The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1920-06-17

NIAA VI wv MaAARAA - = At'AtHa ="
stood with the stalwart remnant of his
party for Taft in 1912 He made the
keynote speech AZ the Republican Ma
tional convention Of 1916. He WAS On.
Of the sturdiest supporters of the war
in Congress. at one time advocating a
war dictatorship for President Wilson
Without being an irreconciiable, he
has been a strong reservationist on
the peace treaty. He has been one Of
the seyerest critics Of President Will
son but not a vituperative one.
Not at Party Lines
Though a strong partisan, Senator
Haraing's liking for a man docs not
stop at party lines always in political
p-eferment George d. Christian. Jr.,
the senator's secretary, is Democrat;
they have long been next door neigh
bors at Marion Outside Of his own
state. Senator Harding's supporters
expect him to make an especially
strong appeal to constructive business
interests. But his greatest advantage
from political standpoint is that ne
halls from pivotal state, a doubtful
one. with big electoral vote. From
being considered rock-ribbed Repub-
Iican state, Ohio has slgone Democratic
in the last two Presidential elections.
In 1916 Wilson carried it by 10000.
Its loss wrote defeat for the Repub-
licans, and the efforts to regain IT In
1920 will add much to the advantage
of an available Ohio candidate.
Friend of Foraker
Senator Harding originally gained
prominence as an Ohio Republican by
his editorial writings and his speeches.
His active political career began in
1889 when he was elected state SEN
ator. While in the state Senate he
was a strong friend of Senator For
aker and was active in sending For
aker to the United States senate for
second term. He was elected lieuten-
ant governor when ex-Ambassador
Myron T. Herriek was elected gov
ernor in 1904. He was defeated for
governor in 1910, but in 1914 he was
elected to the United States Senate,
triumphing over his old political chief,
Senator Foraker. A. light is thrown
on his personality by the fact that he
kept the friendship of Senator For
aker through this political contest and
afterwards.
II was not until after his election to
the United States Senate that Senator
Harding appeared in the publication,
Who's Who in America, confederation
ofthe theory that his national reputa-
tion is of comparatively recent origin
His strength in Ohio, however was
amply demonstrated BY the fact that
he was sent to the senate with a ma
jority of 100, 900, running 10000 ahead
of the next highest on the ticket.
Distinguished as Orator :.
During his early years in Congress,
Senator Harding attracted the atten-
tion of visitors at the Capitol by his
oratory, which had powerful effect
on those within the range of his voice.
In Ohio he had for twenty years borne
the reputation of being one of the
Leasing "silver tongued" orators.
Handsome and big, with an impressive
bearing, sonorous voice and dignity
of gesture, the senator made his name
as an orator by his swaying OF audi
ences rather than newspaper readers.
During his early years in the senate
he was generally overlooked by the
press or received scant attention.
Strong War Supporter
Once the country was in the war,
Senator Harding was a strong advo-
cate of all war measures, supporter
of President Wilson's policies and
vigorous critic of obstructionlsts. He
was impatient Of all legislative delays
in carrying out war purposes.
Senator Harding fits his Platform
well in one special feature. He has
been an advocate Of the development
Of international courts and systems Of
law as urged by the league Of nations
plank and has praised the covenant
brought back by Presiden. Wilson forl
its steps in this direction. he stated
mis- opinion of the league Of nations
rompactly in a speech on Apr.. -,
1919.
Assails President
Senator Harding in speeches in the
Senate has attacked President Wilson
FOR continuing to exercise war powers
after the end Of the war. has charged
hat the President made himself thel
sole obstacle to peace and asserted
hat his position encouraged Bolshe-
fistic tendencies.
Because Of the lack Of action on the
part Of the Executive" be said in one
speech. we are drifting into chaos.
That is why / am urging that this