"MR. COOLIDGE TAKES PRIDE IN HIS FIRST YEAR"

REPUBLICANS SEE 'EXCELLENT START' WHILE DEMOCRATS POINT TO 'POLITICAL HONEYMOON'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) David Lawrence, writing for The Evening Star, says that President Calvin Coolidge "likes to consider the year ending today (March 3, 1926) as his first year in office."

The President, having assumed the office of POTUS on the death of Warren G. Harding, completed his predecessor's term over a 17 month period.

According to Lawrence, Mr. Coolidge "takes pride in his first year."

Two accomplishments mentioned by Mr. Lawrence are reduced taxes  and keeping government expenses down.

Republicans feel Coolidge has made "an excellent start" while Democrats acknowledge the President is the beneficiary of a "political honeymoon."

SOURCE

"Coolidge Winds Up First Year On Own," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, March 3, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

Warren G. Harding & Calvin Coolidge

www.picryl.com/

PD

"ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF PRESIDENT'S BIRTH"

COOLIDGE MAY ATTEND HARDING MEMORIAL SERVICES IN MARION

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On October 15, 1923, The Evening Star reports that President Calvin Coolidge "may attend" memorial services for the late President Warren G. Harding to be held on November 2, 1923 in Marion, Ohio.  The date was chosen because it is the anniversary of Mr. Harding's birth.

While Mr. Coolidge's standard policy is to make no trips from the White House "prior to the convening of Congress," it is reported that the president is of the opinion that this memorial service is "of such a nature as to warrant (a) deviation" from the standard policy.

JFK+50 NOTE

The remains of President Harding were placed in a receiving vault in Marion Cemetery until December 1927 when they were interred, along with Mrs. Harding's, in the Harding Memorial, Marion, Ohio.

We can find no information as to whether the proposed memorial service mentioned in today's post was held.  The Evening Star editions of November 2nd & 3rd, 1923 do not mention such an event.

SOURCES

"President May Go to Marion for Harding Service," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 15, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"The History of the Harding Memorial," Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites, www.historypresidentialsites.org/

 

 

Graves of President & Mrs. Warren G. Harding

Marion, Ohio

Photo by User: Postdif

www.wikimedia.org/

"THE PRESIDENT'S LIFE INSURANCE VALUED AT $34,000+"

PRESIDENT HARDING'S ESTATE VALUED AT $486,000+

Marion, Ohio (JFK+50) On October 11, 1923, the report of the late President Warren G. Harding's estate was filed in probate court here in Marion.

Appraisers set the total value of the estate at $486,565.64.  The total included nearly $35,000 in money, $400,000 in securities and $46,000 in real estate.

According to the Associated Press, the President carried life insurance valued at $34,422.21.

JFK+50 NOTE

According to www.in2013dollars.com/, $486,565.64 in 1923 would be equivalent to $8,733,841.70 in 2023 based on the value of $1 in 1923 = $17.95 in 2023. 

Another online source gives President Harding's 2022 financial status at $1 million ranking him 36th among the POTUS listed.  This same source ranks Donald Trump #1, George Washington #2 & JFK #9.

SOURCES

"CPI Inflation Calculator," www.in2013dollars.com/

"Harding Estate Put at $486,565," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 11, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Warren G. Harding Home

Marion, Ohio

Photo by Todd Petrie

2011

"MRS HARDING MIGHT MAKE WASHINGTON HER HOME"

FORMER FIRST LADY TO RETURN TO D.C. FOLLOWING MEMORIAL SERVICES IN MARION

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On September 29, 1923, The Evening Star reports the widow of the late President Warren G. Harding, Mrs. Florence Kling Harding*, will return to the Nation's Capital "soon after memorial services are held in Marion, Ohio on November 2."

The Star says that in letters to her friends, the former First Lady "has indicated that she might make Washington her home."

*Florence Mabel Kling Hading (1860-1924) was born in Marion, Ohio & was educated at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, 1877-1878.  Her plans to live in Washington after the President's death changed because of the return of a kidney ailment.  She lived in a cottage in Marion.

