St. Augustine, Florida (JFK+50) On February 24, 1921, President-elect Warren G. Harding "lashed out verbally...at all those who criticized his appointment of...Harry M. Daugherty to be Attorney General."
Mr. Harding characterized the criticisms as "malicious efforts to undermine public confidence in the Harding administration."
He said...
"This premature criticism is a serious menace to popular government. I don't like it."
While the President-elect was talking, he was interrupted by his secretary who told him he had a phone call. Mr. Harding said...
"I can't come now. Tell 'em I'm delivering a lecture."
SOURCE
"Harding Vexed By Criticisms Of Daugherty," by Boyden R. Sparkes, New York Tribune, February 25, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
