Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt congratulates Frank Harper on becoming secretary of the company. He is also very glad that the town where Harper and Mrs. Harper are going to reside is a good place to live in and looks forward to Harper’s return around Christmas.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-11-30
President Roosevelt discusses an investigation into charges brought by Harry Balfe against Robert Watchorn. Roosevelt instructs Herbert Knox Smith to discuss the charges with Hotchkiss.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-18
President Roosevelt notifies the diplomatic and consular representatives of the United States that William Bailey Howland, publisher of The Outlook magazine, and Robert Watchorn, immigration commissioner of the port of New York, are going abroad. He directs the representatives to extend all proper official courtesy.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1908-03-18
President Roosevelt thanks James Bronson Reynolds for everything he has written, and has sent Reynolds’s memorandum to the Bureau of Animal industry for comment. There is no committee on immigration, and does not believe that if there were one he would appoint Jane Addams to it. Roosevelt asks Reynolds to show this letter to Robert Watchorn, commissioner of immigration at Ellis Island, and tell him that Roosevelt wishes for Reynolds to be given a free hand to look into any matter there. Reynolds can start the work there any time after September 1.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-07-11
As Senator Platt recommended Robert Watchorn for promotion to Commissioner General of Immigration Frank P. Sargent, President Roosevelt will submit Watchorn’s name for consideration as commissioner of immigration at New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-16
President Roosevelt writes confidentially to Gifford Pinchot concerning the resignation of William Williams as Commissioner of Immigration at Ellis Island. Although Roosevelt believes that Williams has done invaluable work, he has difficulty working and socializing with men of lower social standing and has been unable to get along with his assistant Joe Murray. Roosevelt offered to transfer Murray, but Williams would only accept Mr. Robinson as his replacement; a situation which Commissioner General Frank P. Sargent deemed to be unacceptable. Roosevelt has offered the position of Commissioner to Robert Watchorn and provides a copy of the letter sent to Watchorn apprising him of the whole affair.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-01-19
Emma Brace explains to Corinne Roosevelt Robinson her concerns about possible upcoming restrictions to immigration. She read in the newspaper that President Roosevelt is considering a change in policy that would require immigrants to pay a $25 tax in order to come, or limit immigration with national quotas. Brace feels this is a mistake because it is unfair to peasants and their families, especially Italians, who cannot afford the tax, and unfair to American companies who need good laborers. Brace tells Robinson about an idea she read in a book called Imported Americans, in which representatives from American companies would go abroad to villages and select the workers they want, thereby giving a certificate to those who meet the criteria and thus the “undesirable may not even leave their own commune.” Brace believes this idea is approved by Commissioner of Immigration Robert Watchorn and hopes Robinson will communicate this idea to her “active-minded brother,” meaning President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-05-25
Special Immigrant Inspector Robert Watchorn has investigated “the matter at Buffalo” and the report will be complete soon. The report will show that John R. De Barry has “stirred up all this commotion himself” and Commissioner General Powderly recommends De Barry’s removal from office. The investigation at Ellis Island has shown poor management by Assistant Commissioner Edward F. McSweeney with immigrants being “ill-fed, ill-treated, and robbed.” McSweeney has been protected by the civil service and influential friends. Powderly hopes that President Roosevelt will reserve judgment about McSweeney until the report has been completed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-12-10
Commissioner General Powderly defends the transfer of John R. De Barry from Buffalo, New York, to a position on the border. He believes an experienced inspector such as De Barry will be much more useful at a border station then in Buffalo. Special Immigrant Inspector Watchorn has been sent to Buffalo to interview those that protested De Barry’s transfer and report fully on the facts of the case.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-11-29
Commissioner General Powderly defends the transfer of John R. DeBarry to Malone, New York.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-12
Commissioner General Powderly instructs John R. DeBarry that his new station is in Malone, New York. He will follow instructions from Special Inspector Robert Watchorn.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-10-09