Henry Moore Teller

Infobox US Cabinet official
name=Henry Moore Teller


image_width=200px
order=15th
title=United States Secretary of the Interior
term_start=April 18, 1882
term_end=March 3, 1885
predecessor=Samuel J. Kirkwood
successor=Lucius Q.C. Lamar
birth_date=birth date|1830|5|23|mf=y
birth_place=Granger, New York, U.S.
death_date=death date and age|1914|2|23|1830|5|23
death_place=Denver, Colorado, U.S.
party=Republican, Democrat
spouse=
profession=Politician, Lawyer, Teacher
religion=

Henry Moore Teller was a U.S. politician. Secretary of the Interior between 1882 and 1885.

He served in the Senate and Cabinet for over thirty years, and was connected with the Free Silver question, beginning in 1880. During that time, he did much in and out of Congress with tongue and pen. In 1892, he was instrumental in securing in the Republican National Convention a declaration in favor of bimetallism, and he was a conspicuous actor in the prolonged fight in the senate against unconditional repeal. His standing in the Republican party, together with his great ability and high character, made him the leader of the Silver Republican Party. [ [http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/senators_changed_parties.htm#3 U.S. Senate: Art & History Home > People > Senators > Senators Who Changed Parties During Senate Service (Since 1890) ] ]

At the Republican National Convention of 1896 in St. Louis, he was at the head of the revolt against the Republican platform and his withdrawal from the party that year cost the Republican candidate thousands of votes. The silver Republicans favored his nomination for the Presidency, and his state of Colorado voted for him on the first ballot in the Democratic Convention. After the nomination had been made he joined with other leading Silver Republicans in an address supporting the Democratic ticket. Unlike many other Silver Republicans, Teller never returned to the Republican Party and served as a Democratic senator for the rest of his career, becoming one of few politicians to switch parties. Teller helped the Democratic Party gain more power in Colorado, which was previously dominated by Republicans.

Historically, Teller is probably best known for sponsoring an amendment to the Joint Resolution for war with Spain, passed by the House and Senate on April 19, 1898. Teller died February 23, 1914.

ee also

* George Turner (U.S. politician)
* Teller Amendment

References

External links