The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-09-28
Roosevelt Standard Oil
Fund Not Returned in
Spite Of Orders

NEW YORK. Sept. 2S.-The World
says:
Early in the 1904 campaign, the
Standard Oil Co.. as well AZ other
trusts. railroads. banks and large cor
porations. received request TO con-
tribute to the Republican national
campaign fund. This request was ig-
nefed, Henry III. Rogers being respoL-
sible for its refusal.
Later. when the second call for cam
paign funds was made, Mr.. Cortelyou,
chairman OF the Republican national
committee, sent word TO Mr.. Rogers
asking for an appointment at which
the existing conditions could be ex-
planned and the financial support Of
Standard OIL secured. This appoint
ment was made by Mr.. Rogers to be
kept at rs Broadway, the Standard
Oil building, and Mr.. Cortelyou was
informed that both Mr.. Rogers and
John D. Archbold would DO pleased to
see him. Mr. Cortelyou finding that
Mr.. Rogers was not TO meet him alone,
but that Mr.. Archbold was also to be
present, concluded II would be safer
and more discreet not to 60 himself
The appointment was kept by Cornell
ius N. Bliss, treasurer Of the national
committee.
Bliss Promised Conservatism.
At this interview Mr.. Rogers accus-
ed Mr.. Roosevelt Of ingratitude and re-
called many past favors from the
Standard OIL Go. to Republican candi-
dates and campaign funds. Mr.. Bliss
admitted that President Roosevelt
might have acted harshly toward the
STANDARD OIL. but said that while Mr..
Roosevelt's first term was ''construc-
tive" his second term would be con-
sentative"
Relying on these assurances Mr..
Rogers and Mr.. Archibold made con-
trbution OF 100000.
This contribution coming to the
knowledge Of President Roosevelt, he
wrote to Chairman Cortelyou a VIC.
lent letter. 'denouncing the Standard
Oil Co., and directing the return OF the
contribution. This letter Is on Mr..
Cortelyou's die. and copy of II Is
kept By President Roosevelt for the
purpose Of making 1t public II ever
the facts OF this Standard Oil contf-
button became known.
The contribution was not returned.
Not one cent was paid back. The
same was used, 90 far a. Mr.. Rogers
and Mr.. ArchboId know, In like man.
ner with other contributions.
Later in the campaign, when Presi-
dent Roosevelt became scared about
the result and about the time that he
summoned Edward II. Hartman to
Washington and induced Mr.. Harri-
man to raise 100000 for the campaign
fund, q further request was made OF
the Standard OIL people.
Rogers Refused S25o,00o More.
At the time OF the 100000 contribu-
tion. Mr.. Bliss expressed his dissatis-
faction with its sire and said that the
amount should be several times as
great At the time OF the third re.
quest the definite sum Of $3.50 900 ad-
ditional was asked for.
In the mean time Mr.. Rogers had
learned ef -Reesereits letter to
Mr.. Cortelyou and OF the direction to
return the FIRST 100000. He declined
TO give any more money and recalled
the fact that the presidents instruc-
lions to return the first contribution
had not been complied with and that
Mr.. Roosevelt must have known all
along that the $4,000 which he re-
pudiated had not only been accepted,
but used.
In view of this fact he declined to
accede to the request for a further
/ $4,000 or for any further sum, and
denounced Mr.. Roosevelt for seem
ingly trying on the one hand TO Sc
cure contributions from the Standard
Of Co. and on the other hand to make
political capital by denouncing the
company.