Interview with James A. Farley, May 19, 1976

Interview Summary

James A. Farley recalls how his first meeting with Fred Vinson was probably when he first went to Congress as postmaster general in 1933. He talks about John Nance Garner's probable influence on the Vinson's career and their relationship. There is some mention of the Social Security Act of 1935 and then Farley goes on to discuss Vinson's support of Sam Rayburn to become House Majority Leader against John O'Connor. Some background on Vinson's appointment to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in 1937 is given. Farley's relationship with Franklin D. Roosevelt is discussed. Farley talks about Vinson's position as secretary of the treasury and gives his opinion of other cabinet members of Harry S. Truman. He then gives his opinion of Vinson's appointment as chief justice of the Supreme Court. There is some discussion about Vinson's potentially running as a presidential candidate in 1952. Farley goes on to talk about A.B. "Happy" Chandler's political career which leads into a discussion of Kentucky politics of the time period. Farley goes on to talk about Roosevelt opposing Farley's vice-presidential candidacy in 1938. Chandler's tenure as baseball commissioner is mentioned. Farley reminisces about Senator Alben Barkley's speaking abilities and his being chosen for vice-president. Farley talks about the "Dear Alben" letter and Barkley's effectiveness as the majority leader. He discusses how he was against Roosevelt's attempted purge of Democrats who worked against him. The "Roosevelt/Chandler car incident" in Covington in 1938 is mentioned. Farley goes into some detail about his support of Roosevelt for president and political maneuvering during his campaign.

Interview Keyword

Fred M. Vinson Politics and government United States Government Congressmen Committees Presidents Candidates Conventions

Interview LC Subject

Law and legislation Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945 Farley, James A. (James Aloysius), 1888-1976--Interviews Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956 Chandler, Happy, 1898-1991 Vinson, Fred M., 1890-1953

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.