The Stench of Scandal

38. In 1923, Colonel Charles R. Forbes, who had deserted the army once and yet remained head of the Veteran's Bureau, was caught stealing from the federal government. He took money mainly meant for veteran's hospitals, amounting to about $200 million altogether. "He was sentenced to two years in a federal penitentiary."

Here is the stealer himself!!

39. Let's talk about the Teapot Dome Scandal, and let's make it a good talk, because this is an FRQ worthy scandal. This is big, you guys. The Ashleys would be all over this one.

So, what led up to the Teapot Dome Scandal, or TDS, as it is affectionately called by those who want to type less? Teapot Dome in Wyoming and Elk Hills in California were oil reserves belonging to the Navy.  Secretary of the interior Albert B. Fall weaseled the secretary of the navy into transferring the ownership of these valuable lands to the Department of the Interior in 1921 with an order approved by an obliging and showy Harding. Fall proceeded allow use of Teapot Dome and Elk Hills to pass into the hands of oil tycoons Harry F. Sinclair and Edward L. Doheny for two steep bribes of roughly $300,000 and $100,000, respectively.

40. The TDS broke in March of 1923 but remained in court until 1929. Fall was sentenced to a year in jail for taking a bribe, but Sinclair and Doheny escaped any real punishment. However, Sinclair spent a few months in jail for stalking jurors and declining to give his testimony in front of a Senate committee.

41. Here are some popular and interesting sayings of the time that reflected public disillusionment and cynicism about the justice system:

"You can't put a million dollars in jail"

and

"In America everyone is guilty until proven rich."

42. In 1924, Attorney General Daugherty was investigated for "the illegal sale of pardons and liquor permits." His trial in 1927 was inconclusive twice as the jurors failed to agree. Daugherty tried to deflect negative attention and blame to Harding (who was dead) during his trial, saying that scandalous activity could be found in the White House as well.

Harry Daugherty, Lover of Forgiveness and Liquor

 Although their names aren't quite the same, this clock remains relevant and wildly entertaining.

43. As news of these scandals began to break, Harding went on a speech tour all the way to Alaska and missed the drama. He died on the way back in San Fransisco on August 2, 1923, of pneumonia and thrombosis.

And I believe this goes to Brenna, and if I am wrong, I apologize deeply and will fix it next period.