"COOLIDGE ACCEPTS RESIGNATION WITH REGRET"

HUGHES TO STEP DOWN AS STATE SECRETARY MARCH 4TH, KELLOGG TO ASSUME ROLE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) The Sunday Star reports on January 11, 1925 that Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes* "will retire from the (Coolidge) cabinet on March 4, and Frank B. Kellogg**, now Ambassador to London, will succeed him."

President Calvin Coolidge has accepted Mr. Hughes' resignation "with regret" while "warmly" praising his service in foreign affairs.

The announcement, made Saturday, came as a surprise "by most of official Washington."

*Charles Evans Hughes, Sr. (1862-1948) was born in Glens Falls, NY & graduated from Brown University & Columbia University School of Law.  CEH served as governor of NY 1907-1910, Associate Justice USSC 1910-1916, Secretary of State 1921-1925.  He was nominee of Democratic Party in Election of 1916.

**Frank Billings Kellogg (1856-1937) was born in Potsdam, NY & served as US Senator (R-MN) 1917-1923, US Ambassador to Great Britain 1924-1925 & US Secretary of State 1925-1929.  FBK was co-author of the Kellogg-Brian Pact (1928) & winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (1929). 

SOURCE

"Hughes Resigns Post, Effective March 4; Kellogg Given Place," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., January 11, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Charles Evans Hughes

1924

Autochrome

by Georges Chevalier

"PUT PEOPLE AT THE MERCY OF A CONGRESSIONAL MAJORITY"

STATE SECRETARY SAYS ELECTION OF THIRD PARTY TICKET WOULD BE PROGRESS TOWARD OVERTHROW OF OUR SYSTEM

St. Paul, Minnesota (JFK+50) On October 26, 1924, the Sunday Star reports Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes*, speaking here in St. Paul last evening, indicated that whatever success the Robert M. La Follette third party campaign has in the upcoming presidential election "is progress toward the overthrow of our system."

Secretary Hughes, a former associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, criticized La Follette's proposed constitutional amendment to give Congress the power to override decisions of the high court.

In the Secretary's view, this would put the American people "at the mercy of a congressional majority."

*Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) was born in Glens Falls, New York & graduated from Brown University & Columbia Law School. CEH served as governor of NY 1907-1910, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court 1910-1916, Secretary of State 1921-1925, Chief Justice USSC 1930-1941.

SOURCE

"La Follette Perils Future Of Nation, Hughes Declares," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., October 26, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

Charles Evans Hughes

Underwood & Underwood Photo

Library of Congress

"ACCOMPLISHING JUST AS MUCH AS UNOFFICIAL OBSERVERS"

SECRETARY OF STATE SPEAKS ON U.S. ROLE AT THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On April 16, 1924, David Lawrence of The Evening Star reports on a speech made by Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes* to the New York state Republican convention.

Mr. Lawrence characterizes the speech as being "of the greatest significance...to the first comprehensive explanation made by him on the form by which the United States has co-operated and intends to co-operate...with the League of Nations."

He says that Mr. Hughes is attempting to prove the U.S. "is accomplishing just as much" as unofficial observers in Geneva as it would with fully authorized representatives.

JFK+50 NOTE

The United States never joined the League of Nations thus leaving the world organization with no military presence to enforce its decisions.

*Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) was born in Glens Falls, NY & educated at Colgate, Columbia, Brown, & Columbia Law School.  CEH was governor of NY 1907-1910, Assistant Justice USSC 1910-1916, Sec of State 1921-1925 & Chief Justice USSC 1930-1941.

SOURCE

"Death Of Isolation Policy Is Foreseen in Hughes Speech," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., April 16, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Charles Evans Hughes

Portrait by Georges Chevalier

1924

"ERA OF FRIENDSHIP & GOOD WILL PREDICTED"

U.S. & MEXICO EXPECTED TO REINSTATE DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 21, 1923, The Evening Star reports President Calvin Coolidge and Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes* "have approved the findings of the American-Mexican commissioners who have evolved a basis for the resumption of diplomatic relations at once between the United States and Mexico."

David Lawrence writes that "no difficulty is expected" in obtaining approval of the reinstatement of diplomatic relations by the senates of both nations.

