On January 4, 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt nominated William Howard Taft to be Secretary of War. Taft served as Secretary of War from 1904 until he was elected President in 1908. Taft later served as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1921 to 1930.
This political cartoon by Clifford K. Berryman depicts William Howard Taft being enticed to run for the Presidency. While serving as Secretary of War, Taft had told President Theodore Roosevelt that his highest ambition was to serve as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, but Roosevelt wanted him to run in the 1908 election as his successor. With Roosevelt’s encouragement, Taft began to consider running. In this cartoon Taft blocks the buzz of a potential Supreme Court nomination to better hear the enticing buzz of the Presidential bee. Berryman speculates that Taft may be succumbing to Roosevelt’s wishes and is “not afraid” of running for President.
Not Afraid by Clifford K. Berryman, 8/9/1905, U.S. Senate Collection (ARC 1693338)
President Reagan delivers a commencement address at his alma mater, Eureka College. Eureka, Illinois. 5/17/82.
-from the Reagan Library
The American Red Cross was founded on this day — May 21, 1881.
On the founding anniversary of the American Red Cross, here’s Kathleen Kennedy in...
WAITER IN THE LOUNGE CAR OF THE SOUTHWEST LIMITED PASSENGER TRAIN ENROUTE BETWEEN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, AND DODGE CITY KANSAS, TAKES A BRIEF REST...
Day 43: May 18
Leg braces used by Franklin Roosevelt
(Steel, leather)
FDR could not stand without the support of leg braces...
