Robbins, Francis L. (Francis LeBaron), 1855-1911

President Roosevelt agrees with Theodore P. Shonts, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission, that it would be a good time to take action now if he could, but says that he currently holds no power over the matter other than public opinion, which at this point is not interested in the issue. The commission that the coal operators have requested he establish is not something he can do on his own, but would require an act of Congress to create. Even if he could, the coal miners have not asked for it, which would give Roosevelt pause. Altogether, he does not feel that he can act at this time, but will continue to watch how the situation develops.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-31

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

President Roosevelt has received two telegrams on the matter of an ongoing dispute about wages between coal mine operators and miners, the texts of which he includes for John H. Winder to see. Roosevelt tells Winder that he does not have the authority to create the commission that Winder suggested, as it would take an act of Congress, and is not prepared to say what action he is personally able to take.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-31

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

President Roosevelt agrees with Seth Low’s position on the bituminous and anthracite situations, and is glad that he wrote Francis L. Robbins and John Mitchell. He has nothing further to suggest.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-14

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

President Roosevelt asks John Mitchell if the enclosed letter is all right. He is unsure whether he should write to Mr. Taylor, and asks if it is enough to write to Mitchell and Francis L. Robbins.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-02-24

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

President Roosevelt expresses concern over the failure of the convention on joint interstate agreement to agree to a settlement on the scale of wages for bituminous mining. He is concerned that the threatened strike will have a negative affect on industrial peace, business interests, and the general welfare of the country. He believes that as chairmen of the National Civic Federation trade agreement committee, John Mitchell and Francis L. Robbins have a duty to make further efforts to avert a strike.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-02-24

Creator(s)

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Seth Low encloses a letter from Francis L. Robbins for President Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-16

Creator(s)

Low, Seth, 1850-1916

Seth Low provides Theodore Roosevelt with a summary of the negotiations with coal miners. Low states unionization could probably be avoided if wages are increased.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-24

Creator(s)

Low, Seth, 1850-1916

Seth Low writes that his informant did not bring back pleasant information. Despite the unfavorable situation, they were successful in advancing arbitration in the dispute between operators and miners.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-27

Creator(s)

Low, Seth, 1850-1916

Seth Low writes to President Roosevelt to offer the assistance of the National Civic Federation Committee on Conciliation in the “coal situation.” Low encloses a copy of a letter he wrote to two other department members. Low includes a handwritten note that gives two reasons for not yet tending to the situation at the present time.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-03-13

Creator(s)

Low, Seth, 1850-1916