He goes on to suggest "an era of friendship and good will" between the two neighboring countries "now may be predicted."

*Charles Evans Hughes, Sr. (1862-1948) was born in Glen falls, New York & educated at Brown University & Columbia Law School.  

CEH was the Republican nominee for POTUS in 1916.  He served as Secretary of State under Harding & Coolidge & as Chief Justice of the USSC 1930-1941.

SOURCE

"Coolidge and Hughes O.K. Plan To Bring U.S. - Mexican Amity," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 21, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Charles Evans Hughes

Time Magazine Cover

Dec 29 1924

"AMID FESTIVITIES & BOOMING OF CANNON"

BRAZILIAN INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATED IN EXPO INAUGURAL

Rio de Janerio (JFK+50) On September 7, 1922, Brazil's 100th anniversary of independence "was inaugurated...at one minute after 12  amid festivities and booming of cannon."

The Brazil Centennial Exposition* will run through March 23, 1923.

Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes, heading the American delegation, issued a statement referring to "the abiding friendship" between the U.S. and Brazil.

Some 33 nations were represented in the centennial ceremonies with most dignitaries dressed in "gorgeous costumes."  The representatives of the United States, according to the Associated Press, were attired in "formal evening dress."

*Officially known as the Independence Centenary International Exposition, it included pavilions built along Rio Branco Ave with 14 countries from 3 continents participating.  The Brazilian pavilion had 6013 exhibitors from all states of the country.

SOURCE

"Brazil Centennial Exposition Opens," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 7, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Rio Exposicao Poster

1922

"A NEW START TOWARD REBUILDING THE WORLD"

FOUR-POWER TREATY HAILED AS BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

London (JFK+50) On December 11, 1921, "the conclusion of the four-power Pacific agreement" was hailed here in London "as the beginning of a new era in international affairs."

Arthur Draper writes...

"High praise is given President (Warren G.) Harding and Secretary of State (Charles Evans) Hughes*...for the masterful way in which they brought the powers into agreement."

Draper continues...

"A new start has been made toward rebuilding the world."

The New York Tribune reports that sentiment in Europe is the hope that the United States will take "a similar initiative in Europe."

*Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) was born in Glen Falls, NY & served as Gov of NY 1907-1910, Associate Justice USSC 1910-1916, Secretary of State 1921-1925, & Chief Justice 1930-1941.

SOURCE

"America Urged To Lead Europe Back to Peace," by Arthur S. Draper, The New York Tribune, December 12, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

Charles Evans Hughes

Photo by Underwood & Underwood

Library of Congress 

"HOPE FOR SOLUTION THROUGH AMERICAN ACTION"

GERMANS CONFER WITH AMERICANS ON REPARATIONS QUESTION

Berlin (JFK+50) On April 27, 1921, Dr. Walter Simons*, German foreign minister, admitted in the Reichstag "that he had conferred with a spokesman for American businessmen close to Secretary of State (Charles Evans) Hughes regarding a solution of the reparations question."

The New York Tribune reported that some see this admission "as confirmation...that there is...an understanding between Germany and the United States regarding an ultimate agreement of the Allies."

Because of multiple conditions surrounding Germany's position with regard to the Versailles Treaty, German financiers, the Tribune states, "hope for a solution...through action on the part of America."

*Walter Simons (1861-1937) was foreign minister of the Weimar Republic 1920-21, & president of the Reichsgericht 1922-1929.  WS was awarded the Eagle Shield of the German Reich in 1931.

SOURCE

"GERMANS CLAIM UNDERSTANDING WITH HARDING," New York Tribune, April 28, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

   

 

Walter Simons

German Federal Archives (1931)

Bundesarchiv, Bild 102-122791

CC-BY-SA 3.0

"A CALL NO ONE COULD WELL REFUSE"

HUGHES GETS NOD AS HARDING'S SECRETARY OF STATE

St. Augustine, Florida (JFK+50) On February 19, 1921, President-elect Warren G. Harding formally announced appointment of Charles Evans Hughes* as Secretary of State in the new administration to take office on March 4.

With Governor Hughes looking on, the President-elect said...

"It will be one of the policies of the new administration to let the Secretary of State from the beginning speak for the State Department."

Governor Hughes said in response to accepting the appointment...

