SENATOR LA FOLLETTE CALLS FOR SECRETARY MELLON'S RETIREMENT
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On November 5, 1921, Senator Robert La Follette* (R-Wisconsin) called for the retirement of Secretary of Treasury Andrew Mellon because of his attitude toward "taxation of wealth."
The Senator said Secretary Mellon had declared that wealth could not be made to bear its share of the cost of government.
Senator Boies Penrose** (R-Pennsylvania) came to the Secretary's defense by saying that "all prominent economists" were in agreement with that argument.
JFK+50 NOTE
Andrew Mellon served as Secretary of the Treasury 1921-1932 under Presidents Harding, Coolidge & Hoover. AM favored a policy of reduced taxes and a reduction in the national debt.
*Robert La Follette (1855-1925) was born in Primrose, Wisconsin & earned his B.S. at the University of Wisconsin. RL was a member of the US House of Representatives 1885-1891, Governor of Wisconsin 1901-1906 & U.S. Senator 1906-1925.
**Boies Penrose (1860-1921) was born in Philadelphia, PA & served as Pennsylvania's U.S. Senator 1897-1921.
SOURCE
"Senator Demands Secretary Mellon Give Up Treasury," Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 5, 1921, Chronicling America, www.loc.gov/
Senator Robert La Follette
(R-Wisconsin)
1924
National Photo Company
