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John Callan O’Laughlin encloses clippings pertaining to President William H. Taft from the Chicago Tribune in a letter to Theodore Roosevelt. O’Laughlin states there is a growing consensus among Republicans that it would be hard to re-elect Taft, and that the hearing on William Lorimer is taking a long time.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-17
John Callan O’Laughlin tells Theodore Roosevelt he is impressed with his handling of the “Stanley committee.” O’Laughlin reports that Arthur Krock stated the committee was impressed with Roosevelt and that Representative Augustus Owsley Stanley thought Roosevelt “had not been informed of the true situation.” O’Laughlin says he has not yet appeared in the William Lorimer case, and that William H. Taft is determined to use the veto. He also updates Roosevelt on Robert M. La Follette.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-08
As requested by her husband, John Callan O’Laughlin, Mabel Hudson O’Laughlin sends Theodore Roosevelt letters concerning the investigation of Senator William Lorimer.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-27
John Callan O’Laughlin notes that his wife, Mabel Hudson O’Laughlin, returned Theodore Roosevelt’s letters that day, and that he kept no copies of them. O’Laughlin states that if he is called as a witness to the committee investigating William Lorimer, he did not want to have to hand them over. The Lloyd-La Follete Act was passed, and O’Laughlin states William H. Taft will veto it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-27
John Callan O’Laughlin seeks news from Theodore Roosevelt, as he has seen information in the Chicago Tribune; however, he states this is not enough for him. O’Laughlin discusses the “Lorimer investigating committee”, and how he considers the testimonies to be irrelevant. He states he may be brought to the witness stand, and asks if he communicated with Roosevelt. O’Laughlin is willing to refuse to answer questions. He goes on to discuss the Canadian reciprocity bill, and the presidency of William H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-22
Edith Bell Opdycke read Theodore Roosevelt’s recent article in the Outlook, and agrees with what he says. While she regrets expressing disapproval of President William H. Taft’s administration, there are many points at which she feels he has seriously erred, and she believes his renomination would be “an act of stupendous folly.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-07-10
Knowing how Theodore Roosevelt feels about the scandal concerning Senator William Lorimer’s election, Henry F. Grier sends Roosevelt a clipping from the newspaper that he feels may interest him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-23
William Phillips, Secretary of the National Free Labor Association, calls Theodore Roosevelt’s attention to the problems of corruption in the business community. While the public will condemn politicians who uses bribes in public business, it does not view businessmen who offer bribes in the same negative light. Phillips hopes that Roosevelt can use his position to condemn the use of bribery by corporations to secure government contracts or favorable legislation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-06-26
John Carter Rose remarks on how recent events have validated Theodore Roosevelt’s actions last fall regarding Senator William Lorimer.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-05-26
John Callan O’Laughlin reports he returned home and left business negotiations in Victor L. Mason’s control. This attempt to secure foreign finance taught him the “tremendous power of the Morgans.” He is excited about the results of Theodore Roosevelt’s trip and discusses what states each presidential candidate expects delegates from. O’Laughlin notes that President William H. Taft does not know how to handle the worsening situation in Mexico. Congress will approve the reciprocity bill in the coming week.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-04-18
Lowell M. Gates feel that the entire nation is watching New York because of the recent events which saw both parties voting for corrupt or discredited politicians. Gates wishes that the honorable people of both parties could work together to elect honest men, both at the state and federal level.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-05
Senator Beveridge responds to Theodore Roosevelt’s letter inviting him to visit. Beveridge requests Roosevelt to look over his speech on the Lorimer Case.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-03
Doris Eleanor Roach begs Theodore Roosevelt to stand as a moral force in America and protest the current scandal of Illinois Senator William Lorimer allegedly being elected to office through corruption and bribery. Roach compares the moral decay in America that allowed this scandal with the downfall of Athens and Rome.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-02
John Callan O’Laughlin informs Theodore Roosevelt that Senator William Lorimer was cleared of any corruption or wrongdoing in securing a seat in the United States Senate, and claims that he was saved by the actions of lame duck politicians. Even though Lorimer is in the Senate, however, O’Laughlin believes he “is so badly besmirched he will be of no importance save as [an] object lesson to [the] country.” He thanks Roosevelt for his service to the government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-03-01
Senator Lodge would like to help Hannis Taylor but President Taft has already selected the commissioners. The tariff commission bill Lodge has been working on will not pass and he is doubtful that Senator Lorimer will retain his Senate seat. He continues to support reciprocity with Canada but the negotiations were poorly conducted and the potential treaty gives a great deal to Canada with nothing in return.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-21
John Callan O’Laughlin will not be able to accompany Theodore Roosevelt to Chicago because the case of Senator William Lorimer is at a crisis point.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-19
Edward W. McClure was inspired to write and tell Theodore Roosevelt that many members of the public are against graft and support him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-10
John Callan O’Laughlin updates Theodore Roosevelt on the efforts to remove William Lorimer from the Senate for corruption. Senator Henry Cabot Lodge gave a strong speech against the direct election of Senators but did not reference Lorimer’s case. Other Senators are supporting Lorimer, but O’Laughlin believes that if they can get their states to pass resolutions they will stop. He believes that the fight against Lorimer is nearly won.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-06
Senator Lodge received Theodore Roosevelt’s telegram but it was too late to make any changes to his speech. He was not interested in addressing the Lorimer case as the speech focused on the resolution intended to deprive the United States of controlling Senatorial elections, and a defense of the Constitution. Lodge is concerned about the direct election of Senators as this will increase expenditure and bribery in elections.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-06
John Callan O’Laughlin writes Theodore Roosevelt about a number of matters currently at issue in the Senate. Among them are the investigation of Senator William Lorimer, the likelihood of the Canadian reciprocity legislation passing, and a vote on the direct election of Senators. O’Laughlin also notes that the organization of the Progressive League will be against President William H. Taft’s interests, and he notes that the administration does not seem to be doing anything to prepare for the upcoming presidential campaign.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-02-04