Autographs
William Howard Taft 1907 Important Panama Canal Related Typed Letter Signed with Chief Engineer G.W. Goethals
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT (1857-1930). 27th President of the United States, 42nd Secretary of War (1904-1908) and the 10th Chief Justice of the United States (1921-1930), the Only Person to have held both offices.
June 30, 1907-Dated, Typed Letter Signed, "Wm. H. Taft" as Secretary of War, measuring 5.5" x 9", 1 page, Washington, Very Fine. Includes the original Transmittal Envelope. Written on "War Department" Letterhead and typed in bold blue, Taft writes to Mr. Rufus A. Lane, Assistant to the Secretary, Isthmian Canal Commission regarding employement in conslutation with Panama Canal Chief Engineer George Washington Goethals. This Letter reads, in part:
"My dear Sir: -- I have your note in respect to your retention in the service and I shall give it proper consideration. My impression is that there will be no trouble about your remaining, but I must consult with Colonel Goethals as to the particular place which you will hold. - Very sincerely yours, - (Signed) Wm H Taft".
The Isthmian Canal Commission was set up in 1904 to oversee the construction of the Panama Canal and reported directly to Secretary of War William H. Taft. According to the book titled: "The Panama Canal: An Army's Enterprise", Goethals made such an impression on William Howard Taft, then Secretary of War, that Taft recommended him as an Chief Engineer for the Panama Canal. Colonel George Washington Goethals supervised the construction and the opening of the Panama Canal, and also served as the name sake of both the Goethals Bridge and the Goethals Medal. The building of the Canal was completed in 1914, two years ahead of the target date of June 10, 1916. Taft's large signature is strong and measures 2.25" across. A letter certain to be of special interest to collectors of Panama Canal history. (2 items)
Theodore Roosevelt believed that a US-controlled canal across Central America was a vital strategic interest of the country. Roosevelt encouraged the acquisition of the French Panama Canal effort. The purchase of the French-held land for $40 million was authorized by the June 28, 1902, Spooner Act. Since Panama was then part of Colombia, Roosevelt began negotiating with that country to obtain the necessary rights. Panamanians gave the United States control of the Panama Canal Zone on February 23, 1904, for $10 million in accordance with the November 18, 1903 Hay"Herrn Treaty.
U.S. engineers began the Panama Canal construction along the Panamanian Isthmus in 1904. President Theodore Roosevelt originally appointed seasoned railroad builders to lead the project but in April of 1907, he transferred supervision to a group of officers and civilians of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Completed through competition and coordination of military and civil experts, the Panama Canal is a tribute to the engineers who built it.
George Washington Goethals (June 29, 1858 " January 21, 1928) was a United States Army General and civil engineer, best known for his administration and supervision of the construction and the opening of the Panama Canal. He was the State Engineer of New Jersey and the Acting Quartermaster General of the United States Army