SOURCE

"Mrs. Harding May Come Here To Live," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 29, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Florence Harding

1920

Library of Congress 

"HARDING'S PHYSICIANS CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC"

PRESIDENT HARDING IMPROVED AFTER RESTFUL SLEEP

San Francisco (JFK+50) On July 31, 1923, The Evening Star reports President Warren G. Harding's condition has improved based on an official bulletin issued at 10 a.m.

The bulletin reads...

"The President had a fairly comfortable night with considerable restful sleep.  His temperature...is 100, pulse 120, respiration 40 and regular."

President Harding slept for more than six hours and upon awakening asked for the morning newspapers.  Florence Harding, the First Lady, has "faithfully" been by her husband's bedside during this ordeal.

Physicians are cautiously optimistic the President will recover.

JFK+50 NOTE

The normal heart rate at rest should be between 60 & 100 beats per minute.  A heart rate above 100 is a warning sign and one above 120 could be indicative of an abnormal heart rhythm.

A respiratory rate over 24 breaths per second indicates a very serious condition.

SOURCE

"President Improved Has 'Clear Sailing' After 'Best Night'." The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., July 31, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 Heart Diagram

by ZooFan

2010

"AMERICA HAS MADE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS"

PRESIDENTIAL THEME IS 'HOLD STEADY DON'T ROCK THE BOAT!"

Somewhere Out West (JFK+50) On July 3, 1923, David Lawrence of the Evening Star reports ""Hold steady don't rock the boat'...may be the republican party and the appeal of President (Warren G.) Harding for re-election in 1924."

This is the theme being expressed in all the President's speeches on his current western tour.  It holds that compared to the rest of the globe, "America has made substantial progress. 

It calls for the American people to be patient and continue to support the Harding administration.

SOURCE

"'Don't Rock the Boat,' Slogan President May Adopt for 1924," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

President Warren G. Harding

Outside the White House

Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress

"IN POLITICS IT DOESN'T PAY TO SAY TOO MUCH"

PRESIDENT 'DECLARING HIMSELF TOO MUCH' IS ONE WESTERNER'S OPINION

Somewhere Out West (JFK+50) On July 2, 1923, David Lawrence of the Evening Star writes that President Warren G. Harding has been described by someone in Kansas as a 'super-common citizen.'

Mr. Lawrence reports that another 'super-common citizen' named Charlie Irwin says that although he likes the President and wants to see him re-elected in 1924, Mr. Harding is "declaring himself too much."

Charlie bases his opinion on his brother Fred's philosophy that "it is a mistake for a man to say too much."

So, in politics, Charlie says,"I don't think it pays to say too much."

SOURCE

"President 'Declaring Himself Too Much' Is Ranchman's View," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, July 2, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

 Warren G. Harding

Harris & Ewing Photo 1920

Library of Congress

"HARDING ACQUIRED PROPERTY 39 YEARS AGO"

PRESIDENT SELLS CONTROLLING INTEREST IN HIS MARION, OHIO PUBLISHING COMPANY

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 20, 1923, the White House officially announced that President Warren G. Harding "has sold his controlling interest in the Harding Publishing Company of Marion, Ohio."  HPC publishes The Marion Star*, the city's afternoon newspaper.

The Evening Star reports the President will continue to be a stockholder in the property "which he acquired 39 years ago."

The White House issued a statement which read in part...

"The staff of the (Marion) Star will remain unchanged (and) President Harding will (have) editorial association."

*The Marion Star of Marion, Ohio was first published in 1877.  Today it is owned by the Gannett Newspaper Organization & has a circulation of more than 13,000 readers.

SOURCE

"Harding Sells Control of Star, At Marion," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., June 20, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

Warren G. Harding

Harris & Ewing Photo

1920

Library of Congress 

"TO STUDY THE PROBLEMS OF ALASKA FIRST HAND"

HARDING TO DEPART D.C. ON 2-MONTH SOJOURN ACROSS CONTINENT 

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 19, 1923, the Evening Star reports "President (Warren G.) Harding will leave Washington tomorrow on a trip that will take him across the continent and to far Alaska."

