FORMER VICE PRESIDENT SAYS HE'S OUT OF POLITICS FOREVER
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On July 29, 1922, the day following his return from a trip to Europe, former Vice President Thomas R. Marshall* declined a seat on the rostrum of the Senate offered by Vice President Calvin Coolidge "preferring to mingle among the senators on the floor."
The former Vice President declared upon his return...."I'm out of politics forever!"
Mr. Marshall continued...
"There may come a time...when I'll need false teeth...I want to be sure to have enough money...to pay for them."
*Thomas Riley Marshall (1854-1925) was born in North Manchester, Indiana & graduated from Wabash College, 1873. TRM opened his law practice in 1876. He served as Governor of Indiana, 1909-1913 & VPOTUS, 1913-1921. TRM died of a heart attack.
JFK+50 NOTE
The story goes that following some senator's floor comments on national needs, Vice President Marshall said "What this country really needs is a good five-cent cigar." The Free Dictionary says the phrase most likely originated with 19th century humorist Kin Hubbard.
Thomas Riley Marshall served in the Vice-Presidency under Woodrow Wilson for eight years, but in 2008 Claire Suddath rated him as one of the worst vice-presidents in American history.
SOURCES
"a good five-cent cigar," The Free Dictionary by Farlex, www.thefreedictionary.com/
"Can't Buy Teeth On Federal Pay, Says Marshall," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 29, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
