Jones, Marvin 1972, 1973

Marvin Jones describes the political maneuvers of his first Congressional campaign for District 13 in 1916 before recalling highlights from his years in the U. S. House of Representatives and as a Democratic party leader. He also discusses his work on the government cattle program in the 1930s and the future deposit of his papers. Marvin Jones, former U. S. Congressman, talks about his career and various prominent West Texas personalities with whom he has been acquainted. He discusses farm bills he sponsored while a member of the U. S. House of Representatives, particularly the AAA Act of 1938. He also recalls his re-election to Congress in 1938 and a House petition he refused to sign.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Marvin Jones

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: August 1 and December 19, 1972; March 28, 1973

Location: Amarillo, Texas

Interviewer: David Murrah and Gary Dunn

Length: 2 hours, 55 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Conditions leading to appointment as World War II administrator, Describes work with agricultural conference in Rome, Background and early life reviewed, Recalls candidacy for District Representative, District 33, Education and law practice discussed, Mentions candidacy for District Representative (again), Political debate and anecdotes at Roaring Springs, Discusses Plainview candidate for District, Representative and his political practices.

Tape 1, Side 2: Explains adaptation to redistricting, Anecdote about stopping a merry-go-round at Matador, Describes at West Texas town surrounded by barbed wire, States arguments in favor of a West Texas technical school at the Democratic state convention, Incident concerning Amon Carter related, Expresses indecision concerning deposit of papers with various institutions, Selling land on which Tech is presently located, Cites work on the cattle shoot program in the 1930s.

Tape 2, Side 1: Continues discussion of work on the cattle program in the 1930s, Murrah adds a memorandum on Jones’ political career and summarizes his work in the three branches of government.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Tape 3, Side 1: Discusses the State Democratic Convention of 1922 in relation to the creation of Texas Tech, Mentions Amon Carter’s imposed censorship of Texas geography textbook, Need for West Texas school reviewed, Attended State Convention in Fort Worth (1922), Education received at Miami (1901-1902), Personal papers discussed, Served congressional term (1917), Campaigning in an altered congressional district, Discussion of papers (again).

Tape 3, Side 2: Former Lubbock and Amarillo friends recalled, Gene Howe and Wes Izzard characterized, Wes defendant in a case involving Christian Science healers, Clifford B. Jones recalled, Remembers early acquaintance with Dr. Paul W. Horn, J. Evetts Haley characterized, Names prominent West Texas personalities he has known.

Tape 4, Side 1: House bill sponsored (1937-38), Alexander Hamilton’s theory of tariffs, Handicaps to farmers caused by tariffs, Problem of flooding on the lower Mississippi, Was chairman of Agricultural Committee, Problems in getting the bill passed, AAA Act passed House 2 to 1.

Tape 4, Side 2: AAA Bill sponsored (continued), Recalls meeting with President Franklin Roosevelt, Features added to the bill, Explains soil conservation and credit features, Cites speech at Harvard on the bill, Opposed farm bill endorsed by Henry A. Wallace, Passed two bills over Roosevelt’s veto.

Tape 5, Side 1: Mentions opposition in election of 1938, Petition which Jones refused to sign in Congress cited.

Tape 5, Side 2: Blank

Range Dates: 1916-1939

Bulk Dates: 1916-1939

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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