Your TR Source
George W. Ogilvie asks President Roosevelt to send a representative of the Department of Justice to Chicago to investigate unspecified claims of corruption.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-25
John C. Spooner is complying with the president’s request to send letters about a judgeship.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-12-19
Charles J. Bonaparte sends President Roosevelt his resignation as Indian Commissioner. He allowed his name to be put on Maryland’s ballot as an elector for the upcoming presidential election without considering that he held office, and believes it would be simpler to resign his office than change the ticket, as doing that may be misconstrued. Bonaparte also has resigned from auxiliary positions in other cabinet departments to be safe, although he does not believe these technically count as official positions. He hopes to be able to cast his electoral vote for Roosevelt, but he believes that Roosevelt will be victorious in the election even if he does not carry Maryland.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-01
Judson Harmon and Frederick N. Judson stand outside of the “Department of Justice” with a paper that reads, “Instructions—Give everybody a square deal. T. R.” Meanwhile, Attorney General William H. Moody and President Roosevelt hold a sheet that Paul Morton climbs out from under. He holds a suitcase that reads, “P. Morton—New York—When in Rome of the Romans.” On the side of the Department of Justice is a sign that reads, “Let no guilty man escape. U. S. G.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-06-20
President Roosevelt congratulates Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte for his speech at Chicago, which showed his fair enforcement of the law. His attackers use the press and their wealth to recruit powerful people, like college presidents and corrupt judges, to their side at the cost of the “plain people.” These attackers know that developments like the Hepburn Rate Law, the Sherman Anti-Trust Law, the Pure Food and Drug Act, and protections for workers have been effective against moneyed interests and criminals, but they are often lawyers or editors who answer to the corporations. The individual men to whom he refers are, however, merely puppets, and the true issue should be taken with the offenders who stand behind them and control enormous wealth. He and Bonaparte are not responsible for the economic panic, but are striving for the right “in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-12-23
Draft of a memorandum which reviews the investigation into the Post Office Department, including a list of employees who were dismissed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-11-24
Fourth Assistant Postmaster General Bristow, with the assistance of the District Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia, is currently investigating charges connected to the Post Office Department. Due to their other important public duties, his office is finding it difficult to find the time necessary to prosecute these cases. President Roosevelt suggests detailing additional staff from the Department of Justice or hiring special assistants for the Post Office cases.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-06-22
Theodore Roosevelt is shocked that the Alaskan Bill received support. Roosevelt thinks there is a possibility the Department of Justice will not act against those who are disloyal and will intimidate those who criticize the government.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1918-03-03
Theodore Roosevelt vaguely recalls the matter John W. Dunkle writes about. However, he does not remember if Alexander Pollock Moore was part of the committee. He does, however, remember that he directed the Department of Justice to investigate the committee’s charges.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-11-22
Theodore Roosevelt agrees with Representative Madison regarding the undesirability of the precedent established and was the only person to protest against it. While an ex-president is a private citizen and should appear before a Senate committee if asked, it should only be under exceptional circumstances. Roosevelt read the testimony before Madison’s committee. He thanks Hines for his treatment of George H. Earle and discusses the latter’s poor conduct.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-08-11
Theodore Roosevelt informs Hugh Gordon Miller that he is correct that Roosevelt is not running for mayor. Roosevelt is also pleased with Miller’s statement about the “Wickersham – New York, New Haven and Hartford” matter. Roosevelt had given the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad “permission” to buy a line of steamships to prevent Charlie Morse from having a monopoly. This in no way affects the actions of President William H. Taft.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1912-12-04
In response to a report by Senator James A. Hemenway, President Roosevelt defends the Secret Service’s work to Senator Hale of Maine, the acting chairman of the Committee on Appropriations in the U.S. Senate. Roosevelt refutes each claim made in the report and notes that the current limitations placed on the Secret Service is hindering justice.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-19
President Roosevelt asks Attorney General Bonaparte if the Department of Justice has a record of Edward L. Medler. If the judge position in New Mexico is created, Medler has been recommended to fill it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-07
President Roosevelt congratulates Governor Curry on what he has accomplished. Roosevelt is trying to get Congress to grant New Mexico statehood and will see what he can do help Judge Edward A. Mann.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-22
President Roosevelt is planning to take Sydney Brooks’ advice in describing the British attitude in India in an upcoming speech. He liked Brooks’ article, and is pleased that he is going to write another one. Roosevelt appreciated Brooks’ praise of his achievements in office, but highlights what he believes are his greatest achievements while in the presidency, including increasing the size of the navy, the construction of the Panama Canal, the creation of forest reserves, and the involvement of the United States in international affairs to promote world peace. He encloses several volumes of his Presidential addresses and State papers.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-28
President Roosevelt spoke with Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte about Alford Warriner Cooley’s letter. Roosevelt intends to leave the position open for the moment, then appoint Cooley towards the end of February. He believes that if Cooley is in office when President-Elect William H. Taft takes office, he will probably remain. Roosevelt is not sure if the Senate will consent to confirming Cooley and advises him to get his references set up. Roosevelt is adamant, however, that Cooley should not return to work unless his doctors approve a return to work, as Cooley must not do anything that endangers his health.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-29
President Roosevelt directs Attorney General Bonaparte to send him information relevant to the Aldrich resolution related to the employment of special investigators so that he may give a comprehensive report to the Senate.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-22
President Roosevelt suggests William Cullen Dennis as a possible candidate to appoint as Assistant Attorney General. Dennis is currently serving as Assistant Solicitor in the Department of State, and Roosevelt has heard good reports of him from Assistant Secretary of State Robert Bacon. Secretary of State Elihu Root is also writing Attorney General Bonaparte a letter to this effect. In a postscript, Roosevelt opines that Thomas Carl Spelling is “of pretty small caliber to argue that commodities case,” and tells Bonaparte that they should put their best man on it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-24
President Roosevelt promises to discuss Edward J. Gavegan’s letter with Attorney General Charles J. Bonaparte and the Department of Justice, but doubts that the department will open the sort of investigation that Gavegan suggests.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-18
President Roosevelt informs Secretary of War Wright that Oscar K. Davis, of the New York Times, is investigating papers connected with the purchase of the Panama Canal. He has thus far been unable to find the minutes of the final meeting of the stockholders of the New Panama Canal Company. Roosevelt asks Wright to have the files examined to determine whether such a document exists.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-12-07