BLANTON OF TEXAS ON HOT SEAT FOR LETTER PUBLISHED IN CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 25, 1921, the Evening Star published a front page story stating that "for the first time in the history of the American Congress a resolution to expel a sitting member was introduced by the House leader."
The sitting member is Representative Thomas L. Blanton* (D-Texas) who published a letter in the Congressional Record containing "obscene remarks."
According to the Star, it was the intention of House leadership to have a vote on the resolution of expulsion today (Tuesday), but because Mr. Blanton was not present the vote would be moved to Noon Thursday.
The text of the resolution states that Mr. Blanton inserted into the Congressional Record of October 22, 1921 "grossly indecent and obscene language unworthy of a member of the House of Representatives."
According to Representative Franklin Mondell (R-Wyoming), the letter Blanton had published contained "unspeakable, vile, foul, filthy, profane, blasphemous and obscene" language.
The House voted to expunge the letter from the Record by a vote of 313 to 1.
*Thomas Lindsay Blanton (1872-1957) was born in Houston, Texas, graduated from University of Texas Law School in 1897 & served as a member of the US House of Representatives 1917-1937.
"House Asked To Expel Blanton For Remarks Printed In The Record," The Evening Star, October 25, 1921, www.chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
JFK+50 NOTE
TLB was unanimously censured by the House of Representatives on October 27, 1921. Despite the censure, he was re-elected and served until 1937.
