More power to you my dear fellow!  I took occasion to give M ... a warm dose of Bill Wheeler.  He is an old sour-ball who thinks he is alive but evidently has been in the cemetery a long time.  He talked all right about you, but all wrong about San Francisco ...

Give my regards to the dear wife whose heart is stout enough to meet any calamity, and remember me most warmly to the Boy.  Sincerely and affectionately yours, Franklin K. Lane

The Hepburn Bill provided for seven men on the Interstate Commerce Commission, instead of five.  Roosevelt intimated that he would appoint two Republicans.  All opposition to Lane was then withdrawn.

To John H. Wigmore

New York, June 27, [1906]

My dear Wigmore,—­Thanks, and again thanks, for your letter to Senator Cullom and yours to me.  It looks now as if with a seven man Commission the objection to my Democracy would cease.  Senator Cullom’s letter is very reassuring, and I wish that I had met him when in Washington. ...

Before another week this business of mine will have come to a head, and I hope soon after to start West, via Chicago.

If the report to-day is true that Harlan of Chicago is to go on the Commission, you will have two friends on the body.  I personally think most highly of Harlan and would be mighty proud to sit beside him.  His political fortune seems to have been akin to mine, and we have one dear and cherished enemy in common.

Remember me most kindly to your wife and believe me, faithfully yours,

FRANKLIN K. LANE

Telegram.  To John H. Wigmore

New York, June 30, [1906]

Confirmation has to-day arrived thanks to a friend or two like
Wigmore.

LANE

To William R. Wheeler

Washington, July 2, [1906]

My dear bill,—­I have waited until this minute to write you, that I might send you the first greeting from the new office.  I have just been sworn in and signed the oath, and to you I turn first to express gratitude, appreciation, and affection.

My hope is to leave here tomorrow and go to Chicago at once on your affair, and then West.

Remember me most affectionately to your wife, and believe me always most faithfully yours,

FRANKLIN K. LANE

At the same time an affectionate letter of appreciation went to Benjamin Ide Wheeler.

IV

RAILROAD AND NATIONAL POLICIES

1906-1912

Increased powers of Interstate Commerce Commission—­Harriman
Inquiry—­Railroad Regulation—­Letters to Roosevelt