Van Devanter, Willis, 1859-1941

President Roosevelt could not appoint Senator Clark’s recommendation for the role of United States Attorney, as he is unfit for the role. After discussing M. B. Camplin’s qualifications with Judge Willis Van Devanter and the Attorney General, it has been made very clear to him that Camplin is unfit for the position, and he will reappoint Timothy F. Burke to the role.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-06-02

President Roosevelt describes to Mark Sullivan the considerations that have gone into his selections for federal judgeships. Roosevelt reviews his appointments in detail, noting that some were made at the request of the local organization and some against their wishes. The goal in each case was to appoint someone “of the high character, the good sense, the trained legal ability, and the necessary broad-mindedness of spirit…essential to a good judge.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1907-05-13

President Roosevelt follows up with Secretary of the Interior Hitchcock on several cases, in particular that of Governor of Oklahoma Territory Frank C. Frantz.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1906-09-06

President Roosevelt lists the people he consulted regarding the irrigation legislation.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-08-01

President Roosevelt is leaning towards offering the new judgeship to Willis Van Devanter.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1902-06-02

Sidney C. Tapp grew up in the South and was a Democrat until breaking with the party during Theodore Roosevelt’s administration. He agrees with Roosevelt that government should be of the people rather than the interests. As an aside, Tapp hopes Roosevelt can send an autographed copy of his works to replace the stolen one. Tapp’s associates are presenting his name to President William H. Taft for consideration to fill a judicial vacancy. He asks Roosevelt to use his influence to ensure he receives due consideration and is not boycotted by the “interests.”

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1911-01-06

Charles C. Goetsch examines the legal, philosophical, and political dispute between Theodore Roosevelt and Simeon E. Baldwin, a Yale Law School professor, Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court of Errors, and Governor of Connecticut. He details the conservative legal outlook of Baldwin and how this view clashed with the progressive political beliefs of Roosevelt. Goetsch shows how a legal dispute over the constitutionality of the Federal Employers Liability Act extended from the courts to the 1910 election campaign where Roosevelt’s rhetoric prompted Baldwin to consider a libel suit against the former president.

Two pictures, one of Simeon E. Baldwin and the other of Theodore Roosevelt speaking from the platform of a train car, are included in the article.

A listing of the officers and the members of the executive, finance, and Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace committees of the Theodore Roosevelt Association is included in the article as well as an advertisement for the Roosevelt Savings Bank of Garden City, New York.

Commissioner of Corporations Garfield encloses a memorandum regarding the Wyoming Oil Company and writes that Judge Ryan relayed that Judge Van Devanter has charge of the consolidated oil case. Garfield discusses the Ohio and New York election results. Garfield is traveling to the woods with Gifford Pinchot and sends his regards to Mrs. Roosevelt.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-11-04

Representative Dick congratulates President Roosevelt on the quality and popularity of the individuals appointed to recent posts.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1903-02-23

Representative Flynn expresses his admiration for Vice President Roosevelt and hopes to speak with him regarding Oklahoma Territory. He also wishes to know when William Allen White’s article will appear in the Saturday Evening Post, because he would like Van Devanter to see it.

Collection

Library of Congress Manuscript Division

Creation Date

1901-09-02