"ABSOLVES U.S. NAVY OFFICIALS FROM CULPABILITY"

GOVERNMENT LOSES TEAPOT DOME CASE

Cheyenne, Wyoming (JFK+50) On June 19, 1925, The International News Service reports on a decision made today in the "heated legal battle between the United States Government and Harry F. Sinclair*." 

The decision was handed down by Judge T. Blake Kennedy** absolving U.S. Navy officials, including the Navy secretary, "from culpability in the negotiations" for $50 million Teapot Dome lands. 

The judge determined that the charge of secrecy in the case had not been "substantiated."

*Harry Ford Sinclair (1876-1956) was born in Benwood, West Virginia & founded Sinclair Oil Company.  HFS was also involved in baseball financing & horse racing.  He served 6 months in prison for contempt of Congress.

**Thomas Blake Kennedy (1874-1957) was born in Commerce Township, Michigan & earned his law degree at Syracuse University.  TBK served as U.S. district judge (Wyoming) 1921-1955 & was appointed by President Harding.

SOURCE

"Teapot Dome Case Lost By U.S.," The Washington Times, June 19, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Harry F. Sinclair

Jan 22 1923

National Photo Company

Library of Congress

 

"ALSO SPENT HALF MILLION TO GET OKLAHOMA FOR HARDING"

JAKE HAMON ALLEGEDLY TOLD AL JENNINGS HE SPENT ONE MILLION DOLLARS TO GET HARDING NOMINATED POTUS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 27, 1924, Al Jennings*, testifying before the Senate Oil committee, claimed that Jake Hamon**, Republican committeeman from Oklahoma, told him "the story about a big money deal" which took place at the 1920 Republican national convention held in Chicago.

According to this story, Jack Hamon 'nominated' Warren G. Harding for the presidency after spending one million dollars.  In addition, the cost to Hamon for Harding winning Oklahoma in the Election of 1920 was a half million dollars.

Money was also paid, according to the story, to three other Republican government officials.  Mr. Hamon's reward for serving Harding's interests was to be an appointment as Secretary of the Interior.

*Alphonso J. Jennings (1863-1961) became a silent film star after serving as a prosecuting attorney in the Oklahoma Territory 1892-1894.  AJJ later became a traveling evangelist.

**Jacob Louis Hamon, Sr. (1873-1920) was born in Grenola, Kansas. JLH died of a gunshot wound fired by & according to his mistress in self defense.  She was acquitted. 

SOURCE

"HAMON SPENT MILLION TO NOMINATE HARDING, JENNINGS WAS TOLD," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 27, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Al Jennings

1924

National Photo Company

Library of Congress

"UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE MEN BY NAME"

FIVE MEN MADE $33 MIL IN OIL DEAL SAYS ROXIE STINSON

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 26, 1924, "a hint of an oil deal...was brought by the (Harry) M. Daugherty investigating committee...by Roxie Stinson, divorced wife of the Attorney General's...political lieutenant Jess W. Smith."

According to Miss Stinson's testimony, "five men made $33,000,000" in the deal which occurred in the fall of 1922.

She said she learned this information from her former husband, Mr. Smith and "had to do with stock in the Sinclair (oil) interests which leased Teapot Dome*."

Miss Stinson was unable to identify the five men by name.

*Teapot Dome was a bribery scandal involving the administration of Warren G. Harding 1921-1923.  Before Watergate, it was "the greatest & most sensational scandal in American history."

Secretary of Interior Albert B. Fall was found guilty in 1929 of accepting bribes in the scandal. 

SOURCE

"$33,000,000 Profit In Oil Deal Hinted By Roxie Stinson," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 26, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Teapot Rock, Wyoming

Historic Postcard

"CHARGE ASSOCIATION WITH OIL COMPANY IN TEAPOT DOME"

DEMOCRAT CALLS FOR RESIGNATION OF TR III AS ASST. NAVY SECRETARY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 16, 1924, The Sunday Star reports "the resignation of Theodore Roosevelt* as assistant secretary of the Navy was demanded" by Representative William F. Stevenson** (D-South Carolina) in the House of Representatives yesterday.

The demand was countered with a defense of Mr. Roosevelt by several Republican congressmen including Rep. Nicholas Longworth*** of Ohio during a debate on the naval appropriation bill.

