MELEE BREAKS OUT DURING HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING;
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 7, 1926, a melee broke out during a House of Representatives subcommittee meeting when Representative John E. Rankin* (D-Mississippi) "threw an ink bottle at Frank J. Hogan**...striking him on the forehead and producing a large lump."
Mr. Hogan is the chief defense counsel representing D.C. Commissioner Frederick A. Fenning in an impeachment case while Rep. Rankin is the subcommittee's cross examiner.
The Evening Star reports despite the melee***, the subcommittee meeting continued after order was restored.
JFK+50 NOTE
John E. Rankin, a segregationist, was co-author of the House bill for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) & House sponsor for the GI Bill. He served as chairman of the committee on Veterans Affairs.
*John Elliott Rankin (1882-1960) was born in Bolands, Mississippi & graduated from the University of Mississippi Law School in 1910. JER served in the US Army & in the US House of Representatives 1921-1953.
**Frank Joseph Hogan (1877-1944) was born in Brooklyn, New York & graduated from Georgetown University Law School. FJH represented Warren G. Harding & Andrew Mellon. He served as president of the American Bar Association 1938-1939.
***melee (French-to mix) refers to a chaotic, unorganized struggle involving several persons
SOURCE
"Rankin Hits Hogan With Ink Bottle & Riot Stops Hearing," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., June 7, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
