Senator Thomas J. Walsh of Montana

by J. Leonard Bates

"This is the first comprehensive biography of Thomas J. Walsh, Democratic senator from Montana from 1913 to 1933, best known for his role in uncovering the Teapot Dome scandal. J. Leonard Bates places Walsh in his colorful and tumultuous times, illuminating Montana history and politics as well as broad national movements including Progressivism, internationalism, Prohibition, war, and so-called normalcy."--BOOK JACKET. "In his most celebrated coup, breaking open the Teapot Dome scandal of 1923-24, Walsh revealed that the secretary of the interior had accepted "loans" from oil men in return for leases of U.S. naval oil reserves. Working through the Public Lands Committee of the Senate, Walsh enjoyed support for his investigation from members of both parties, and his interpretation of the scandal was endorsed by the Supreme Court in 1927. Shortly before his death, he presided over the Democratic National Convention that nominated Franklin Roosevelt and served for a brief time as a key fi