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President Roosevelt tells Joseph Bucklin Bishop that he joins George W. Goethals and the rest of the Isthmian Canal Commission in their enthusiasm over Harry H. Rousseau’s marriage. He will not punish Rousseau for marrying Gladys Fargo Rousseau against her parents’ wishes and instead wishes to promote him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-17
President Roosevelt informs Colonel Hodges that he reluctantly approves the Panama Canal Commission rejecting all bids and re-advertising for contracts. Roosevelt urges the Commission to be mindful that rejected bidders often do not bid again, and other bidders sometimes benefit. The Commission should not do anything that will arouse suspicion and discourage honest contractors from bidding on government work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-04-09
President Roosevelt sends George W. Goethals, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, a letter from former Rough Rider Walter S. Cash whom Roosevelt heartily endorses. Roosevelt wonders if there is a job that Goethals might know of where Cash could be given a trial.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-26
President Roosevelt sends Senator Clark an excerpt of a letter from Secretary of War William H. Taft, and asks if action could be taken along the lines that Taft outlines. In the excerpted portion from Taft, he suggests that for the Court of last resort on the Panamanian Isthmus, cases can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court of the United States, rather than first passing through the Court of Appeals. Taft also suggests limitations for the types of cases able to be appealed this way.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-27
President Roosevelt sends Representative Jenkins an excerpt of a letter from Secretary of War William H. Taft, and asks if action could be taken along the lines that Taft outlines. In the excerpted portion from Taft, Taft suggests that for the Court of last resort on the Panamanian Isthmus, cases can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court of the United States, rather than first passing through the Court of Appeals. Taft also suggests limitations for the types of cases able to be appealed this way.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-01-27
President Roosevelt tells Fairfax Henry Wheelan he cannot write for positions under the Isthmian Canal Commission because he has so many requests. The president can, however, bring Albert P. Wheelan’s application to Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission George W. Goethals’s attention.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-10
President Roosevelt thanks Secretary to the Isthmian Canal Commission Bishop for updating him on the situation in Panama and agrees with the policy changes Bishop has suggested. Without knowing exactly to whom General Counsel Richard R. Rogers allegedly made disparaging comments about his administration, Roosevelt is unwilling to take action against him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-27
President Roosevelt forwards a letter from Henry W. Taft to Lieutenant Colonel Goethels introducing Frederick C. Lobnitz whose firm, Lobnitz & Co., specializes in developing rock-breaking equipment and techniques.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-18
President Roosevelt asks George W. Goethals of the Isthmian Canal Commision about his opinion regarding the location of telegraph lines in the Panama Canal Zone. Roosevelt believes it would be best to have the cables entirely in American Territory so as to avoid the constant friction arising from parts of the cable being controlled by the Panamanian government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-11-05
President Roosevelt tells Joseph Bucklin Bishop he will change his upcoming message to reflect the changes requested by Bishop and Colonel George W. Goethals. Roosevelt will ask for the Isthmian Canal Commission members to be appointed in the order Bishop suggests, and will ask for the design specifications Bishop mentions to be carried out by government workers. Roosevelt asks Bishop to give his regards to Goethals.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-10-25
President Roosevelt informs George W. Goethals, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, of his plan to form a National Advisory Board on Fuels and Structural Materials. Roosevelt wants this new board to experiment with building materials to devise the best means to construct the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-06-10
Representative James A. Tawney of Minnesota has questioned whether the Isthmian Canal Commission should “dispense with the audit” on the Isthmus, and whether the government ought to audit the disbursements of the railroad company. President Roosevelt asks whether the Commission might write to Tawney on this matter.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-04-11
President Roosevelt believes that William Crawford Gorgas has earned his position on his own merits. He is pleased Gorgas thinks the new organization is working in the Canal Zone.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-04-19
President Roosevelt asks Lieutenant Goethals, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, to look into R. R. Bowker’s complaints against the commissariat. Roosevelt encloses the letter from Bowker with instructions to take criticism seriously.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-04-02
President Roosevelt tells Colonel Goethals that he would like Gray to be reinstated to his position on the Isthmus.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-29
President Roosevelt accepts Harry H. Rousseau’s letter of resignation as chief of the Bureau of Yards and Decks for the Navy. His resignation will be effective on the date he qualifies as a member of the Isthmian Canal Commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-15
President Roosevelt sends Secretary of War Taft a copy of John F. Stevens’ letter and asks that he forward it to Theodore P. Shonts, Chairmen of the Isthmian Canal Commission. Stevens’ chief complaints are directed at Shonts taking credit for his work, which Roosevelt sees as the one legitimate accusation Stevens as made so far.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-07
After serious review, President Roosevelt 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. Roosevelt 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. Roosevelt also 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 Roosevelt and Stevens that a new contract must be drafted. In the meantime, he requests that the Commission reject the two bids aforementioned.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-26
President Roosevelt is convinced that John F. Stevens must leave the Panama Canal project, and wants to consult Secretary of War Taft about it before he visits Panama. Should Stevens change his mind about leaving, Roosevelt will insist.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-12
President Roosevelt asks John F. Stevens for his opinion on a number of contractors and businessmen who Roosevelt proposes should be involved in the construction of the Panama Canal. He is firm in his belief that the terms agreed upon be met before any bid is accepted.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-07