Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1920-10-06
BY WILLIAM HOSTER.

The American people will decide,
Of course. II they can visualize the
vital principle which is at stake--the
spirit which is at once the keynote
and the handspring of the campaign
upon which the nation has entered,
there can be no doubt Of the result.
1t isn't a thing that can be carried
about the country, and exhibited from
the rear end of Pullman car. II is
wholly apart from the red fire, blair
ing bands and stump oratory OF old
fashioned campaigns. The issue, in
short, goes deep down to that principle
which has been the handspring of
the national life since the days of Lex
ington and Concord; and the patriotic
citizen, Republican and Democrat
alike, by taking counsel with himself,
will find II imbedded In his own heart.
Here In Marion, O., you get q con-
crete exposition Of that vital princi-
pie. It is good to come to Marion and
get the true perspective. You are
brought anew, here, to the realization
that the country is In process Of elect
ing chief executive to guide the des-
TIMES of 120.O00,000 people for the
four years ensuing from March 4
next; that the very serious business Of
bringing about what European OBJ
server described as "a revolution by
due process Of law" is going forward
with proper regard for the dignity
and importance Of the task.
Scene Entirely Appropriate.
Your first impression is of the At
ness of Marion as the scene for the
enactment of such chapter In Amer
lean history. II is quiet little coun-
try town, for all its boasted industrial
activity and when you approach the
Harding residence, one among many
In its simplicity and attractiveness,
ron feel II is quite In keeping with
events that from this typical American
bone there should come modest, dig
nifIed and capable, outstanding Amer
lean upon whom the choice Of his fell
low citizens should fall to uphold the
honor and traditions Of the nation.
This conviction grows when you meet
the man. He Is typical Of the success
full business man--of the hundreds OF
thousands of successful Americans
who have accumulated competence
through the ordinary channels which
are open to all hard working, straight.
forward American boys.
Meet him, now. He has established
an office in the home of George Chris
fian, Jr, his secretary, which adjoins
the Harding house-and this Is typi-
cal; chief and secretary live side by
side, each owning his own modest
home. And by me way, these exec
utive officers are Illuminating as to
the kind Of a man II is whom the Re-
publican party has made Its standard
bearer In this epoch-making campaign.
Every room in the house is given over
To the business in hand-the senator's
conference room is the Christian din
ing room, his private Office. where the
important conferences are held, Is the
kitchen. In the living room sits Chris
tan. Elsewhere, from cellar TO gar
ret, the staff are at work. No confu-
sion. no disorder, no hectic shouting
at the top of ones vcice, no running
around in circles. pounding Of the
table, no Marrying, Jimmying or Billy
ing, with strident denunciauons OF
the other side, and loud boastings OF
the way the opposition candidate is
TO be beaten into a pulp. just a thor
ough, careful, business-like transac-
zion Of the business In hand--precisely
the way in which we like to think the
work OF 120OO0,OO0 people wiz be con-
Quoted al the White House after
March A.
Step into the dining room and 1sei