Receivership

President Roosevelt agrees with Secretary of War Taft and has removed the reference to receivership from his speech. The “Philippine question” is the only point on which he remains uneasy. He details his thoughts and concerns about the United States’ continued relationship with the islands, including their strategic importance in the event of a conflict with Japan and the issue of granting autonomy.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-08-21

W. P. Dewey is interested in Theodore Roosevelt’s position on the conduct of courts and judges. He recently became aware of the issue concerning receiverships and reorganizing corporations through receiverships resulting from court actions. Dewey believes in the need for an investigation into the matter and proposes Roosevelt carry it out.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

A memorandum outlines the current assets and debts of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company in Pittsburgh, and the plan of a Readjustment Committee to rescue the company from bankruptcy. The memorandum makes suggestions on how to make the Merchandise Creditors’ plan effective, including lifting receivership of the company.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-05-28

William Meyer Lewin had spoken with Commissioner of Indian Affairs Leupp about rumors that the receivership of the Western Maryland Railroad has been worked up to affect the public and Congress. This is one of several such receiverships aimed to reduce actual earnings, wrecking the finances of the company while ensuring that it could declare bankruptcy without its owners losing control of the property.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-03-16

William Meyer Lewin asks Francis E. Leupp if he might suggest that President Roosevelt consider enacting a law regarding receiverships. Lewin proposes that when a public utility is placed under a receivership, the United States Attorney be given notice of this decision and allowed to nominate one of the receivers. Lewin connects this request with his experience as counsel for the estate of Dr. E. Oliver Belt, who was killed in a train crash.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-03-14

Douglas Robinson wishes President Roosevelt a happy New Year and tells him that he took Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. to his box to check the bonds. Robinson has heard that Edith Roosevelt is inviting them to visit next month. Robinson says that he and Roosevelt both have troubles, although Roosevelt’s are larger. Robinson’s problems are related to the receivership of the Third Avenue Railway company. Roger Foster will argue before the Supreme Court whether or not Judge Lacombe had the authority to name a receiver in the case. Robinson encloses a clipping of Lacombe’s statement on the matter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01-09

Secretary of State Root feels President Roosevelt’s Provincetown speech is strong and presents Roosevelt’s view “with great force.” He offers some points of revision, in particular removing the reference to receivership. Root believes they can better discuss the Japanese situation in person than in letters. Overall, Root thinks the tendency leans towards a war occurring several years in the future.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-08-08

Many Maryland state senators and representatives have commented on upcoming legislation relating to the upcoming receivership of the Western Maryland Railroad. The legislators have generally expressed their unhappiness about this, as the railroad has helped Maryland in many ways.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-03-05

Judge Emile Henry Lacombe has appointed Frederick W. Whitridge receiver for the Third Avenue Railway company. Lacombe commends receivers in general and believes that the criticism often levied against them is unfair. He believes Whitridge, who was nominated by a board member, is a good choice for the position.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1908-01

Secretary of War Taft advises President Roosevelt to remove the reference to receivership in his Provincetown speech.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-08-16