EXTERMINATION OF INSECTS 'WHEREVER FOUND' AROUND CAPITOL AUTHORIZED
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 27, 1922, the Evening Star reports a "war on bugs" around the Capitol building was declared yesterday by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The House authorized the extermination of "insects wherever found." Reading the resolution incorrectly, Representative John Nance Garner* (D-Texas) inquired as to whether the Senate "is the only place where there are bugs."
Representative Clifford C. Ireland** (R-Illinois) replied, "Oh, no, there are a few in the House."
Senator James A. Reed*** (D-Missouri) referred to the House action as "something practical."
*John Nance "Cactus Jack" Garner (1868-1967) was born in Red River County, Texas & served in the US House of Representatives 1903-1933 & as VPOTUS 1933-1941.
**Clifford C. Ireland (1878-1930) was born in Washburn, Illinois & graduated from the University of Wisconsin & Illinois School of Law. CCI served in the US House of Representatives 1917-1923)
***James Alexander Reed (1861-1944) was born in Richland County, Ohio & served as mayor of Kansas City 1904-1906 & in U.S. Senate 1911-1929.
JFK+50 NOTE
At 10:15 a.m. Central Time, November 22, 1963, JFK's last phone call may have been made to former VP Garner from Fort Worth. The President called to wish Mr. Garner well on his 95th birthday. Garner said "You're my President. I love you."
SOURCES
"House Declares War On Insects Around Capitol," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 27, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"The Hours before Dallas: A Recollection by President Kennedy's Fort Worth Advance Man, Part 3," by Jeb Byrne, Summer 2000, Prologue Magazine, National Archives, www.archives.gov/