The case made against Mr. Roosevelt included the argument that since Navy secretary Edwin Denby "ought to have gotten out" because he received a loan or had connection with the oil people (Teapot Dome) so should the assistant Navy secretary.

Mr. Stevenson also referred to Roosevelt's use of United States Marines to remove squatters from Teapot Dome in behalf of the oil company.  He characterized the action as "bringing all the military forces of the United States to the aid of Sinclair."

Congressman John J. Rogers (R-Massachusetts) countered...

"We can have perfect confidence in the assistant secretary of the Navy."

JFK+50 NOTE

Although the reputation of Theodore Roosevelt III was tarnished by the Teapot Dome scandal, he was cleared of all charges by the Senate Committee on Public Lands.

*Theodore Roosevelt III, a.k.a. T.R. Jr., (1887-1944) was born in Oyster Bay, New York & graduated Harvard College in 1909.  TRIII served as assistant Secretary of the Navy 1921-1924, governor of Puerto Rico 1929-1932 & governor of the Philippines 1932--1933.  

**William Francis Stevenson (1861-1942) was born in Loray, North Carolina & graduated Davidson College 1885.  WFS served in the US House of Representatives 1917-1933.

***Nicholas Longworth III (1869-1931) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio & graduated Harvard College 1891, Cincinnati Law School 1894.  NLIII served in the US House of Representatives 1915-1931, Speaker of the House 1925-1931.

NLIII married Alice Lee Roosevelt, the daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt & is the namesake for the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill.

SOURCE

"Roosevelt Backed As Demand Comes That He Quit Post," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., March 16, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.

Assistant Secretary of the Navy

Photo #NH56936

www.history.navy.mil/

"ASST AG SAYS POTUS LACKS THE AUTHORITY"

COOLIDGE DECLINES TO TURN OVER TAX RETURNS TO OIL COMMITTEE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 6, 1924, President Calvin Coolidge "declined...to turn over to the oil committee* the tax returns of individuals and corporations predominantly mentioned in the oil investigations."

The President did, however, offer "to co-operate with the Secretary of the Treasury" in an attempt to get an amendment to the regulations allowing the oil committee to inspect the returns.

Mr. Coolidge was advised by the assistant Attorney General that he did not have the authority as POTUS to comply with the request made by the committee.

*Senate Committee on Public Lands & Surveys, chaired by Senator Thomas Walsh^ (D-Montana), investigated charges that Albert B. Fall, Secretary of Interior, issued no-bid oil reserve leases in exchange for illegal gifts.

^Thomas James Walsh (1859-1933) was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin & served in the US Senate 1913-1933. 

SOURCE

"President Denies Probers' Right to Study Tax Returns," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 6, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Senator Thomas J. Walsh

D-Montana

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"COOLIDGE WILL BE A HARD MAN TO BEAT"

DEMS 'AT A LOSS' OVER G.O.P. CONFIDENCE IN 1924

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 2, 1924, The Sunday Star reports President Calvin Coolidge "has not lost any ground in his candidacy for the (Republican) presidential nomination on account of the (Teapot Dome) oil scandal."

The Star adds Mr. Coolidge "has not suffered any impairment of personal prestige."

N.O. Messenger writes that the leaders of the G.O.P. feel that damage from the scandal is actually "fifty-fifty" between the two political parties so far as "political effect is concerned."

Messenger says Democrats "are utterly at a loss to understand the confidence of the Republicans "over their prospects" in the November general election.  

They say the President will "be a hard man to beat."

JFK+50 NOTE

President Coolidge had little opposition in winning the Republican nomination in 1924 and he won the general election in a landslide.

Coolidge received 382 electoral votes & 54% of the popular vote.  The Democrat, John W. Davis, who won few states outside the "Solid South", had 136 electoral votes & 29% of the popular vote.  A third party candidate, Robert M. LaFollette, won 13 electoral votes & 17% of the popular vote.

While my home state of Tennessee went along with the 'Solid South' for Davis, my home section, East Tennessee, was dominated by Coolidge.  In fact, only 2 East Tennessee counties were won by the Democrat.

Republican confidence in March 1924 on their odds for the November election was obviously justified.  

