After my defeat I edited a statewide weekly newspaper called Jerry O’Connell’s Montana Liberal. I also was active politically and particularly in the organization of an old-age pension group in which I had the principal activity or principal organizational activity in the State.
Mr. Tavenner. Is that in the State of Montana?
Mr. O’Connell. That is right.
Mr. Tavenner. What was the date of the organization of the old-age pension group by you?
Mr. O’Connell. Well, I actually think that I—it is quite a long while ago now—it was 1939, if I remember correctly. I began holding meetings in various parts of the State and we were advancing a State, it was a State initiative for improvement of the pension situation as far as senior citizens were concerned in the State. I think that came out in 1938 campaign, I had originally been endorsed by the Townsend organization for reelection to Congress and then during the 1938 general elections Dr. Townsend flew from Hawaii into my district and made 3 speeches against me, 2 or 3 speeches. I am not sure which. And the result was a considerable division in the Townsend organization as it existed in the State then, and out of that I am pretty sure at that time there was a gentleman by the name of Arthur L. Johnson, who was promoting I think what he called the general welfare acts or general welfare plan, and on a State pattern, using that general welfare act we promoted a pension plan in the State of Montana on an initiative, we have an initiative law there.
Mr. Velde. May I ask a question, Mr. Chairman.
You mentioned you studied law here at Columbus Law School and in a law office, I believe, in Butte, Mont.
Mr. O’Connell. Yes.
Mr. Velde. Did you pass the bar of the State of Montana?
Mr. O’Connell. Yes, I passed the bar of the State of Montana.