The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1920-11-06
Statement by Harding
Gratified at Election But Does
Not Regard 1t as Personal
Victory

Marion, Oh1o, Now 2.~COnvinCed
by early returns Of his election to
the presidency, Warren G. Harding is
sued statement tonight saying that
instead of being exuitant over the re-
suit he was more given to prayer to
God to make me capable Of playing
my part" '
Receiving the election returns at his
home here, Mr.. Harding declined dur,
ing the early evening to make any
comment, and issued his statement
only after the f1Suree had piled UP
majorities for him which his advisers
declared made his election certain.
AT the same time it became known
that the senator and Mrs. Harding
had made plans for vacation trip,
to be carried out regardless Of the re.
suit Of the election, taking them for
rest next week to, Texas and az
ter that for an ocean voyage to the
Panama Canal Zone. They will return
TO Marion during early December.
The senator's statement follows:
Assuming that the early returns
are wholly dependable, I do not hest
tate to say that am pleased, OF
course, I am happy tC utter my, graft
tude. But l am not exultant. 1t is
not n personal victory. 1t Is a re-
newed expression" Of confident .Ameri.
canism and q national call to the Re-
publican party. .,.,.-,.. .., T..
1T Ia also ssrious;' the obligations
are so solemn that instead Of enulting
am more given to prayer to God to
mako me. capable Of playing my part,
ind that all the calls to responsibility
nay meet the expectations Of America
and the world. l.r -,
Il am sure the people who have
voted the Republican ticket will un-
derstand my feeling that l should
make no .unstudied statement Of poll
cies at this time beyond the expression
:nado through the campaign"
Coincidently with the senator's
statement. Harry M. Daugherty, a
member Of the Republican campaign
committee, made this statement here:
1T is the greatest victory in Ameri-
'an politics, clearly foreshadowed and
predicted. 1t Is more than a partisan
fctory, as the result was contributed
% by millions of Democrats. The
women OF the nation have quickly
vindicatei the comforting Of the suf-
rage privilege as they sensed correct
ly the issues and rallied to the cause
OF America and American institutions
The Republican party is fully con-
scious OF the great responsibilities i'm
plied in this popular verdict and will
faithfully keep its obligations"
The senator's trip 20 Texas will be-
gin Friday night or Saturday morning
and Mr.. Harding will arrive at Point
Isabel, Texas, near Brownsville next
Monday He plans TO spend about
twelve days there anC then leave for
Panama by way OF New Orleans.
His stay in the Canal Zone will last
about a week. during which he will
make hrst-hand study of local con-
ditions, and particularly Of the tolls
system OF American ships. He has
advocated throughout the campaign a
repeal OF these tolls and it is expect
ed he will collect information on that
policy.
Leaving Colon abour December /, he
viii land ut New Orleans and will
travel by train to Bedford Virginia
where he speaks December at an
Elk's celebration. Afterward he Is to
return TO Marion, to remain, under
present plans, most OF the time until
March 4. He may take 4 trip during
this interim. however, TO some south
ern resort