Bronson Cutting

Bronson Cutting was a prominent American politician who served as a United States Senator from New Mexico. A member of the Republican Party, he was known for his progressive stance on various issues during his time in office. In addition to his political career, Cutting was also a newspaper publisher and served as a military attaché during World War I. His tenure in the Senate spanned from 1927 until his untimely death in 1935, during which he was involved in significant legislative efforts and debates, particularly concerning civil liberties and banking reform.

Early life and career

Bronson Murray Cutting was born on June 23, 1888, in Great River, Long Island, New York, at his family's estate known as Westbrook. He was the third of four children born to William Bayard Cutting and Olivia Peyton Murray. Cutting received his early education at common schools and the prestigious Groton School before attending Harvard University, where he graduated in 1910. At Harvard, he was a member of the Delphic Club, which is indicative of his engagement in campus life and activities.

Following his graduation, Cutting faced significant health challenges, as he became an invalid due to recurrent tuberculosis. In search of a more suitable climate for his recovery, he relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, based on medical advice. In 1912, he began his career in journalism by becoming a newspaper publisher, taking charge of the Santa Fe New Mexican and El Nuevo Mexicano. He held the position of president of the New Mexican Printing Company from 1912 to 1918 and continued as president of the Santa Fe New Mexican Publishing Corporation from 1920 until his death.

During World War I, Cutting served his country by being commissioned as a captain and taking on the role of assistant military attaché at the American Embassy in London from 1917 to 1918. After the war, he remained active in civic affairs, serving as regent of the New Mexico Military Institute in 1920 and later as chairman of the board of commissioners of the New Mexican State Penitentiary in 1925. These roles reflected his commitment to public service and community involvement prior to his entry into the political arena.

Senate tenure

Bronson Cutting's political career in the United States Senate began when he was appointed on December 29, 1927, as a Republican to fill the vacancy left by the death of Senator Andrieus A. Jones. His initial term lasted until December 6, 1928, when a duly elected successor, Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo, took office. Cutting did not seek election in the special election held on November 6, 1928, which coincided with the general election for a full six-year term beginning March 4, 1929. However, when Larrazolo chose not to run for the full term, Cutting successfully campaigned for the seat, returning to the Senate after a brief absence.

Cutting's political career included a notable re-election in 1934, where he won a closely contested race against Democrat Dennis Chavez. His tenure in the Senate was marked by his involvement in various legislative efforts and debates, which showcased his progressive Republican ideals.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in the Senate, Bronson Cutting was known for his advocacy on issues related to civil liberties and banking reform. One of his significant legislative efforts was as a co-sponsor of the Hare–Hawes–Cutting Independence Act, which aimed to grant the Philippine Islands a ten-year commonwealth status with substantial autonomy, followed by the recognition of Filipino independence. Although the bill was enacted despite a presidential veto, it was ultimately rejected by the Philippine legislature, leading to the passage of the Tydings–McDuffie Act instead.

Cutting was also a vocal opponent of government censorship, particularly regarding the powers of the Customs Service to confiscate materials deemed "obscene." He raised concerns about proposed changes to Section 305 of a tariff bill that sought to expand censorship powers. Through a series of speeches, he argued against the irrationality of such measures and advocated for the elimination of Section 305. Although he faced opposition, Cutting successfully introduced an amendment that removed references to treason from the bill, which passed by a narrow margin. His efforts garnered support from various sectors, including publishers and civil liberties organizations, highlighting his commitment to freedom of the press.

In addition to his work on civil liberties, Cutting played a significant role in the banking reform discussions during the Great Depression. He crossed party lines to support Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1932 presidential election and was offered a cabinet position, which he declined due to health concerns. He was involved in the political struggles surrounding the Banking Reform Acts of 1933 and 1935, advocating for the Chicago plan, which proposed a 100 percent reserve requirement for credit creation. His contributions to these discussions positioned him as a key figure in the reform efforts aimed at stabilizing the banking system during a tumultuous economic period.

Bronson Cutting's life came to a tragic end on May 6, 1935, when he died in an airplane crash while traveling from Albuquerque to Washington, D.C. His death had significant repercussions, prompting Congress to investigate air traffic safety, leading to the controversial Copeland Committee report. Following his passing, Dennis Chavez, who had previously contested against Cutting in the 1934 election, was appointed to fill his Senate seat. Cutting is interred at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York, marking the end of a notable career in public service and politics.