"ACTIONS FOLLOW INVESTIGATIONS EXPOSING CORRUPTION"

DEMOCRATS MOVE TO CANCEL OIL RESERVE LEASES IN WYOMING & CALIFORNIA

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 20, 1924, The Evening Star reports "democratic leaders in Congress will move...this week" to cancel the Teapot Dome naval oil reserve lease in Wyoming as well as the naval oil reserve lease in California.

Congressman Finis J. Garrett* (D-Tennessee) will introduce a measure in the House of Representatives while Senator Thaddeus H. Caraway** (D-Arkansas) will introduce a similar measure in the Senate.

The actions by Democrats follow investigations exposing corruption involving Secretary of Interior Albert B. Fall. 

*Finis James Garrett (1875-1956) was born in Weakley County, Tennessee & attended Bethel University & Clinton College.  FJG served in US House of Representatives 1923-1929 & as a judge of the US Court of Customs & Patent Appeals 1929-1948.

**Thaddeus Horatius Caraway (1871-1931) was born in Stoddard County, Missouri & served in the US House of Representatives 1913-1921 & the US Senate 1921-1931.  THC was a progressive and reformer who opposed the Harding administration.

SOURCE

"Democrats To Act To Cancel Leases Of Oil Reserves," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 20, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Teapot Dome, Wyoming

Post Card 1922

"NEW CONGRESS INSTALLED IMMEDIATELY AFTER ELECTION?"

SENATE COMMITTEE PROPOSES AMENDMENT TO END TO LAME DUCKS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 28, 1922, an amendment to the United States Constitution was reported out of the Senate agriculture committee "which would require that a new Congress take office immediately after it had been selected instead of in the March following."

According to the Evening Star, there was not much discussion on the proposed amendment before it was reported out although another resolution submitted by Senator Thaddeus H. Caraway* (D-Arkansas) that proposed congressional "lame ducks"** be prohibited from voting was postponed indefinitely.

*Thaddeus H. Caraway (1871-1931) was born in Springhill, Missouri & graduated from  Dickson (TN) College, 1896.  THC served in the US House of Representatives 1913-1921 & US Senate 1921-1931.

**Lame Duck is a term for an official in the final period of office after the election of his or her successor but who continues to serve until that successor is sworn-in. 

JFK+50 NOTE

The 20th "Lame Duck" amendment (1933) moved inauguration of a new presidential term from March 4 to January 20 & the beginning of new terms for members of Congress from March 4 to January 3.

 SOURCE

"Senators Would End Lame Ducks Four-Month Term," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 28, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Lame Duck

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