Your TR Source
John F. Stevens writes to Secretary of War Taft that news has reached Panama that steam shovels and men are coming to “make dirt fly.” Stevens warns that careful organization is needed, especially if they use the labor of southern African American prisoners.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-31
Secretary of War Taft sends a fuller dispatch from John F. Stevens to President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-30
John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal, objects to the construction bid made by W. J. Oliver, and updates Secretary of War Taft on the Panama Canal’s construction progress.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-30
Chief Engineer Stevens was surprised to learn of Chairman Shonts’s resignation and President Roosevelt’s acceptance. He had understood that Roosevelt was not going to take action without consulting Stevens. Stevens does not desire to be the only one in charge of the Panama Canal construction; he had wanted the post in the Philippines instead and only accepted the position in Panama reluctantly. Stevens wanted to be in charge of construction and not a political actor. He complains that his salary is too low and the “honor” of the position is not enough. Stevens worries that the upcoming election might change the plan for construction, and he expresses particular concern for the future of the Republican party. He argues on behalf of the Isthmian Commission. He is not anxious to continue in the service, and wishes to return to railroad work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-30
John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal, does not think that W. J. Oliver is the right person for the contract, and advises Secretary of War Taft to call for new bids.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-29
John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal, cables Secretary of War Taft that he believes it is a mistake to award the contract to build the Panama Canal to W. J. Oliver.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-29
Ambassador Carter, Secretary of the American Embassy in London, thanks President Roosevelt for his letters, and for having his daughter Mildred stay at the White House. Carter discusses the response of the British public and press to the “Jamaica incident.” This likely refers to the inadequate relief provided by British Governor of Jamaica James Alexander Swettenham to Jamaican residents after the Kingston earthquake, and the subsequent intervention by American Rear Admiral C. H. Davis. The reaction in Britain is one of “amazement, indignation, and mortification.” However, Roosevelt’s answers to British Secretary of State for War R. B. Haldane’s and British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Edward Grey’s telegrams “had a most soothing effect.” Carter also references an earlier conversation he and Roosevelt had about Swettenham, in connection with the Panama Canal.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-25
John F. Stevens requests no action until he has thoroughly discussed the matter with President Roosevelt. This is in regard to Theodore P. Shonts resigning from the Panama Canal Commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-24
Secretary of War Taft explains why it would not be beneficial to send John F. Steven’s letter to Theodore P. Shonts. He will send the letter if President Roosevelt wishes it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-09
Attorney General Bonaparte relays to President Roosevelt the language of the immigration law enabling the President to prevent the Japanese government from issuing passports for immigrants to the continental United States who first travel through other countries or United States territories and the draft executive order. Bonaparte suggests changes to the order to make it conform with the immigration law.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-14
Theodore P. Shonts informs John F. Stevens that the government has agreed on a price after a conference including Secretary of State Elihu Root, Secretary of War William H. Taft, and President Roosevelt. Shonts is investigating the financial responsibility, integrity, and past performance of the Oliver & Bangs construction company.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-18
John F. Stevens, Chief Engineer of the Panama Canal, wires Secretary of War Taft, objecting to a person who has submitted a bid to build the canal. Stevens asserts that the person lacks the “nature, experience or achievement.” He advises that the contract should not have been advertised yet, and that more time should be taken to secure the best combination of contractors for the work.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01
John F. Stevens writes the Isthmian Canal Commission that the lowest bid is still too high, but they should examine the record and capacity of the bidders.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-16
Theodore Shonts replies to John F. Stevens that the bids before the Commission will be taken up on their merits after construction bids are acted upon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-11
Rear Admiral Mahan is very worried about reports that claim U. S. Naval ships will be situated in the Pacific. Fearing U. S. forces are vastly inferior to Japan’s, Mahan posits that war with Japan could devolve into a very poor situation for the United States. Should warfare with Japan commence, the United States’ ties to the Philippines and Hawaii might be in danger.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-10
John F. Stevens, chief engineer of the Panama Canal project, informs President Roosevelt that a stevedoring contractor named J. W. Foulke has been visiting the canal, and has intimated that he has financial backing from a group which includes Chairman of the Isthmian Commission Theodore P. Shonts. Stevens suggests that if these connections came to light it may “prove embarrassing.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-05
William Emlen Roosevelt writes President Roosevelt about annoyances with the Oyster Bay government. He concludes with an update on the family as they get ready for the holidays.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-19
Secretary of War Taft presumes that President Roosevelt has seen the criticism of the Panama plans by Lindon W. Bates. Taft encloses a memorandum from Theodore P. Shonts which shows the character of Bates’s evidence and the motive of his criticism.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-14
William Emlen Roosevelt explains to President Roosevelt that they have decided to lay the cable and would like to have it finished before hurricane season. Laying this cable is in line with the War Department’s vision for better communication between the Panama Canal and Washington D.C.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-13
Theodore P. Shonts writes to Secretary of War Taft about a pamphlet titled “The Crisis at Panama” written by Lindon Bates, which is seen as an attack on the Panama Canal. Shonts asks General Hains, a member of the Isthmian Canal Commission, for a dignified reply to the criticisms in the pamphlet. Shonts also says The New York World wrote a long article about the pamphlet. Shonts had a reporter of the newspaper come to his home and told him although he could not quickly give an answer to the pamphlet, he could explain the motive of it and point out how the conclusions in it are incorrect.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-12-11