"I think it is a call no one could well refuse in justice to what he conceived to be his duty..."

According to Frederic William Wile, the Hughes appointment was made in the backdrop of "violent opposition by some of the most powerful leaders in the Republican Party." 

*Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) was born in Glen Falls, NY & educated at Colgate & Brown Universities & earned his LLB at Columbia University. 

CEH was Governor of NY & U.S. Supreme Court Justice before serving as Secretary of State 1921-1925.  In 1930, Taft appointed him Chief Justice & he served until 1941. 

SOURCE

"Harding Appoints Hughes Secretary of State; Plans Prompt Peace With World," by Frederic William Wile, The Washington Herald, February 20, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

   

 

Charles Evans Hughes

Campaigning in Winona, MN

August 10, 1916

 

DARKENED ROOM LIT BY KEROSENE LAMP

COOLIDGE INFORMED OF DEATH OF HARDING, FATHER GIVES SON OATH

Plymouth Notch, Vermont (JFK+50) In the early morning hours of August 3, 1923, Vice President Calvin Coolidge, visiting his family home here at Plymouth Notch, was awakened by a knock on his bedroom door. The Vice President's father, John Coolidge, Sr.*, had some very bad news. President Warren G. Harding was dead.

A special telephone line was set up so that the new president could speak with Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes.  Hughes told Coolidge that the swearing-in ceremony must be witnessed by a notary.  Calvin's father, a notary public, would do the job.  Amity Shlaes writes...

"By kerosene lamplight, before a small group that included his wife and Porter Dale**, a congressman...a new United States president was sworn in by his father."

The brief ceremony was performed at 2:30 a.m. local time.

The new president appeared on the front porch of his home at 7:20 a.m. prepared for travel.  He first paid a visit to his mother's grave, and then took the regularly scheduled 9:35 train out of town and into history.


*John Calvin Coolidge, Sr. (1845-1926) was born in Windsor County, Vermont.  He became a farmer, teacher & store owner.  JCC served in the Vermont House of Representatives 1872-1878 & State Senate 1910-1912.  He lived to see his son, Calvin, win election to the presidency in his own right in 1924 but died before that term ended.

**Porter Hinman Dale (1867-1933) was born in Island Pond, Vermont.  He was admitted to the bar in 1896 & served in the Vermont State Senate, the US House of Representatives (1915-1923) & the US Senate (1923-1933).

SOURCES

"Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), American President, Miller Center, www.millercenter.org/

"Coolidge," by Amity Shlaes, Harper Collins Publishers, New York, 2013.

Calvin Coolidge 

Sworn in by John Coolidge

Portrait by Arthur I. Keller 

WE HAVE RESPONSIBILITY TO THE CALL OF HUMANITY ITSELF

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2323

CHARLES EVANS HUGHES CALLS FOR A WORLD OF SUPREMACY OF LAW

New York City (JFK+50) One hundred years ago this evening, May 28, 1917, Charles Evans Hughes* outlined the conditions of a future peace while speaking at the National Conference of Foreign Relations held at the Nassau Hotel in Long Beach, Long Island.

The conference, attended by 300 delegates, was presided over by Professor S. M. Lindsay of Columbia University.  Mr. Hughes, unsuccessful Republican candidate for POTUS in 1916, said...

"If the world is to be made safe for democracy, it must be a world in which the nations recognize and maintain the supremacy of law."

Mr. Hughes went on to discuss the prospects for peace.  He asked if there would be a Roman peace imposed by a dominating state or a peace where every nation would be secure in equality, independence and integrity.

He said...

"America's entrance into the war should assure the answers.  We have responsibility to the call of civilization, of humanity itself..."

*Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) was born in Glen Falls, NY & educated at Columbia, Brown, Colgate & Columbia Law School.  CEH served as Governor of New York 1907-1910 & Justice of the US Supreme Court 1910-1916.  

In 1916 Hughes won the Republican nomination for POTUS but was narrowly defeated by President Woodrow Wilson.  He was Secretary of State 1921-1925 & served again on the USSC 1930-1941.

SOURCE

"'Hughes Points Way To Safety For Democracy", The Chicago Daily Tribune, May 29, 1917.

