Your TR Source
Judson C. Clements replies to President Roosevelt’s questions about the Union Pacific Coal Inquiry report. Clements clarifies the phrasing of the report’s last sentence and offers to make any further explanations Roosevelt requests.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-10-14
Cecil Andrew Lyon, chairman of the Republican State Executive Committee for Texas, sends President Roosevelt a clipping from the Dallas News that contains the Attorney General’s opinion of E. H. R. Green. Lyon is concerned about the “dearth of republican lawyers” and leaving judicial nominations blank in some districts. Lyon refers to Roosevelt’s letter about the interstate commerce commissioner in the area and asks Roosevelt to speak with William Hawley Atwell, Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, before appointing Mr. Cowan. Lyon plans to write Secretary of State William H. Taft, Secretary of the Treasury Leslie M. Shaw, and “some of the more prominent senators” about visiting Texas and giving speeches to rally votes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-30
Acting Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission Judson C. Clements informs President Roosevelt about facts developed from an inquiry into the practices of railroads engaged in interstate commerce.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-20
William H. Taft debates the possibilities of encountering a conflict of interest if Justice John Marshall Harlan’s son, James S. Harlan, serves on the Interstate Commerce Commission. Taft will have a discussion about this with Justice Harlan while they golf.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-19
S. H. Cowan believes that President Roosevelt should reappoint Judson Clements to the Interstate Commerce Commission. If in the unlikely event that a position on the Commission were to become open Cowan would, of course serve, but he would not like to replace any of the Democrats already serving.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-24
S. H. Cowan is in receipt of President Roosevelt’s letter of July 10 and expresses his thanks for the spirit of it. He assures Roosevelt that he was not criticizing the appointment of Edgar E. Clark and that the positions Clark will take as a commissioner will only be revealed by his future actions. Cowan infers from Roosevelt’s letter that Commissioner Clements may be retired or not reappointed and expresses his hope that Clements may be retained.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-17
Commissioner of Corporations Garfield tells President Roosevelt that Charles S. Mellen of New Haven Railroad will cooperate with the government on railroad reform. Garfield also discusses the appointment of an internal revenue collector in Ohio and a suggested candidate for the Interstate Commerce Commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-12
Supreme Court Justice Harlan is surprised that President Roosevelt has been having trouble appointing his son, James Shanklin Harlan, to the Interstate Commerce Commission because of his familial connection. Such objections if followed, Harlan points out, would preclude any family member of a Justice from being appointed to any sort of federal or state judgeship. Harlan feels that Supreme Court Justices recognize the weight of their office and would be able to impartially judge the actions of family members, and moreover act as one of a group, which would not allow them to act unilaterally in any case.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-05
Edgar E. Clark has heard that he is being considered for being appointed to the Interstate Commerce Commission. Clark does not want to enter the traditional contest for such an appointment, but if he is recommended by President Roosevelt or someone whose opinion carries weight with Roosevelt, he would be glad to accept. Clark admits that a position on the Interstate Commerce Commission has strongly appealed to him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-06-03
John Allison, chancellor of the Davidson Chancery Court, requests an appointment to the Interstate Commerce Commission from President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-06-13
Charles A. Prouty writes to President Roosevelt about the amendment to the sixth section. The act is to regulate commerce and railway rates.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-18
Anna Roosevelt Cowles informs President Roosevelt that she has seen a newspaper article stating the Hepburn Rate Act had passed and inquires about his reaction to what was amended in the bill. She also writes that the Maharaja (Gaekwar) of Baroda will be visiting and suggests the President see him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-19
Chairman Knapp of the Interstate Commerce Commission reports to President Roosevelt that Attorney Francis S. Monnett had been selected not by the commission but by the complaining shippers in Kansas, yet nothing had suggested that he was “not entirely acceptable.” Monnett was also recommended by the commission’s special agent, John T. Marchand. Though it became clear later that Monnett’s employment “was unfortunante and regrettable,” Knapp states that it seemed more appropriate to allow him to perform his job than to fire him. Knapp closes by asserting his confidence in the commission’s secretary, Edward A. Moseley, in this matter and in general.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-22
Charles A. Prouty writes to President Roosevelt regarding a rate bill that was recently passed. Prouty believes the language in the bill is not clear enough. Prouty wants to ensure the Interstate Commerce Commission has the ability to intervene and pass judgment on rate disputes.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-22
Albert Shaw writes to Theodore Roosevelt to suggest adding two more members to the Interstate Commerce Commission. Shaw states there is too much work for five men and additional membership would allow strong candidates to be appointed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-26
Commissioner of Corporations Garfield summarizes for President Roosevelt portions of the oil report. The report uncovered the practice of railroad lines in the Northeast and Midwest offering Standard Oil Company secret discounted rates in the interstate transportation of oil. Both railroad and Standard Oil representatives deny any wrongdoing.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-16
S. H. Cowan protests to President Roosevelt the language used by the Senate in legislation over livestock shipment rates.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-05-17
Charles A. Prouty tells Theodore Roosevelt he has thrown the letter in the trash. Prouty states Roosevelt’s advice should be followed if he gives it when he could otherwise give an order.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-03-29
William Barnes writes Theodore Roosevelt to recommend Omie DeGraff, an engineer at New York Central Railroad, for the position of inspector of safety appliances in the Interstate Commerce Commission. Barnes further remarks upon the political climate of New York between the Republican and Democratic parties, and the impending nomination of William Randolph Hearst for governor.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-04-09
Chairman Martin A. Knapp acknowledges President Roosevelt’s letter regarding the investigation the Interstate Commerce Commission is undertaking. Knapp wishes to inform Roosevelt about certain facts that the Commission “cannot ignore,” mainly the circumstances by which the Kansas City inquiry began.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-03-22