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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
August Belmont expresses his gratitude to President Roosevelt for “giving up” Theodore P. Shonts, so that Shonts may come to New York and “undertake the direction of our local traction situation.” Belmont argues that the work will have an important bearing on the welfare of the community, and the development of New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-01-21
Secretary of the Treasury Leslie M. Shaw makes recommendations to President Roosevelt regarding the administration of the Panama Canal. The government had bought steamships to use the canal, but Shaw recommends selling them to private companies and taking sealed bids for contracts to operate the canal routes. He also suggests that the government should use private contractors on building and operating the isthmian railroad the government owns as well, as this will prevent red tape and potential scandals. He does recommend hiring many civil and sanitary engineers to oversee the work, however. Shaw uses examples of government projects using private contractors in Albany and New York City, New York, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to strengthen his argument.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-10-17