Million Dollar Oil Scandal Slush Fund
On February 14, 1924, the front page of the El Paso Times featured a headline that shocked Washington with its revelations about the Teapot Dome scandal:
Sensational Teapot Dome revelations rock Washington.
The Senate committee investigating the oil scandal disclosed details about a significant slush fund amounting to a million dollars, funneled to the nation’s capital by Sinclair oil interests. This fund was intended to sway influential figures within both major political parties.
Reports obtained by the committee from credible sources indicated that this substantial fund was earmarked for distribution among high-ranking officials and individuals who had incurred substantial losses in stock market speculations involving shares of an independent oil company.
Albert Fall, a former Senator from New Mexico and resident of El Paso, gained notoriety in connection with the Teapot Dome Scandal during his tenure as the Secretary of the Interior in 1922. He was colloquially referred to as the “fall guy” due to his alleged role in the scandal, which involved the improper leasing of naval oil reserve sites to private entities.
Following an extensive Senate inquiry, Fall faced trial for accepting bribes. Subsequently, he was convicted and sentenced to federal prison.
Albert Fall’s conviction stemmed from accepting a bribe from Edward Lawrence Doheny. Interestingly, while Fall was found guilty of receiving the bribe, Doheny was acquitted of the charge of offering it, leading to Fall being labeled as the “Fall Guy.”
‘The Fall Guy’ led colorful political life
In a column dated May 14, 2006, Leon Metz delved into the intriguing political journey of Albert Fall:
Often referred to as “the Fall Guy” in media reports, Albert Fall’s legacy is intertwined with controversy, particularly his incarceration, which some argue was unjust.
But who was Albert Fall?
His lineage traced back to a British military officer, followed by his grandfather, Philip Slater Fall, an English immigrant who settled in Kentucky before relocating to Tennessee, where he served as a minister. Albert’s father, Williamson Ward Robinson Fall, faced adversity post-Civil War, aligning with the Confederacy and enduring significant losses.
Albert Bacon Fall, known for his mild demeanor tempered with occasional bursts of temper, embarked on a diverse career path. He ventured into teaching, pursued law studies while working odd jobs in Texas, and eventually established himself in New Mexico. His professional trajectory included roles in mining, legislative service, and appointments as attorney general.
In a lesser-known legal episode, Judge Fall presided over a case involving an elderly couple accused of adultery despite living together for decades with former spouses. Displaying a sense of compassion, Fall directed them to continue supporting each other, reflecting his nuanced approach to justice.
Fall’s association with President Warren G. Harding, cultivated through poker games and mutual interests, paved his entry into the Republican Party and eventual ascension to the Senate and later as Secretary of the Interior under Harding’s administration.
Notable among Fall’s ventures was the Three Rivers Ranch acquisition in New Mexico, marred by legal disputes that culminated in significant losses.
The infamous Teapot Dome Scandal cast a shadow over Fall’s career, implicating him in a bribery scheme involving Edward Lawrence Doheny. Despite Doheny’s acquittal on bribery charges, Fall faced conviction, earning him the moniker of the “Fall Guy.”
Senator Thomas Walsh’s investigation further embroiled Fall in legal scrutiny, unveiling his deep-rooted passion for mining amidst the scandal’s unfolding complexities.
An intriguing facet of Fall’s trial was the testimony of Robert Geronimo, son of the renowned Indian chief, who emerged as a key character witness for Fall.
Accused of accepting bribes amounting to $100,000, Fall’s health ailments, including cardiovascular issues and arthritis, led to his transfer to Santa Fe prison in 1931 at the age of 69. Despite his ailments, Fall made the journey from his opulent El Paso residence, supervised by Mrs. Fall, to the prison, marking a significant transition from luxury to confinement.
Albert Bacon Fall passed away on November 30, 1934, at El Paso’s Hotel Dieu Hospital, laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery on Alameda Avenue.
For inquiries, contact Trish Long at [email protected].