Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1920-12-25
gr;no precedents


dent Wilson are to be restored
er tie administr; ton of MT.
indeed, the new President and the
Lady will begin their official life
ton with the restoration of prece-
was shattered by President Wilson.
the formal inauguration exercises
President and Mrs. Harding will
h their presence the inaugural ball
vening of March 4th, and this ball,
told in the press dispatches, will be
st dazzling in the history of Washing
|rbera were no inaugural balls during
Resident Wilson's administration. Wnen
6lans were being perfected for MS Iirse III
Inauguration, social and offlclai WasAlnston,
not to mention thousands of persous VINO
intended taking in the inauguration, were
shocked to learn that Mr.. Wilson looked win
mdispleasure on inaugural balls. HAN Inc Joy
8of the inauguration was knocked INTO d
cooked hat for those VINO enjoyed such spec-
tacles. ~
But the decision of Mr.. Wilson struck
responsive chord in the country. The peo-
ME generally rather admired the courage OF
the President and applauded the 1lrmness
of his resolve to eliminate frlvollty, even
tl,o,,gb ba ,,nsat cherished custom. Mr..
Wilson adhered to the broken precedent ana
there was no ball upon the occasion or MS
second inauguration.
The country was far more interested in
Mr. Wilson's second precedent-breaklng
Thfcn came INN ia t+t5f-sa tttefe-the as
hg of the new Congress. Appearing
congress in person to deliver his
ge. rather than dispatch it by mes
sr, to be read by clerk, was ne
ure from custom that provoked WIDE
lad comment. The presence OF the Pres
mt in the halls of Congress appealed to
INN piua on Of
Early filled their conception of the high Of
Ice The innovation was a good one, ana
commanded from the mem bers OF Congress
kand from the country-at-large far more
ttentive hearing than written messages hau
lever received
rRnt Mr. Wilson did not stop breaking
eceoents with. delivery of his messages III
srson. He frequently slipped quietly away
Aom the White House during sessions OF
hgress to visit the Capitol and there con-
u in person with Senators and Representa-
ives about legislation in which he felt
particular interest. It was no unusual sight
o see the President at the Capitol nor was
Et unusual to learn from the public press
hat he had called from the Senate chamber
n thssE ouse of Representatives certain Sen
tosS9nd Representatives to advise with
dem concerning the details OF Important
legislation. This innovation. we feel sure.
was effective 1t invited public attention to
matters that otherwise might have escaped
!, notice and operated in many instances to
encourage enactments that might have been
unnecessarily delayed.
The Presidents first voyage tC Europe and
his prolonged stay in Paris in attendance
son the Peace Conference capped the eli
81 as an action without precedent in the
DRY of the Nation. Announcement of his
pose to leave America and attend the
Zee conference provoked discussion that
ed for weeks before he actually sailed
Wilson made the trip against the advice
lany of his closest friends. and the wis
of his course continues subject Of
gbate. 1t seems certain that his labors
1t the Peace Conference were responsible
flor the failure of his health, and considered
in this light his trip to France was mistake
that will ever be regretted.
. But Mr.. Harding is going 20 restore many
Hof the presidents that were broken by Presi-
Adent Wilson. The inaugural ball will be the
(first one Then will come Mr.. Harding s
kfirst message to Congress He will not de-
nker it in person, but will send it by mes
Egfs to be read to an inattentive Congress.
i'll make no informal trips to the Capt.
interview Senators and Representa-
and it is safe TO say that he IS not
to visit France or any other foreign
try during his term of office.