The two-month sojourn will give the President and his party "an opportunity to study the problems of Alaska at first hand."

Mr. Harding is scheduled to deliver nineteen speeches during the trip, the first coming in St. Louis Thursday night.  The President will address the issue of the world court as well as transportation and agricultural problems.

The Associated Press reports that Puerto Rico* has pledged two votes for President Harding's renomination by the Republican Party.

*Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1917 & its people became U.S. citizens.  In 1952, a new constitution recast PR as a US commonwealth independently conducting its own affairs.

SOURCES

"Porto Rico Gives Harding 2 Votes For Nomination," Associated Press, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., June 19, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"President Leaves Capital Tomorrow On 2-Month Tour," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., June 19, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress,  www.loc.gov/

"Puerto Rico:  A U.S. Territory In Crisis," by Amelia Cheatham and Diana Roy, September 29, 2022, Council of Foreign Relations, www.cfr.org/

 

 

The Colors of Old San Juan

Photo by Brad Clinesmith (2016)

 

"GREATEST CIVILIAN PARADE THE CAPITAL HAS EVER SEEN"

SHRINERS & SPECTATORS STRICKEN BY OPPRESSIVE HEAT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 5, 1923, 40 heat prostrations occurred during the Shriner's Parade here in the Nation's Capital before half of the marchers had passed President Warren G. Harding's reviewing stand on Pennsylvania Avenue.

32 were whisked off to hospitals while 8 others were treated at nearby drug stores.  Hundreds of spectators fainted due to the crowded conditions and oppressive Washington heat.

President Harding welcomed his fellow Shriners in what is described by The Indianapolis Times as "the greatest civilian parade the capital has ever witnessed."

JFK+50 NOTE

The annual convention, known as Shrine Week, was held June 3 through June 7 in 1923.  There were two parades on June 5th, one in the morning and one later in the evening.  Pennsylvania Avenue was strung with 35,000 electric lights.  John Philip Sousa, a Mason, led a massed band.

SOURCE

"Heat Overcomes Shrine Paraders," The Indianapolis Times, June 5, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"In June 1923, Washington was transformed into the Middle East," by John Kelly, February 25, 2023, The Washington Post, www.washingtonpost.com/

 

 

Shriner's Parade

Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress Photo

"PRESIDENT IS POOREST ADVERTISER IN U.S. TODAY"

LABOR SECRETARY SAYS HARDING WORKS AT HIS JOB BUT DOESN'T TALK ABOUT IT

Boston, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On April 2, 1923, Secretary of Labor James J. Davis*, speaking to the Women's Republican Club of Boston, said President Warren G. Harding is "not bothering his head over much about the politics of 1924."

The Secretary said...

"President Harding is probably the poorest advertiser in the United States today."

He added that in his view the smallest corner grocer could better sell himself to the public saying the President...

"work(s) at his job" rather than "talk about it."

*James John Davis (1873-1947) was born in Tredegar, Wales & served as Secretary of Labor 1921-1930 & U.S. Senator (R-PA) 1930-1945.

SOURCE

"President Called Poor Advertiser," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., April 2, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

James J. Davis

June 5 1925

National Photo Company

Library of Congress

"ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR ALL CLERKS"

HARDING GIVES FED & DISTRICT EMPLOYEES 4 HOUR DAY ON SATURDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On December 15, 1922, President Warren G. Harding issued an executive order providing that...

"Federal and District employees...work only four hours on Saturday before Christmas."

The order applying to December 23, 1922 states that the four hour work day "for all clerks and other employees" will be "exclusive of the time for luncheon."

Some employees could be excluded from getting the four hour day based on the provision that the order "shall not apply to any bureau...of the government or District of Columbia that may...be excepted therefrom by the head of (such) department."