Charles Evans Hughes

Photo by Underwood & Underwood

Library of Congress Image (1931)

A PRETTY VALENTINE FOR PRESIDENT WILSON

JFK+50:  Volume 7, No. 2220

FINAL ELECTORAL VOTE MADE OFFICIAL ON VALENTINE'S DAY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) One hundred years ago today, February 14, 1917, the President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, received a Valentine from the Congress of the United States informing him and the Nation that he was the official winner of the Election of 1916*.

The Evening News of Sault Ste Marie**, Michigan described it in their front page story as "A Pretty Valentine For Wilson."

The Electoral College results were presented in "a solemn little ceremony" on the morning of February 14th at the United States Capitol.  The final results were Woodrow Wilson (D) 277, Charles Evans Hughes (R) 254.

*Wilson received 9.1 million popular votes (49.2) while Hughes received 8.5 million (46.2)  The Democrat carried the Solid South including his birth state of Virginia and most of the West.  The Republican won the Northeast except for New Hampshire & Ohio. 

Charles Evans Hughes, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, argued that Wilson had not taken "necessary precautions" to prepare for war while the President ran on the platform "He Kept Us Out of War."

Woodrow Wilson was the first Democrat since Andrew Jackson to be elected to two consecutive terms. 

**Sault Ste Marie is the county seat of Chippewa County located at the NE end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula on the Canadian border.

SOURCES

"A Pretty Valentine For Woodrow and a Comic for Charley," The Evening News, February 14, 1917, Sault Ste Marie, Michigan & Ont., Volume 16, Number 254, Last Edition. NEWSPAPER ARCHIVE, www.newspaperarchive.com/

"1916 Election," The President Woodrow Wilson House, www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org/

Chippewa County Courthouse

Sault Ste Marie, Michigan

Photo by Bobak Ha'En (2009)

www.commons.wikimedia.org/

CALVIN COOLIDGE SWORN-IN

HARDING DIED, COOLIDGE SWORN IN BY FATHER 92 YEARS AGO

Plymouth Notch, Vermont (JFK+50) 92 years ago this morning, August 3, 1923, Vice President Calvin Coolidge, visiting his family home here at Plymouth Notch, was awakened by a knock on his bedroom door.  The Vice President's father, John Coolidge, had some bad news.  President Warren G. Harding had died.

From that point on, things happened quickly.  A special telephone line was set up so that the new president could speak with Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes.  Hughes told Coolidge that his swearing-in ceremony must be witnessed by a notary^.

Calvin's father, a notary public, would do the job.  Amity Shlaes writes...

"By kerosene lamplight, before a small group that included his wife and Porter Dale, a congressman...a new United States president was sworn in by his father."

Coolidge appeared on the front porch of his house at 7:20 a.m. prepared for travel.  He first paid a visit to his mother's (Victoria Josephine Moor Coolidge, 1846-1885) grave, and then took the regularly scheduled 9:35 train out of town.

SOURCE

"Coolidge," by Amity Shlaes, Harper Collins Publishers, New York, 2013.

Calvin Coolidge 

Sworn in by John Coolidge

Portrait by Arthur I. Keller 

SURVIVORS WAIT FOR RESCUE 

Solomon Islands (JFK+50) The survivors of the PT 109 waited for rescue seventy two years ago today, August 3, 1943, after having been struck by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri in the early morning hours of August 2nd.

Australian coast watcher Reginald Evans reported sighting the sinking of PT109 and there was little hope that any of the crew were still alive.

Having failed in an attempt to flag down a rescue ship, 109's commander, Lt. j.g. John F. Kennedy, swam back to the island where his surviving crew waited.

When JFK arrived...

"he looked skinny, bedraggled and exhausted.  He had a beard.  His hair was matted over his forehead.  His circled eyes were bloodshot."

SOURCE

 "PT109, John F. Kennedy in WWII," by Robert J. Donovan*, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1961.

*Bob Donovan was with President and Mrs. Kennedy in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963 covering the trip as a political story.  Ironically, he had previously written a book on presidential assassins. 

