Alger, Bruce

Occasionally in history a person emerges who stands apart, either by choice or chance. In 1954 such a man was elected by the Texas Fifth District as the first Republican U. S. Representative from Texas since the Civil War. Whether Bruce Alger stood apart by chance or by choice depends on the interpretation of the issues and circumstances.

Bruce Alger was born in Dallas, Texas, June 12, 1918, but was raised in St. Louis, Missouri. A recipient of a Blossum scholarship, Alger attended Princeton University, where he studied philosophy, art and music. After graduation his first career was television, the newest invention of the 1940s. Joining the RCA Corporation in their promotions department, Alger settled down to work in communications; however, his career was interrupted by WWII. Alger joined the Army as a flyer, holding the rank of Captain by war's end. On his return he found RCA would not hire him. He had been "gone too long" for the new fast-paced field.

In 1945 Alger moved to Dallas and formed Alger Development Co. As a real estate agent and land developer Alger soon found himself concerned with local issues and became the first president of the White Rock Chamber of Commerce. He settled back to enjoy his business and community.

However, in 1954 Alger's life would change. After being approached by associates, Alger became the Republican candidate for U.S. House of Representatives for the Fifth District. To his own surprise he was elected - the first and only Republican from Texas, setting him apart by circumstance. For the next ten years Alger would also be set apart by choice.

Alger's tenure in office (1954-1964) is included in Texas' Johnson-Rayburn era. Lyndon Johnson and Sam Rayburn controlled the totally Democratic Texas delegation in Washington for many years. As a Republican Alger was an outsider. As an ultra-conservative Republican Alger was even further outside his state representative circle. As an individualist, a strict constitutionalist, and a man of extreme principles, or as some have said stubbornness, Alger stood separated from other Republicans as well.

Bruce Alger believed in the limited role of federal government during a time when the government was being asked toe expand. Alger stood fast to his principles. Compromise was not possible when the principle became the issue. Later, in his own words, Alger felt he had been too naïve to realize how Congress worked. People expected trade-offs and Alger could not trade. In an era of social movements, such as civil rights, his view of the federal role differed from most. He felt these changes belonged on local levels. The federal government should provide for the common defense and foreign affairs. Responsibility for social programs, or domestic controls, belonged to people closest to the problems. A good example of his unyielding belief concerned the funding for school lunch programs. In his view providing lunches, or other similar aid, should be controlled both financially and physically by local people. He stood firm on this point down to being the only member of the House to voice opposition to the lunch program.

Alger's steadfast determination increased his unpopularity with the Texas delegation as wall as members of the Fifth District back home in Dallas. It's possible that this fact, the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy, in Dallas, and Texas' Democratic Party traditions all contributed to Alger's defeat by former Dallas mayor Earle Cabell in 1964.

After ten years of public service Alger picked up his private life. Continuing in real estate as a broker, he moved first to Florida and in 1976 back to Dallas. He remained out of political life, except for occasional public appearances. As of 1986 Bruce Alger is still living and working in the Dallas area.

From the guide to the Bruce Alger Collection MA 83-11., 1954-1979, (Texas/Dallas History & Archives, Dallas Public Library)