O'Brien, Edward Charles, 1860-1927

Letter from Robert DeCourcy Ward to Theodore Roosevelt

Robert DeCourcy Ward explains to President Roosevelt that his aim in confidentially describing the drunken conduct of Minister to Uruguay and Paraguay General Edward Charles O’Brien while aboard the steamer was to make Roosevelt aware of the situation. Ward was not actually present when certain situations occurred, but more information may be forthcoming from other channels. He felt it necessary to give Roosevelt this account, and he believes that the country’s ministers should be held to the highest standards, but he does not wish to have his communications presented to the State Department as evidence.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-19

Creator(s)

Ward, Robert DeCourcy, 1867-1931

Letter from Robert DeCourcy Ward to Theodore Roosevelt

Robert DeCourcy Ward alerts President Roosevelt to Ambassador Edward Charles O’Brien’s behavior on a recent voyage from Rio de Janeiro to New York. Ward writes that O’Brien was often under the influence of alcohol, and his behavior in response to the local quarantine protocols and towards a female passenger were extremely insulting. O’Brien asked passengers to sign a document attesting to his good character, but if it were true, Ward does not feel he would need a written document stating the fact. He does not think O’Brien is fit for his position, and felt Roosevelt would want to know the truth of the situation.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-09-13

Creator(s)

Ward, Robert DeCourcy, 1867-1931

Letter from James Sullivan Clarkson to William Loeb

James Sullivan Clarkson informs William Loeb that Secretary of State Elihu Root is “making such a splendid impression in South America.” He commends the South American ministers on their preparations for Root’s visit, suggests releasing photographs of the tour to the newspapers, and notes Uruguay’s desire to trade more with the United States and less with Germany and England. Clarkson relates his approval of the campaign finance changes proposed by President Roosevelt and speaks in detail of the Republican National Committee’s expenditures in the presidential elections of 1884, 1888, and 1892.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-19

Creator(s)

Clarkson, James Sullivan, 1842-1918

Letter from Robert Bacon to William Loeb

In response to William Loeb’s request, Robert Bacon has enclosed letters from James Sullivan Clarkson.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-09

Creator(s)

Bacon, Robert, 1860-1919

Letter from James Sullivan Clarkson to William Loeb

James Sullivan Clarkson encloses a letter from his son, who has been living in Montevideo, Uruguay, for multiple years and is acquainted with President Ordóñez and other native dignitaries. Clarkson’s son often writes to him about the poor repute in which America is held because of the boorish ministers sent there. Clarkson notes that General Edward C. O’Brien has worked hard to counteract this impression of America.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-06

Creator(s)

Clarkson, James Sullivan, 1842-1918

Telegram from Nelson P. Webster to William Loeb

Nelson P. Webster forwards a telegram from Edward Charles O’Brien, American Minister to Uruguay, reporting that Secretary of State Elihu Root’s declarations before the Rio de Janeiro congress have been enthusiastically applauded by the newspapers. The newspaper reports say Root’s declarations “obliterate” false impressions and prejudices about the United States.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-08-03

Creator(s)

Webster, Nelson P., 1862-1935

Letter from Harold R. Clarkson to James Sullivan Clarkson

Harold Clarkson, an employee at the U.S. foreign ministry in Montevideo, Uruguay, writes to his father to disavow any negative reports about General Edward C. O’Brien, the new foreign minister to Uruguay. Clarkson describes O’Brien’s obstacles coming in (negative attitudes towards the Spanish American War, the previous minister’s deficiencies), and his successful efforts to create a welcoming environment. Clarkson also discusses O’Brien’s work to facilitate Secretary Root’s upcoming peaceful visit to Uruguay, soon after he had promoted peace and understanding at the third annual Pan-American conference in Rio De Janeiro. Included is a confidential admission that the government of Uruguay passed off official housing arrangements for Root to the U.S. foreign ministry, which Clarkson speculates has to do with cost savings.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-12

Creator(s)

Clarkson, Harold R., 1872-1927

Letter from John F. O’Brien to Benjamin B. Odell

New York Secretary of State O’Brien asks Governor Odell to speak to President Roosevelt on behalf of O’Brien’s brother, who seeks a diplomatic posting in South America after having been passed over for appointment to the Isthmian Canal Commission.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-08-23

Creator(s)

O'Brien, John F., 1857-1927

Letter from Benjamin B. Odell to Theodore Roosevelt

Governor Odell encourages President Roosevelt to speak with General Edward Charles O’Brien because O’Brien was not given the position of secretary of the Isthmian Canal Commission. Odell believes Roosevelt should also invite John O’Brien to lunch, as he is the brother of General O’Brien and the Secretary of State for the congressional district of northern New York.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-07-28

