ARIZONA SENATOR GETS RUN- AROUND AT WHITE HOUSE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On December 29, 1920, Senator Henry Ashurst (D-Arizona) "bolted into the White House" seeking an answer to a question asked by his constituents..."(What is) the fate of the mine assessment bill sent to the President (on) December 21?"
At the executive offices of the White House, after the Senator was informed the bill "was with the President," he walked up the path to the residential area seeking more information.
Mrs. Wilson was informed of the Senator's presence and she sent word that since the bill had not been received by her husband, Mr. Ashurst should take up the matter with the President's secretary, Mr. Joe Tumulty**.
Secretary Tumulty told Ashurst that "everything would be done to expedite action on the measure."
Senator Ashurst made four visits to the White House between 1 and 7:30 p.m. and also went to the Interior Department.
*Henry Fountain Ashurst (1874-1962) was born in Winnemucca, Nevada & educated at the University of Michigan School of Law. HFA served as District Attorney and member of the AZ territorial legislature before fulfilling his childhood dream as U.S. Senator. Time Magazine called his career in the Senate "the longest...theatrical engagement on record."
**Joseph Patrick Tumulty (1879-1954) was born in Jersey City, NJ & served as secretary to Woodrow Wilson (1911-1921). JPT also functioned as press secretary, public relations manager & advisor to the President.
SOURCE
"Senator Balks At Delay, Lays Siege to Wilson," New York Tribune, December 30, 1920, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