SOURCE

"President Calls Four-Hour Day On December 23," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., December 15, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

White House Christmas

Nov 30 2017

by Joyce N. Boghosian

Official White House Photograph

"AN ANTI-REPUBLICAN DRIFT IN WESTERN NY STATE"

A REVULSION OF FEELING AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATION IN WESTERN NEW YORK STATE 

Buffalo, New York (JFK+50) On September 25, 1922, the Evening Star reports "there is a revulsion of feeling against the Washington administration" in evidence here in Buffalo, a section of the state which was "strong for Harding" and "bitter against Wilson" in the presidential election of 1920.

David Lawrence writes...

"There's an anti-republican drift on throughout this part of the state."

Mr. Lawrence argues that this 'drift' could result in "a return to the democratic party of many who left in 1920 and a protest against republican mistakes by staying away from the polls."

Sentiment in Western New York state among many republicans is that President Warren G. Harding "hadn't been firm enough" with labor in the recent rail strike.

Despite this sentiment, Lawrence indicates that the GOP faithful are not quite ready to dump Harding yet.  Republicans leaders "of experience" say that the President "is entitled to a second term if he wants it."

SOURCE

"Blame President For 'Weak' Policy In Labor Trouble," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 25, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

President Warren G. Harding

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"MR. HARDING BENEFITED FROM THE AIR & EXERCISE"

PRESIDENT ENJOYS ROUND OF GOLF AS FIRST LADY'S CONDITION IMPROVES

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On September 18, 1922, President Warren G. Harding played golf "for the first time" since the First Lady's "illness assumed critical proportions."

With Mrs. Florence Harding's continuing improvement, the family doctor advised the President "to indulge in a four-some of golf."

When he returned to the Executive Mansion, the President was observed to have benefited from "the air and the exercise."

According to The Original Golf Blogger, Harding was an "avid golfer" who sometimes spent his time on the links rather than administering government business at the White House.  He took golf trips to Florida and New Hampshire during his short term of office.

SOURCES

"President Plays Golf First Time In Ten Days," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., September 18, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

"President Warren G. Harding, Golfer," by The Original Golf Blogger, August 5, 2020, www.golfblogger.com/ 

 

 

 Golf Ball

Photo by Lotus Head

www.wikimedia.org/ 

"GOVERNMENT BY LAW MUST & WILL BE SUSTAINED"

HARDING CALLS RAILWAY & COAL STRIKE SERIOUS & MENACING TO NATION'S WELFARE

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 18, 1922, President Warren G. Harding, in an address to the United States Congress, pledged to use "all the power of the government to maintain transportation and sustain the right of men to work."

Carter Field reports that the President "vigorously" denounced "abuses of organized labor" and called for the creation of a commission to investigate "the whole coal industry."

President Harding said...

"The situation growing out of the prevailing railway and coal-mining strikes is...serious (and) menacing to the nation's welfare."

He concluded by saying...

"No matter what clouds may gather, no matter what hardships may attend or what sacrifice may be necessary, government by law must and will be sustained."

SOURCES 

"Address to Congress on Railroad and Coal Strikes," The American Presidency Project, www.presidency.ucsb.edu/

"Harding Calls for Laws to Make Strikes Impossible; Big Four Propose New Solution of Seniority Issue," by Carter Field, The New York Tribune, August 19, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

   

 

Warren G. Harding

POTUS 1921-1923

Photo by Harris & Ewing

Library of Congress

"REPLY OF RAILROAD EXECS EMINENTLY SATISFACTORY"

PRESIDENT HARDING SEES HIS LATEST RAIL STRIKE PROPOSAL AS 'FINAL COMPROMISE'

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 14, 1922, David Lawrence reports in The Evening Star that President Warren G. Harding "considers the reply of railroad executives to his latest peace proposal (in the rail strike) to be eminently satisfactory."

According to Lawrence, the President sees his proposal as a "final compromise," and that the railroad companies will agree to rehire strikers and whenever possible allow them to resume the positions they held before the strike.

David Lawrence points out, however, that neither the railroad executives or the strikers believe the President has the power to force an "end to the controversy."

