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United States. Department of the Treasury. Office of the Secretary

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Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from William H. Taft to Theodore Roosevelt

President-elect Taft describes his pleasant journey to Colón to inspect the construction of the Panama Canal. He informs President Roosevelt that changes among the engineering staff have resulted in clear improvements. The committee is not inclined to change the plans for the canal’s locks and dams. They worry that too much money is being spent on safety precautions, but Taft disagrees. He approves of Roosevelt’s decision to widen the canal, and is optimistic that it will be finished before the projected completion date. Additionally, Taft discusses cabinet and diplomatic appointments he is considering.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1909-02-01

Creator(s)

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Letter from Leslie M. Shaw to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from Leslie M. Shaw to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of the Treasury Shaw sends President Roosevelt letters from James N. Brown and Ludwig Nissen, as well as an editorial from the Chicago Tribune. He also states Raymond Patterson wrote a criticism column. Shaw recommends Roosevelt find complimentary letters and publish extracts from them to counter the criticism he is receiving to protect the next Secretary of the Treasury.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-10-28

Creator(s)

Shaw, Leslie M. (Leslie Mortier), 1848-1932

Letter from Leslie M. Shaw to Theodore Roosevelt

Letter from Leslie M. Shaw to Theodore Roosevelt

Secretary of the Treasury Leslie M. Shaw makes recommendations to President Roosevelt regarding the administration of the Panama Canal. The government had bought steamships to use the canal, but Shaw recommends selling them to private companies and taking sealed bids for contracts to operate the canal routes. He also suggests that the government should use private contractors on building and operating the isthmian railroad the government owns as well, as this will prevent red tape and potential scandals. He does recommend hiring many civil and sanitary engineers to oversee the work, however. Shaw uses examples of government projects using private contractors in Albany and New York City, New York, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to strengthen his argument.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1905-10-17

Creator(s)

Shaw, Leslie M. (Leslie Mortier), 1848-1932