Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt thanks The Society of the Chagres through Thomas M. Cooke for the honor they conferred upon him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-11-23
President Roosevelt warns President-Elect Taft under no circumstances to divide the battleship fleet between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans prior to the completion of the Panama Canal. Roosevelt lambasts “enemies of the navy,” “timid fools,” and “conscienceless scoundrels” in Congress who are trying to sway public opinion towards dividing the fleet. Roosevelt believes that a large reason for Russia’s defeat in the Russo-Japanese War was because it divided its navy between the Baltic and Pacific while the entire Japanese fleet was also deployed together.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-03-03
President Roosevelt details the numerous accomplishments of Secretary of State Elihu Root to Andrew Carnegie. Roosevelt makes clear that while the successes occurred during his administration, the credit for State Department efforts firmly belongs to Root, especially as they relate to world peace. Roosevelt is unable to give a speech in Norway, as the request came after he accepted three speaking engagements in Europe and rejected all others.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-26
President Roosevelt asks Speaker of the House Cannon about a section of the sundry civil bill that removes a longevity arrangement for employees on the Isthmus of Panama. Roosevelt acknowledges that employees who expect to see promotions and wage increases might not need the security of the arrangement, but wishes to keep the measure in place for those not expecting advancement.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-25
President Roosevelt introduces Colonel Goethals to one of his Rough Riders wishing to work on the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-18
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 informs Chairman Goethals that Sir Harry Johnston, an English Colonial Administrator, will be visiting the Panama Canal. Roosevelt would like Goethals to show Johnston “everything in connection with the canal.” Roosevelt suggests William H. Taft may like to accompany Johnston.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-28
President Roosevelt disagrees with several statements Secretary of State John Hay wrote. While Hay was one of the most “delightful characters” Roosevelt had ever met, he found Hay lacking leadership qualities as a Secretary of State. Roosevelt provides Senator Lodge with his view of the Alaska Boundary dispute in 1903. He includes copies of the letters Roosevelt wrote to Judge Oliver Wendell Holmes and Henry White to show to British Secretary of State for the Colonies James Chamberlain and Prime Minister James Arthur Balfour. Roosevelt explains why certain appointments were made following the death of President William McKinley and details for why Hay was not consulted on matters concerning the Russo-Japanese War and the acquisition of Panama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-28
President Roosevelt encloses a letter from R. G. Ward, which serves as a “formal reminder” of what he and Secretary of State Root discussed earlier. Roosevelt believes they have already cabled directions on the matter to the Isthmus and would like a copy of the telegram.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-15
President Roosevelt is pleased with what Representative Lindbergh has to say about the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-16
President Roosevelt is sending President-elect William H. Taft with seven highly qualified engineers to determine the current status of the Panama Canal. Roosevelt wants to appoint Captain Allen to join them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-19
President Roosevelt praises Joseph Bucklin Bishop’s wife, Harriet Hartwell Bishop, calling her “a trump if ever there was one.” Roosevelt is glad that president-elect William H. Taft is going to examine the Panama Canal with several engineers, as he feels like the best way to address concerns about it is through “prompt, aggressive action.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-04
President Roosevelt tells George W. Goethals that his letter is exactly what he expected, and that while he did not believe that things were bad at the Panama Canal, he likes to make sure of things. He will forward Goethals’s letter to president-elect William H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-04
President Roosevelt sends President-Elect Taft a letter from George W. Goethals regarding the construction of the Panama Canal. Roosevelt does not believe there is any substance in the push to change the type of canal, but is glad nonetheless that Taft will be visiting the region with six engineers to examine the situation. Roosevelt recently received a nice letter from German Emperor William II, who mentioned his wish for friendship and cooperation with Taft’s administration.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-04
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 tells Cassius E. Gillette that it was best to accept Alfred Noble’s suggestions about the six names. Roosevelt believes that Charles Whiting Baker is “a perfect Trump,” and says that if he wants to go down to Panama, Roosevelt will aid him in every way he can. Roosevelt suggests that Gillette write to President-Elect William H. Taft enclosing this letter, and that Taft would happily include Baker if there is still room.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-30
President Roosevelt was interested in Goodell’s letter, and asks Clifford Richardson to tell Goodell that he has already told President-Elect William H. Taft of his wish for James D. Schuyler and Allen Hazen to accompany him to examine the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-26
President Roosevelt is planning to take Sydney Brooks’ advice in describing the British attitude in India in an upcoming speech. He liked Brooks’ article, and is pleased that he is going to write another one. Roosevelt appreciated Brooks’ praise of his achievements in office, but highlights what he believes are his greatest achievements while in the presidency, including increasing the size of the navy, the construction of the Panama Canal, the creation of forest reserves, and the involvement of the United States in international affairs to promote world peace. He encloses several volumes of his Presidential addresses and State papers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-28
President Roosevelt informs Arthur Powell Davis that President-Elect William H. Taft will shortly be traveling to inspect the Panama Canal in the company of a number of engineers. Roosevelt would like to appoint Davis as one of these engineers to travel with Taft, and asks him to respond as quickly as possible.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-28
President Roosevelt informs John Ripley Freeman that President-Elect William H. Taft will be taking a trip to examine the Panama Canal in the company of a number of well-regarded engineers, and asks if he would be willing to go along as one of these engineers. He informs Freeman of the other engineers who will accompany Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-28