SOURCE

"President Will Not Recede From Firm Rail Strike Stand," by David Lawrence, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 14, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

President Warren G. Harding

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"I NEVER FIND MY WORK DONE"

NORMALCY, IN HARDING'S VIEW, IS KEY FIRST YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENT

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 4, 1922, President Warren G. Harding "made his first public utterance on the responsibilities and accomplishments of the Administration in the last twelve months."

The President was the primary guest at the National Press Club.  The organization threw a birthday party honoring President Harding's first year in office.

In speaking at the affair, President Harding said...

"I never find my work done.  I find myself unable...to keep aloof.  One cannot be President to keep aloof.  He would not be fit to be President if he did."

The President continued...

"It seems (like) I have been President for twenty years.  If we accomplish nothing but...getting back to normal ways of government we will have at least accomplished something." 

JFK+50 NOTE

Harding's slogan in the Republican campaign of 1920 was "Return to Normalcy" reflecting the desire to return to normal times after the not-so-normal times of the world war.

 SOURCE

"Year Seems Like Twenty, Says Harding," The Evening Star, March 4, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

"Back To Normalcy"

Berryman Political Cartoon Collection

May 9 1922

U.S. National Archives

"REPAIR & CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS COULD START NOW"

HARDING ASKS FOR HELP TO PUT UNEMPLOYED TO WORK

Washington,D.C. (JFK+50) On January 27, 1922, President Warren G. Harding requested the assistance of the Departments of War, Navy, Agriculture, Treasury, Interior and Commerce "in providing work for the unemployed."

The President suggested repair and construction projects could be undertaken immediately.

President Harding is quoted in the Evening Star as saying...

"The response of the general public to appeals for the widest possible employment has been so generous and effective that I think we should be more concerned to have the agencies of the federal government do their very utmost share in this humane effort."

SOURCE

"President Moves To Aid Unemployed," The Evening Star, January 27, 1922, www.chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/

 

 

Warren G. Harding

January 1 1915

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress

"MOUNTED ON A LARGE CHESTNUT-COLORED CHARGER"

PRESIDENT HARDING GOES HORSEBACK RIDING

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On the morning of November 23, 1921, President Warren G. Harding "indulged in his first (horseback) ride" in the Nation's Capitol. It was the first such ride of his political career in Washington.

The Evening Star reports the President returned to the Executive Mansion after the outing showing "expressions of delight" and predicted there would be many more presidential rides to come.

Mr. Harding, wearing a new riding suit with leather boots, was mounted on a "large chestnut-colored charger" that was supplied by the Quartermaster of the Army Department.

The President, along with his orderly and a single secret service agent, rode through Potomac Park* for thirty minutes.

*West Potomac Park is adjacent to the National Mall extending from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument.  It is a National Park operated by the National Park Service.

SOURCE

"President Takes First Canter On Horseback In Washington Career," The Evening Star, November 23, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

Charge

U.S. Army 1st Cavalry

Department of the Army

 

"THESE UNITED STATES WILL CARRY ON"

PRESIDENT HARDING SAYS "A NEW HOPE LOOMS TODAY"

Plymouth, Massachusetts (JFK+50) On August 1, 1921, speaking to a large audience near the landing spot of the Pilgrims, President Warren G. Harding "expressed a firm faith that world freedom may be found through diminished armament and a minimizing of war's causes."

The President's address was attended by Vice-President Calvin Coolidge, Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Major General Clarence R. Edwards, Secretary of War Weeks and Governor Cox of Massachusetts.

The President said...

"A new hope looms today.  We are slowly but very surely recovering from the wastes and sorrows of a cataclysmic war.  Solvent financially, sound economically...unexcelled in industry, resolute in determination and unwavering faith, these United States will carry on."

SOURCE

"Harding Sees Freedom for World After Cut in Arms," by Boyden R. Sparkes, The New York Tribune, August 2, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

 

 

President Warren G. Harding

Harris & Ewing Photo

Library of Congress Image