Secretary of War William H. Taft that are relevant to the current question involving the purchase of ships. Roosevelt believes that the letters clearly show that most of the questions regarding whether to purchase ships were settled long ago, and the only question currently relevant is what the price for the ships will be.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-29
President Roosevelt instructs Secretary of War Wright to publicly issue orders to the Isthmian Canal Commission, War Department, and all their subsidiaries that Archer should not be employed to make any kind of purchase on their behalf. An investigation revealed that Archer is “an absolute scoundrel” who is alleging to outsiders that only he can get ships taken. Roosevelt also would like all members of the Isthmian Canal Commissions and all employees dealing with the War Department to be specifically asked if they currently are or ever have been in communication with Archer. Roosevelt would also like to find out if the Commission members or Mr. Rodgers had knowledge of the excessive price paid in 1905 for two Cromwell ships.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-11-23
President Roosevelt asks Secretary of War Wright if he can come stay the night on July 31. Joseph Bucklin Bishop, Secretary of the Isthmian Canal Commission, will be visiting, and Roosevelt would like to discuss some matters regarding Panama with both of them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-07-01
President Roosevelt accepts the terms of Jackson Smith’s resignation from the Isthmian Canal Commission. He thanks Smith for his service in organizing the Department of Labor, Quarters, and Subsistence.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-06-03
President Roosevelt tells Joseph Bucklin Bishop that he does not need to worry because Jackson Smith is leaving the Isthmian Canal Commission. Regarding the “scandalous articles” Bishop enclosed, Roosevelt notes that those types of articles are bound to appear, but he does not “care a snap of [his] fingers for them.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-05-23
The information President Roosevelt has received corroborated reports he already had. Reports on the Panama Canal’s construction and engineering are overwhelmingly positive, while those on the living and subsistence conditions of the workers are poor. Roosevelt fears they are on the verge of an “ugly scandal” in this regard and recommends taking up the measures outlined by Secretary of War William H. Taft. Roosevelt thinks it would be wise for George W. Goethals to ask for the resignation of Jackson Smith and put General William Penn Duvall in charge of labor and quarters.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-16