Interview with Alben W. Barkley, November 5, 1953

Interview Summary

In this final interview, Alben W. Barkley recites a prayer when he gave when he opened the Senate early one morning and the normal chaplain was unavailable. He mentions the Roosevelt's court reform plan and the veto of a tax bill which resulted in Barkley's resignation. Barkley affirms that his ongoing Senatorial race in Kentucky had nothing to do with his resignation.

Barkley discusses the role of committees in Congress, and mentions that he urged regular meetings of all the committee chairmen. He describes selection of committee chairmen and states his opinion that allowing the senior member the chairmanship prevents scrabble among the senators. Barkley talks about the ways that investigations are conducted by committees, and legislation that can come out of investigations. He particularly mentions Charles E. Hughes' meticulous investigation of the aircraft industry during Wilson's presidency.

Barkley describes his support of federal funding for education. He recalls a cyclone that hit his hometown when he was a boy, and which moved his family's home fifteen or twenty feet. Shallette and Barkley recall visiting the areas where Barkley grew up, and Shallette reads notes from David "Bud" Barkley's scrapbook which explain that Truman called Barkley "Boss" while he was in the Senate, Truman's tribute to Barkley at the Inaugural Ball, Barkley's athletic prowess, and the 1949 fight for civil rights legislation.

Interview Keyword

Alben Barkley Government politics Public Policy Speeches, addresses, etc.

Interview LC Subject

Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956 Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956--Interviews United States--Politics and government

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.