PT Officers 1943

Jim Reed, JFK, Barney Ross, Red Fay

JFK Library Photo

COOLIDGE SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT IN VERMONT

August 3, 2013

COOLIDGE SWORN IN FOLLOWING HARDING'S DEATH 90 YEARS AGO TODAY

Plymouth Notch, Vermont (JFK+50) 90 years ago today, August 3, 2013, Vice President Calvin Coolidge, visiting his family home here at Plymouth Notch, was awakened by a knock on his bedroom door.

The Vice President's father, John Coolidge*, had some bad news, President Warren G. Harding had died.

From that point on, things happened quickly.  A special telephone line had to be set up so that the new president could speak with Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes**.

Hughes told Coolidge that his swearing-in ceremony must be witnessed by a notary^.

Calvin's father, a notary public, would do the job.

^A Notary serves the public in matters of estate, deed, power-of-attorney and foreign and international business.  Most in the U.S. are lay people who are required to have brief training.

Amity Shlaes writes...

"By kerosene lamplight, before a small group that included his wife and Porter Dale***, a congressman...a new United States president was sworn in by his father."

SOURCE

"Coolidge," by Amity Shlaes, Harper Collins Publishers, New York, 2013.

                         Calvin Coolidge 
              Sworn-in by John Coolidge
              Portrait by Arthur I. Keller 

President Calvin Coolidge appeared on the front porch of his house at 7:20 a.m. prepared for travel.  He first paid a visit to his mother's (Victoria Josephine Moor Coolidge, 1846-1885) grave, and then took the regularly scheduled 9:35 train out of town.

*John Calvin Coolidge, Sr. (1845-1926) was born in Windsor County, VT.  He was a farmer, teacher, and store owner who served in the Vermont House of Representatives (1872-78) and State Senate in 1910.

                John Calvin Coolidge, Sr.

**Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) was born in Glens Falls, NY. He graduated from Brown University and Columbia Law School.  He served as Governor of NY, Associate Supreme Court Judge, Secretary of State and Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court.  

Hughes was defeated by Woodrow Wilson in the Election of 1916.

***Porter H. Dale (1867-1933) was born in Island Pond, VT.  He served in the Vermont State Senate in 1910, was elected to the US Congress and then served as the US Senate from 1923 to 1933.

Dale traveled to Plymouth Notch in 1923 to offer assistance to Calvin Coolidge and advised that the oath of office be taken immediately to ensure continuity.

               Congressman Porter Dale
               National Photo Company
         Library of Congress Image (1921)


JFK AND CREW OF PT109 WAITED FOR RESCUE 70 YEARS AGO TODAY

Solomon Islands (JFK+50) The survivors of the PT 109 waited for rescue 70 years ago today, August 3, 1943, after having been struck by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri in the early morning hours of August 2nd.

Although Australian coast watcher Reginald Evans reported sighting the sinking of PT109, there was little hope that any of the crew were still alive.

Having failed in an attempt to flag down a rescue ship, the 109's commander, Lt. j.g. John F. Kennedy, swam back to the island where his surviving crew waited.

When JFK arrived...

"he looked skinny, bedraggled and exhausted.  He had a beard.  His hair was matted over his forehead.  His circled eyes were bloodshot."

SOURCE

 "PT109, JFK in WWII," by Robert J. Donovan, McGraw-Hill, 1961.

                   
                    PT Officers 1943
Jim Reed, JFK, Barney Ross, Red Fay
                 JFK Library Photo

"On the coast of Kolombangara, 
   looking through his telescope
  Australia's Evans saw the battle
   For the crew had little hope
  
  Two were dead and some were wounded
  All were clinging to the bow
  Fighting fire and fighting water,
  trying to save their lives somehow."

"PT109"
recorded by Jimmy Dean (1961)
lyrics by Fred Burch & Marijohn Wilkin



ALGER HISS ACCUSED OF SPYING 65 YEARS AGO TODAY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Self-confessed communist and FBI informant Whittaker Chambers accused Alger Hiss of being a communist spy 65 years ago today, August 3, 1948.

The accusation came during a hearing of the House Un-American Activities Committee at the Capitol.

Hiss was ultimately convicted of perjury and would serve 44 months in jail. 

Richard M. Nixon, a Republican congressman from California, was a member of the HUAC, 

          Whittaker Chambers Testifies
              Alger Hill (circled) listens
                photo by Fred Palumbo
             Library of Congress Photo