Railroads--Mergers--Government policy

Senator Lodge describes his work in getting an agreement in place for a bill in the the Massachusetts State Legislature regarding the merger of the Boston & Main Railroad and the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. Lodge says he believes it is a good bill, but the difficulties created by moving stocks between railroads causes him to lose his temper. In another matter, Lodge asks Roosevelt if it is possible to have a detective or Secret Service agents investigate two men who have been making false statements about the Brownsville Affair.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-06-20

Creator(s)

Lodge, Henry Cabot, 1850-1924

Simon Cordery examines the relationship between Theodore Roosevelt and the nation’s railroads. Cordery highlights some of the significant episodes in Roosevelt’s life made possible by train travel like his trip to the  Dakota Badlands in 1883, his exhausting campaign tour as a vice-presidential candidate in 1900, and his “Great Western Tour” as president in 1903. Cordery notes Roosevelt’s affection for the railroad workers and his disdain for their employers. Roosevelt saw the employees, with their difficult and dangerous jobs, as embodying the strenuous life while he wanted to curb the economic and political powers of their bosses. Cordery highlights the Northern Securities Case which dismantled a combination of railroads on the northern Great Plains and the debate over whether the railroads should provide free travel to the president. 

The article features nine photographs, including three of Roosevelt and trains, and two political cartoons. 

Collection

Theodore Roosevelt Association Journal