The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-05
VERSA|LLESLEAGUE IS NOW DECEASED
 HARDING DECLARES
NeighborS and Friends Voice JubiIation at Election In Memorable Celebration
 Last Night
By Associated Press

Marion, Onl0, November 4.--- Making his first speech as pres ident-elect, Warren c. Hard ing declared at an election eel ebration of home folks here that the Versailles league of nations was 'now deceased", although the new administra- tion intended to see that the nation played it's part i'll a new international association found ed on peace an djustice.
 Mir. Harding also told his friends and ncighbors, who gathered around the front porch in cheering concourse rivalling the greatest crowd of the campaign, that he had come through the fight without an apology or re- gret,' and that he would rather not have the presidency than to win it "by speaking Ill or uttering a 1ie."
 The celebration. in which many from otEer Ohio cities joined, was charac- terlzed by all the carnival features oE an old time political rally So great " dS lHe LndL the SJIeelS were damned for a block away and only a small part of those present could hear the speech In a parade past the Hard ing residence, there were many spe- cial features, one man leading don- key. on whose sides was painted -Jim- mic didn't treat me right" while an- other group carried dummy corpse silhouetted against red fire back sround and labeled 'NThe League of Na- tions."
 It was from the latter tabieau that the Presdent-e took the cue for the leading thought of his speech. His ref erence to it started a laugh, and then he said
 SEES NO SORROW
 q didn't see as much sorrow in your faces as I had apprehended. It's not that you or I question the desire of America to play it's part; It's not that we question the high ideals of those who were responsible for the ver- sailes covenant You just didn't want a, surrender of the United States of America; you wanted America to go on under American ideals. That's why you didn't care for the league, which is now deceased, America is playing . great part now America is healing
 the heart of the old world tonight as no other nation. But there is more to do: there is a new world relationship, and when,s the next administration lccmes intol power we're going to play ! our part We're going to ask for na- tions associated together in justice; but I if shall be an association which surren- | ders nothing of American freedom" 1 In his short talk the President elect l touched on no other issues of the cars- rsign. but thanked the crowd for its l tribute and asked that he go to Wash | irgton with your good wishes, your confidence and your prayers"
 | "Its a solemn responsibility," hs | said, "and when I am through I want
 to be able to come back and be one of ! you again the same as I am now. | like to stand before you and tell you
 don't come with q single apology or | regret. Before I'd become President by speaking i'll or uttering lie, I'd spurn | the office"
 1 He added that he had always liked "the Marion spirit of boosting" and that he was going down to Washingto, as a booster for the United States Of America.
 The Marion Civic Association was tho moving spirit in the publication. but there were many present from other Ohio cities, including large delegations from Columbus Cleveland and Cincinnati. D. R. Crssinger, a former democratic nom inee for Congress. but a supporter Of MT Harding through the campaign, ia president of the Civic Association and acted as the spokesman of the serenad-