Schomburg, Theodore A., 1864-1929

Former New Mexico Territory Governor Hagerman has refrained from addressing President Roosevelt’s statements in his letters concerning Hagerman’s forced resignation because he felt that on further reflection, Roosevelt would correct his false accusations. However, Hagerman now feels compelled to answer the accusations Roosevelt has made against him and set the record straight. Hagerman includes a detailed timeline and description of events and persons involved in his forced resignation due to accusations of land fraud. In conclusion, Hagerman says that the entire affair has hurt the standing of the Republican Party in New Mexico and asks Roosevelt to take this into consideration.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-07-19

Creator(s)

Hagerman, Herbert J. (Herbert James), 1871-1935

Former New Mexico Territory Governor Hagerman responds to President Roosevelt’s letter accepting his resignation in language that “should not be considered less forceful because of the absence of harsh language.” Hagerman says that in 1898, Congress placed restrictions on land leases in New Mexico Territory which were inappropriate to the landscape and climate of the territory, and ever since, individuals and businesses have worked to skirt these restrictions. When Hagerman became governor, he tried to get guidance from the federal government regarding these restrictions and the seemingly illegal contracts granted by his predecessor, but received none. Hagerman was left to either break deals made by his predecessor, or fulfill them if no harm would come to the territory, and the Pennsylvania Land Company deal was one such deal. Hagerman holds that the action he took was neither illegal nor improper, and refutes several specific points from Roosevelt’s letter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-05-15

Creator(s)

Hagerman, Herbert J. (Herbert James), 1871-1935

Secretary of the Interior Garfield reports to President Roosevelt regarding illegal land sales in New Mexico. Garfield states that commissioners and past governors conspired to sell more publicly-owned land than was legal. Garfield recommends that the men involved should be prosecuted.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-05-27

Creator(s)

Garfield, James Rudolph, 1865-1950