Creator(s)

Odell, Benjamin B. (Benjamin Barker), 1854-1926

Letter from Nicholas Murray Butler to Theodore Roosevelt

Nicholas Murray Butler discusses the different problems of the candidates for the Panama Canal Commission, including Edward Charles O’Brien and Joseph Bucklin Bishop. Butler also comments on various recent political appointments, particularly on finding a good running mate for President Roosevelt. Butler believes Charles W. Fairbanks is inadequate.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-05-06

Creator(s)

Butler, Nicholas Murray, 1862-1947

Telegram from Benjamin Odell to Theodore Roosevelt

Governor Odell telegraphed President Roosevelt to reconsider General Edward C. O’Brien for the appointment of Secretary of the Isthmian Canal Commission. Odell stated his reasons were those presented to Roosevelt when they met in Washington, D.C.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-05-05

Creator(s)

Odell, Benjamin B. (Benjamin Barker), 1854-1926

Letter from John F. O’Brien to Theodore Roosevelt

John F. O’Brien, New York Secretary of State, is distressed to learn that his brother, General Edward Charles O’Brien, has been offered a diplomatic position instead of secretary of the Isthmian Canal Commission. The newspapers for a long time have believed that General O’Brien would be appointed secretary as he is highly qualified and greatly desires the position.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-05-02

Creator(s)

O'Brien, John F., 1857-1927

Letter from James Sullivan Clarkson to Theodore Roosevelt

Surveyor of Customs Clarkson suggests that President Roosevelt meet with Leigh S. J. Hunt, who has just returned from abroad and has a lot to say about his experiences in Egypt and the Sudan, as well as the Russo-Japanese War. Clarkson reports that in New York, the Democrats are turning against Alton B. Parker. The Republicans in New York are nervous regarding the Secretaryship of the Panama Commission, with support for Edward Charles O’Brien. It has been asserted that five of the seven commissioners are Democrats, and Clarkson suggests that Roosevelt consider whether there is a Republican secretary who could be as good as the Democrats.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-05-11

Creator(s)

Clarkson, James Sullivan, 1842-1918

Newspaper article on reception given by American Minister to Paraguay

American Minster to Paraguay Edward Charles O’Brien recently hosted a lavish and well-attended reception celebrating the Fourth of July. The author particularly notes that the community of English subjects in Paraguay made up a significant portion of the guests, and comments on the good relationship of the citizens of the two nations who are living in Paraguay.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-07-12

Creator(s)

Unknown

Letter from Nicholas Murray Butler to Theodore Roosevelt

Nicholas Murray Butler comments on a newspaper article reporting that Edward C. O’Brien has withdrawn candidacy for secretary of the Panama Canal Commission and declined to go as minister to San Domingo.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-29

Creator(s)

Butler, Nicholas Murray, 1862-1947

Letter from Joseph Bucklin Bishop to Theodore Roosevelt

Joseph Bucklin Bishop believes his newspaper, The Commercial Advertiser, can “have a great influence” in Theodore Roosevelt’s campaign. William Loeb sent Bishop copies of Roosevelt’s papers and addresses. Benjamin B. Odell is trying to diffuse quarrels within the Republican Party in New York. Alton B. Parker’s candidacy as a nominee for U.S. president in the 1904 election is also discussed. Parker voted for William Jennings Bryan.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-04-04

Creator(s)

Bishop, Joseph Bucklin, 1847-1928

Letter from Benjamin Odell to Theodore Roosevelt

Governor Odell wrote to President Roosevelt expressing his sadness about the fact that General Edward C. O’Brien was not appointed as Secretary of the Isthmain Canal Commission.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-30

Creator(s)

Odell, Benjamin B. (Benjamin Barker), 1854-1926

Letter from Benjamin Odell to Theodore Roosevelt

Governor Odell wrote to President Roosevelt requesting consideration of General Edward C. O’Brien for Secretary of the Isthmian Canal Commission. Odell had heard gossip about the possibility of Joseph Bucklin Bishop being appointed instead.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-23

Creator(s)

Odell, Benjamin B. (Benjamin Barker), 1854-1926

Letter from Thomas Collier Platt to Theodore Roosevelt

Senator Platt recommends Professor Benjamin D. Woodward for an appointment connected with the Isthmian Canal Commission.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-15

Creator(s)

Platt, Thomas Collier, 1833-1910

Letter from John F. O’Brien to Theodore Roosevelt

John F. O’Brien is upset that some consider his brother, Edward Charles O’Brien, not qualified to be appointed secretary to the Panama Canal Commission.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-03-15

Creator(s)

O'Brien, John F., 1857-1927