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On behalf of President Roosevelt, Secretary of War Taft instructs John F. Stevens to pause any delegation until his arrival, then they can consult with Major George W. Goethals.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-07
Seth H. McGee would like President Roosevelt to have the signature of former Governor of Georgia Rufus B. Bullock (whom he mistakenly believes to have been Roosevelt’s grandfather), and so sends Roosevelt an old commission signed by Bullock. McGee opines that he would like to see Benjamin M. Hall sent to Panama to finish the canal, rather than Hall being out West or in Atlanta.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-07
Chief Engineer of the Panama Canal, John F. Stevens, asks Secretary of War Taft if he should give permission for a group of steam shovel operators looking for increased wages to visit Washington.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-06
Secretary of War Taft believes that the steam shovel men need to put what they say in writing and that permission to visit President Roosevelt would interfere largely with discipline on the Isthmus.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-06
John F. Stevens, chief engineer and newly appointed Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, informs ICC secretary Joseph Bucklin Bishop that he will take charge of the Washington office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-05
Chairman Shonts sends Secretary of War Taft the details of the contract for the building of the Panama Canal. Walston H. Brown and Chief Engineer Stevens conferred to come up with a percentage-base plan for the contractors.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-03
This memorandum outlines the differences in proposed contracts of the construction of the Pamana Canal between Walston H. Brown, railroad builder, and John F. Stevens.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-03
Foley reports to Theodore P. Shonts, chair of the Isthmian Canal Commission, regarding a visit of the Commercial Clubs of Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Louis to the canal. The guests asked extensive questions and were impressed with the progress of the project. Many of the staff expressed concern over the resignation of John F. Stevens as chief engineer.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-02
John F. Stevens informs Secretary of War Taft that he will stay on in Panama to help Colonel George W. Goethals train as his replacement. Stevens recently resigned as head engineer of the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-28
Secretary of War Taft relays a telegram to John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal construction project, that his telegram was received. Taft informs Stevens that he will be made Chairmen of the Isthmian Commission on March 5th and “will exercise supreme control” until his departure.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-28
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-27
Harrison, Duncan B., 1862-1934
John F. Stevens informs Secretary of War Taft that he will stay on to thoroughly advise Colonel Goethals until Stevens leaves Panama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-28
John F. Stevens thanks President Roosevelt for accepting his resignation as chief engineer of the Panama Canal construction project. Stevens elaborates on his comments towards the Isthmus Commission, stating that the commission works adequately but lacks “intelligent leadership”, citing a lack of communication between the Chairman, committee, and himself. This, along with the political hostility in Congress concerning the project, influenced his decision, stating “when a man must adjust the balance of his life to certain conditions, he would not be wise to overlook any of them.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-26
Secretary of War Taft requests Commissioner Shonts forward the following dispatch from President Roosevelt to Chief Engineer John F. Stevens. After serious review, Taft asks Shonts whether to accept a bid for the construction of the Panama Canal under the present contract or to reject all bids entirely. Taft 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.” Taft informs Shonts of the resignation of Stevens, Chief Engineer of the project, and solicits to have him replaced with Major George W. Goethals. In the meantime, Taft requests that the Commission reject the two bids aforementioned. In a typed postscript, Taft informs Stevens that Goethals will replace him as Chief Engineer and Chairman of the Commission. Roosevelt expects him to use every attempt to assists Goethals with “as little friction and as little loss of efficiency” as possible.
After serious review, Secretary of War Taft 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. Taft 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. Taft 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 Taft and Stevens that a new contract must be drafted. In the meantime, Taft requests that the Commission reject the two bids aforementioned.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-23
John F. Stevens responds to what he considers a new bid for construction of the Panama Canal, which he still believes to be inadequate. He is sending a letter to President Roosevelt with more details.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-09
Secretary of War Taft lists the names of the heads of companies making a bid on contracts for the Panama Canal project and asks John F. Stevens if he has any more information on them.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-06
Secretary of War Taft asks John F. Stevens if he knows the men W. J. Oliver proposes as his associates for his work on the Panama Canal. Taft is investigating Oliver before they accept any bid.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-02
Chairman Theodore P. Shonts showed W. C. Brown’s letter to President Roosevelt, “who read it with interest.” Roosevelt agreed with Brown and understands that the need for increased pay for employees and shorter work hours requires appropriate rates, and the government wants to ensure no discrimination in rates. Roosevelt also wants to ensure that railroad securities are used for specific improvements like more terminals or additional rolling stock to ensure the security of investors’ money.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-01
William Emlen Roosevelt writes to President Roosevelt arguing the right of the U.S. to control all cable landing rights and the establishment of wireless stations on the coast of Panama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-02-01