SOURCE

"Republican Confidence Puzzling To Democrats," by N.O. Messenger, The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., March 2, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

President Calvin Coolidge

1923-1929

www.flickr.com/

"DID NOT WANT TO FURTHER EMBARRASS ADMINISTRATION"

NAVY SECRETARY RESIGNS FROM PRESIDENT'S CABINET

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 18, 1924, The Evening Star reports Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby* "has resigned and will retire from the cabinet on March 10."

The Secretary, because of his "connection with the oil leases (Teapot Dome)," did not want to "further embarrass" the Coolidge administration.

The President has accepted the resignation "with regret."  The Star reports that Mr. Denby was advised by "personal and political friends...to step out of the cabinet."

*Edwin Denby (1870-1929) was born in Evansville, Indiana & earned his law degree at the University of Michigan, 1896.  ED served in the US Navy & in the Spanish-American War.  Afterwards he served in the US House of Representatives, 1905-1911.  President Harding appointed him as Navy secretary in 1921.

SOURCE

"Denby Resigns To Give Coolidge Free Hand In Oil Prosecutions; New Sensations Seen In Probe," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 18, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

E.C. Denby

Secretary of the Navy 

1921-1924

Library of Congress

 

"LODGE & CURTIS DISCUSS SITUATION WITH COOLIDGE"

SENATE RESOLUTION CALLING FOR DENBY OUSTER ENTERS FINAL STAGE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 11, 1924, The Evening Star reports the United States Senate debate on the proposed resolution calling for the resignation of Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby* has entered its final stage.

The debate, which according to the Star has grown in bitterness, concerns the Secretary's involvement in the leasing of oil reserves (Teapot Dome).  

Pending the expected approval of the resolution, leaders Henry Cabot Lodge** (R-Massachusetts) and Charles Curtis*** (R-Kansas) discussed the matter at the White House with President Calvin Coolidge.

The White House has indicated, however, that while Congress does have the constitutional power of impeachment, it does not have the authority to ask for the resignation of a cabinet official.

*Edwin Denby resigned as Secretary of the Navy on May 10, 1924.

**Senator Lodge died on November 9, 1924.

***Senator Curtis served as Vice-President of the United States under Herbert Hoover. 

SOURCE

"Coolidge Confers With Party Chiefs As Senate Nears Denby Ouster," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 11, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

Edwin Denby & Josephus Daniels

National Photo Company

Library of Congress

"MIDWEST & PIONEER GOT A MILLION DOLLARS IN OIL"

BONFILS CHARGES CONSPIRACY INVOLVING SINCLAIR, DOHENY & STANDARD OIL COMPANIES

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 9, 1924, Denver Post publisher Frederick G. Bonfils*, testifying before the Senate oil committee, charged Harry F. Sinclair, E.L. Doheny and the Standard Oil companies with conspiracy "to assure award by the Teapot Dome naval-oil lease to Sinclair."

Bonfils said... 

"The Midwest and the Pioneer (oil companies) got a million dollars in oil produced by Sinclair Company in the Teapot Dome."

*Frederick Gilmer Bonfils (1860-1933) was born in Troy, Missouri & worked in land speculation in Kansas, Oklahoma & Texas before becoming publisher of The Denver Post which he made into one of the largest newspapers in the United States.

SOURCE

"Vast Conspiracy Of Oil Interests, Charge By Bonfils,"  The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 9, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Frederick G. Bonfils

Publisher of The Denver Post

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"HARDINGS LEARNED ABOUT TEAPOT DOME FROM NEWSPAPERS"

ALBERT FALL HAD SUPERVISION OF OIL LEASES TRANSFERRED TO INTERIOR DEPARTMENT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) According to Frederic William Wile of the Evening Star, former Secretary of the Interior Albert B. Fall "negotiated and concluded the Teapot Dome deal with the Sinclairs* without consultation with the Harding cabinet."

Mr. Wile, writing on January 24, 1924, adds that the "Harding household" only learned of the Teapot Dome transactions when they read about them in the newspapers.

The oil leases had been granted to the Department of the Navy by Congress in the last years of the Woodrow Wilson administration, but it was President Warren G. Harding's cabinet officer, Mr. Fall, who had supervision over the leases transferred to the Department of the Interior.

*Sinclair Oil Corporation was founded by Harry F. Sinclair in 1916.  SOC became one of the largest privately owned American corporations owning refineries, gas station & hotels.

