Skinner, Charles Rufus, 1844-1928

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to John S. Billings

Theodore Roosevelt wishes to introduce Charles Rufus Skinner to John S. Billings. Skinner served as Superintendent of Public Instruction in New York during Roosevelt’s time as Civil Service Commissioner and Roosevelt was pleased by his work and accomplishments, including the organization of the State Teachers’ Library. Skinner wishes to speak with Billings about a similar endeavor.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-05-02

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frank Wayland Higgins

President Roosevelt tells New York Governor Higgins that he cannot find a place for “poor” Charles Rufus Skinner. He asks if there is a minor state government position he could be appointed to. In a postscript, Roosevelt encourages Higgins to keep up his leadership.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-01-08

Letter from Leslie M. Shaw to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of the Treasury Shaw has received President Roosevelt’s letter asking to send the letter nominating Charles Rufus Skinner as Assistant Appraiser at the port of New York. Shaw says there are no vacancies currently, notes that he thinks three should be created, and explains that he has been urging Grover Harrison Lufburrow to resign. Shaw reminds Roosevelt that the positions have traditionally been shared between New York and New Jersey, which may affect succession.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-12-05

Letter from Frank Wayland Higgins to Theodore Roosevelt

Governor Higgins writes to President Roosevelt regarding Charles Rufus Skinner. Higgins empathizes with Skinner’s situation and would offer him a position if he had one available. He also thanks Roosevelt for advice concerning opposition to his administration. Higgins uses John Milton’s Paradise Lost as a metaphor for his political experiences.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-01-11

Letter from Nicholas Murray Butler to Theodore Roosevelt

Nicholas Murray Butler discusses legal decisions involved in cases with Charles Rufus Skinner in New York State’s education system. He also mentions that he is still sick with grippe but believes he will recover soon.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-02-27

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick William Holls

Governor Roosevelt assures Frederick William Holls that his name will be printed correctly in the official documents. He is delighted that Holls liked the message and is sending him several copies in pamphlet form. Roosevelt believes that Holls should put the name of the chancellor in the bill to avoid criticism. He plans to invite Holls for a visit to discuss matters with members of the legislature.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1900-01-05

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to Frederick William Holls

Governor Roosevelt thanks Frederick William Holls for the report of the committee, most likely referring to a committee on education, noting the advantage of having Judge Joseph Francis Daly write the report. Roosevelt would like to “make the compromise allowing the Regents to elect the first chancellor and having them submit to a reorganization,” although he is more concerned with getting the bill passed.

Collection

Harvard College Library

Creation Date

1900-01-03

Letter from James Russell Parsons to Theodore Roosevelt

James Russell Parsons explains the current educational debates in New York State, saying much of the current fight has been spurred on by Nicholas Murray Butler.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-01-26

Letter from James Russell Parsons to Theodore Roosevelt

James Russell Parsons discusses legislation concerning revamping the education system in New York state.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-01-18

Letter from Nicholas Murray Butler to Theodore Roosevelt

Nicholas Murray Butler discusses the politics behind the battle to reorganize New York’s educational system. He includes a postscript mentioning that Governor Odell approves of a unification plan, as does the Department of Public Instruction.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-01-13

Letter from James Russell Parsons to Theodore Roosevelt

James Russell Parsons discusses political issues surrounding the proposed reorganization of New York’s educational system.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-01-12

Letter from A. S. Draper to Nicholas Murray Butler

A. S. Draper writes to Nicholas Murray Butler concerning a plan to change New York’s educational system.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-01-11

Letter from James Russell Parsons to Elbert F. Baldwin

James Russell Parsons discusses the plans of Charles Rufus Skinner, New York State superintendent of public instruction, to reorganize New York’s educational system. While Skinner’s plan for unification might have negative consequences, Parsons believes it has the potential to reduce friction between departments and increase efficiency.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-01-08

Letter from Nicholas Murray Butler to Benjamin B. Odell

Nicholas Murray Butler discusses Charles R. Skinner’s plan to revamp New York state’s educational system.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1904-01-07

Translation of letter from Emperor Menelik II to Theodore Roosevelt

Emperor Menelik II writes that he hopes that the recently completed Treaty of Commerce between Ethiopia and the U. S. will establish good relations. He thanks President Roosevelt for the gifts that were sent to him and is sending President Roosevelt two lions and two elephant tusks as a sign of friendship.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-17

Extract

The Associated Academic Principals of the State of New York are almost unanimously opposed to the reelection of Charles Rufus Skinner as Superintendent of Public Instruction. A variety of reasons are provided for this opposition.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-19

Letter from Nicholas Murray Butler to Theodore Roosevelt

Nicholas Murray Butler encloses a letter from Charles Rufus Skinner, whose re-election is being opposed, according to Skinner, due to his efforts to prevent public money from going towards religious and sectarian schools. Skinner has a great deal of “ammunition” on the subject and is considering a public fight over the issue. Butler wanted to warn President Roosevelt of another potential “firebrand” complicating the 1904 political situation.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-08

Letter from Eugene A. Philbin to Theodore Roosevelt

Due to charges of misconduct, Eugene A. Philbin believes that Charles Rufus Skinner’s reelection next spring will be detrimental to New York. He suggests that something needs to be done to meet the situation and wanted to provide President Roosevelt with the relevant information.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-12-19

Letter from Frank Wayland Higgins to Theodore Roosevelt

Lieutenant Governor Higgins provides an explanation of the current legislative battle regarding schools in New York. He concludes that the basic disagreement about the relative powers of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Regents has been turned into a religious issue between Protestants and Catholics. Higgins recommends that President Roosevelt avoid involvement in the issue.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-03-11