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William Crawford Gorgas thanks Theodore Roosevelt for his actions to ensure the Sanitary Department and sanitation policy in the Panama Canal zone were not overthrown. The Sanitary Department is now being praised, but it would not have been possible without Roosevelt’s support in 1905.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1911-10-24
Secretary of War Taft encloses accounts about yellow fever on the isthmus of Panama.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-27
Admiral Walker is not unwilling to cut expenses, but is in favor of retaining the New York office and a steamship line.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-11
Acting Secretary of War Oliver sends William Loeb a copy of a report made by Rear Admiral John Grimes Walker, Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission related to transportation contracts and the shipping of materials to the Canal Zone.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-11-03
Philippe Bunau-Varilla writes to the board of consulting engineers to propose solutions to the Panama Canal construction. He discusses the dominating factors of the “Panama problem,” namely the future necessity of a sea-level canal and the availability of comparable projects to use as reference points. Examining the topography of the adjacent waterways, he provides justification for placing dams at Gamboa and Bohio to help with flood control of the Chagres River and with the storage of water for dry seasons. He then dispenses with problem of the Culebra cut, which he does not see as “the controlling factor” of the construction. In the third part of his report, Bunau-Varilla rebuts the view of Chief Engineer John F. Wallace and others by arguing that, without interruption to international navigation, a canal built with locks can be gradually transformed into a sea-level waterway if the dimensions of the channel bottom are increased from 150 feet to 300 feet. He goes on to explain the logistics of that future transformation and the costs involved. Feeling he has satisfied “all the enormous interests involved,” Bunau-Varilla concludes by arguing that his plan offers the fastest and safest solution that “affords the required ample and permanent communication between the oceans.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-09-15
Roosevelt asks that, if it is true that Armstrong will need to leave the Isthmian Canal Commission, he be kept until Roosevelt returns to Washington to see what can be done for him. Roosevelt does not have a personal interest in the case apart from the unwarranted hardship that Armstrong seems to suffer by his dismissal, as he was drafted from the Treasury Department where there is not currently an opening for him to return to.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-09
President Roosevelt outlines for Paul Morton what Theodore P. Shonts’s role should be as Chairman of the Isthmian Canal Commission. Shonts apparently wants to directly report to Roosevelt, rather than being under a Cabinet officer (in this case Secretary of War William H. Taft). Roosevelt believes that Shonts should model his behavior and conduct after that of Taft when he was Governor General of the Philippines. Taft was then focused more on doing his work than getting credit for his work, and Shonts should do the same in Panama. Roosevelt will speak with Taft about ensuring Shonts gets credit for his work, because it is imperative that Shonts and Taft are able to work together.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-11-11
President Roosevelt informs Secretary of War Taft that if there is no change in the Isthmian Canal law, it may be good to change the Isthmian Canal Commission personnel. He suggests several possible changes, and asks Taft to research some possible candidates. Roosevelt wishes he could secure a suitable salary for Elihu Root, who he would then allow “to take complete charge and run this whole business.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-04
President Roosevelt instructs Secretary of War Taft that under the Isthmian Canal Commission, Dr. William Crawford Gorgas should receive a $10,000 salary. He does not understand Admiral John Grimes Walker’s wish to leave the “useless and expensive” office of the Panama Railroad in New York, while at the same time seeking to economize the medical service improperly.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-09
President Roosevelt confirms his receipt of two of Secretary of War Taft’s letters regarding the Isthmian Canal. Roosevelt tells Taft that the Commission’s duties and personnel should be rearranged. Roosevelt notes confusion over points made over Admiral John Walker but plans to clear it up with Colonel Frank Hecker and William Parsons once they return.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-10-01
President Roosevelt has written to Attorney General William H. Moody as advised by Secretary of War Taft. Admiral John Grimes Walker has been informed that employees of the Isthmian Canal Commission will be put under the Civil Service Commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-22
President Roosevelt sent the printed petition and the letter from the Attorney General about James Scrymser’s offer to Admiral Walker for an immediate report. Roosevelt will send William Emlen Roosevelt a copy of the letter that Roosevelt wrote Senator Lodge. Scrymser spoke of the agreement of October 14 and expects the Department of State to protect the rights of his company.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-07-20
President Roosevelt officially grants supervision of the Panama Canal construction and governance of the Panama Canal Zone to Secretary of War Taft in cooperation with the Isthmian Canal Commission. Roosevelt provides instructions for how to govern the canal zone, construct the canal, and maintain the region.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-09
President Roosevelt thanks Elihu Root for his admirable speech before the Republican Club. Root’s letter regarding Admiral A. S. Kenny was forwarded to Admiral John Grimes Walker. Roosevelt expects Walker to be favorable towards Kenny. The popular opinion that Roosevelt makes appointments within the Isthmian Canal Commission is incorrect and the commission follows its own judgment.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-17
After writing to John F. O’Brien, President Roosevelt received a strongly worded letter from Elihu Root to Secretary of War Taft for O’Brien’s brother. He suggests that more documents regarding the work of O’Brien’s brother need to be found and sent to the Isthmian Canal Commission.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-17
President Roosevelt is also outraged about the treatment of General Wood. He will send Dr. Henry Franklin Hoyt’s papers to Admiral John Grimes Walker. The Isthmian Canal Commission was instructed to select the best “medical man” according to fitness.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-10
President Roosevelt is unsure what he can do for Mr. Shepard. Competent men are needed for canal work and competent men do not tend to be “hard up” like Shepard. Roosevelt suggests that Thomas Roberts Slicer send references for Shepard and Roosevelt will discuss the matter with Admiral John Grimes Walker. He agrees with Slicer’s views on gambling and objects to it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-29
President Roosevelt contacted Admiral Walker regarding a Panama Canal position for John F. O’Brien’s brother. Unfortunately, the Isthmian Canal Commission may have been influenced by press reports that an appointment for O’Brien’s brother was being pursued for only political reasons. Walker stated that he did not believe his brother was suitable for secretary. The commission makes all appointments and everyone should remember that the canal should be built without regard to politics.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03-14
President Roosevelt will give William Travers Jerome’s letter to Admiral Walker and tell him that Jerome can be relied upon.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-25
President Roosevelt wishes there were more people of William Henry Welch’s standing willing to provide advice on potential candidates. Roosevelt encloses the letter he sent to Admiral Walker.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-24