SOURCE

"Teapot Dome Lease Deal Declared Handled Unknown To Cabinet," by Frederic William Wile, January 24, 1924, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"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

"GOING TO SPEND REST OF HIS LIFE HIDING OUT"

FORMER INTERIOR SECRETARY SAYS HE IS THROUGH WITH POLITICS

New Orleans, Louisiana (JFK+50) On January 18, 1924, former Interior secretary Albert B. Fall* stated he is through with politics.  He said...

"I'm going to spend the rest of my life traveling around and hiding out..."

Mr. Fall denies charges that he received compensation from Standard Oil Company in connection with the lease of the Teapot Dome** oil reserve.

*Albert Bacon Fall (1861-1944) was born in Frankfort, Kentucky & served in the US Army during the Spanish-American War.  ABF served in US Senate (R-New Mexico) 1912-1921 & as Secretary of Interior 1921-1923.  He was the only person convicted in the Teapot Dome scandal.

**Teapot Dome is a bribery scandal of President Harding's administration.  It was considered "the greatest and most sensational" political scandal of US politics before Watergate. 

SOURCE

"Fall Is 'Through' With Public Life," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 18, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Albert B. Fall

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"COLOSSAL RAID ON VALUABLE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY"

TEAPOT OIL RESERVE BEING DRAINED BY PRIVATE OPERATORS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 22, 1923, the Associated Press reports that the Wyoming naval oil reserve, Teapot Dome*, "is being drained so heavily by adjacent private operators that it will produce far less oil than originally predicted."

The reserve, leased last year to Harry F. Sinclair**, is being investigated by the Senate public lands committee.  Geologists Frederick G. Clapp and James O. Lewis of New York, working in behalf of the committee, report that only 26 million of the original 135 million barrels remain.

The Senate inquiry was initiated by Senator Robert LaFollette (R-Wisconsin) who "assaulted the Sinclair lease as a colossal raid on valuable government property."

*Teapot Dome Oil Field was designated National Petroleum Reserve #3 in 1915 as part of a program to ensure the US Navy would have ample fuel reserves in an emergency.

**Henry Ford Sinclair (1876-1956) was born in Benwood, West Virginia & founded the Sinclair Oil Company.  He was educated at the University of Kansas. HFS was implicated in the Teapot Dome Scandal & served 6 months in prison. 

SOURCE

"Teapot Dome Oil Four-Fifths Gone Experts Disclose," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 22, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

 Teapot Rock

Natrona County, Wyoming

Library of Congress

www.picryl.com/

INTERIOR SECRETARY ALBERT B. FALL RESIGNED 90 YEARS AGO TODAY!

January 2, 2013

INTERIOR SECRETARY ALBERT B. FALL RESIGNED 90 YEARS AGO TODAY!

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) 90 years ago today, January 2, 1923, President Warren G. Harding's Secretary of the Interior, Albert B. Fall*, resigned in the midst of a financial scandal known as Teapot Dome.

                        Albert B. Fall
                        May 31, 1923
                  National Photo Co.
        Library of Congress Image

Oil reserves in California & Wyoming were public lands containing oil supplies which were available only on an emergency basis for the U.S. Navy.

The lands in Wyoming were dubbed Teapot Dome because of an unusual rock formation located there.

Albert B. Fall, who became Secretary of the Interior in 1921, leased Teapot Dome to Henry Sinclair's Mammoth Oil Company in return for $400,000.

Teapot Dome became publicized in 1922 when the Wall Street Journal reported that the oil leases had been given away by Fall to his friends.

The presidency of Warren G. Harding was to be forever tarnished by Teapot Dome & other scandals.  He died in August 1923 & although popular during his short term as president was doomed to be rated as one of the poorest United States presidents.

Albert B. Fall, who also contracted with Edward Doheny of Pan American Corporation for building of storage tanks in return for drilling rights, became the 1st cabinet member to be sent to prison for actions during his tenure.

Fall, sent to prison for a year in 1931, died in near poverty in 1944.

*Albert Bacon Fall (1861-1944) was born in Frankfort, Kentucky & attended schools in Nashville, TN.  He moved to the New Mexico territory & practiced law.  Fall became a judge in 1893, served in the Spanish-American War & was elected US Senator for New Mexico in 1912.

                 Teapot Dome Wyoming
     Wvbailey at en.wikipedia (2009)