Evening star., 1937-01-23

liam P McCracken when that gentle
man refused to surrender certain docu-
ments and papers he declared belonged
to his clients, when the Senate re-
quested them A warrant was issued
for Col. McCracken's arrest on the
charge that he was in contempt of the
Senate. Col McCracken was secre.
tary to the American Bar Association
at the time. but was under investiga-
ton for certain activities during his
Office as Assistant Secretary of Com
merce
With the sergeant at arms of the
House, Mr. Jurney has Joint authority
over the police force that guards the
Capitol. During the days when the
bonus army" occupied Washington.
this became an exciting duty, call
ing for immeaSureable tact. but full
exercise of authority. The force must
be ready at all times to cope with
protesting groups" or untoward cir
cumstanceS such as occurred on one
occasion when a demented college pro-
feSSor set a bomb in the telephone
booth in a room adjoining the Sen.
ate chamber.
Another Office of the sergeant at
arms of the United States Senate is
to take charge Of the buying and re-
placing activities with respect to those
supplies which are necessary for the
maintenance of the Senate side of
the Capitol Building. Hence he Is
in charge of the storerooms and ware
houses on this side, Of all furnish
ings and furniture and items Of sup
ply used within his domain.
Mr.. Jurney first arrived on Capitol
Hill 40 years ago. He was born in
Waco. Tex, June IS, 1877, and at
tended the public schools Of that
city. He studied shorthand, attended
Baylor University. and later vas grad
! uated from the Law Department of
George Washington University In
Washington, D. c.
WHEN he first appeared on the
legislative pay roll, it was as
private secretary to Representative
Robert L. Henry of Waco, Tex, from
1897 to 1908. Next he served in a
similar capacity for Senator Charles
A. CulberSon, from 1908 to 1923. Dur
ing Democratic control. from 1918 to
1919, he served as clerk Of the Sen
ate Committee on the Judiciary. From
1928 to 1888, he was private secre-
tary to Senator Royal S. Copeland,
and in 1882 was an unsuccessful can.
didate for the Democratic nomination
for Congressman at large from Texas.
On March 8, 1888, he was elected SER
geant at arms of the United States
Senate.
During times Of Inauguration Mr..
Jurney, under directions from the In
augural Committee, has charge at the
Capitol in connection with the cere-
monies. With the sergeant at arms
Of the House and members Of the
committee, he accompanies the Presi.
dent to the inaugural stand.
Mr.. Jurney's office was formerly
that Of the marshal Of the United
States Supreme Court and Is one Of
the most historic rooms in the United
States Capitol Building. the Supreme
Court having met there for 10 years
when Chief Justice Marshall presided
over the court. from 1901 to 1911.
1t Is not a large room for q court,
but large for an Office, with high cell
ing and beautiful fireplace mantel Of
marble. It also Is Illuminated by
means Of a beautiful crystal chande-
lier, and long crimson damask drap-
cries hang from the tall windows.
From the small Office Of Mr.. Jurney's
secretary, next adjoining. the room
opens into the old Supreme Court
chamber. =