Capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1919-1980, 1920-06-14
Coolidge Starts Career
In Politics AS Council
Member Rise Rapid

Chicago, July 14.-Named by the re-
publican national convention as the
party's candidate for vice president in
the fall elections during the closing
hours of Saturdays session, Governor
Calvin Coolidge, of Massachusetts, to-
day shares the lImelight OF political
activity with Senator Harding, the
presidential nomineer
Governor Coolidge was placed In
nomination by Wallace McCamant,
delegate from Oregon who was to have
nominated Senator Lodge had not the
senate leader declined the honor, and
was selected as the choice of the con-
vention by wide majority
Born In Vermont.
OF Calvin Coolidge it is generally re-
marked throughout Massachusetts,
that he talks little and says much and
that every word he says or writes is
understood by everyone. His style is
clear, simple and convincing
Governor Coolidge was born in n
typical American town--Plymouth
Vermont--twelve miles from rail-
road, on July 4, 1879 He was not
brought up in poverty but enjoyed the
comforts of farm home, free from
Injuries.
He was educated at Amherst college.
He was an able and Industrious stu
dent. 1t was during his college course
that he began the study OF American
politics.
Won College Prize.
At Amherst in his senior year he
won the first prize. gold medal for
the best essay on the principles Of the
war for American independence. This
competition was open to the UNDER
graduates Of all American colleges.
After only twenty months study Of
law in the office Of Hammond & Field
in Northampton he was admitted to
the bar. He thereupon opened an Of
flee in Northampton and at once gain
ed rating as Jealous, broadmlnded
promoter of the community's welfare.
AS boy he had worked hard on the
farm. This capacity never waned- His
willingnessto work hard, his actual de-
yotion to his duties as lawyer In .
small city where reputation with ones
follow citizens is based son achieve
ments. rather than adjectiyes. fixed his
status as a member Of the bar in whom
were combined ability integrity, ener-
gy and purpose.
Appointed by the supreme court to
fill a vacancy caused by death, he de-
cllned to aceetp his partys nomination
| for election to succeed himself and re-
turned to the practice Of law.
Was Elected Councilman.
Calvin Coolidge entered politics ac'
tivelv in his home town. Northampton
IN f9ag when he was elected to the
city council The next year he wai
made city solicitor and held that office
for two years. He went to the Massa-
chusetts sttae legislature In 1897 and
1908. He left the legislature to be
come mayor OF Northampton. holding
that office two years. He was thef
\ elected state senator where he served
sour years. during the last two year
\ Of which he was president OF thal
body.
AZ mavor Of Northampton he dis
PLAYED a natural grasp OF finance am
his record showse that during a a-perio'
Of high state taxes he reduced the citl
tax over 10000 and at the same tint
Increased the size and efficiency Of tn
police and fire departments, raised tn
salaries OF school teachers and for tw'
years ran the city without issuing
single bond for borrowed money
Prominent IN Legislature.
1 During coolidge's first term in tn
legislature he was recognized as capa
ble Of welding much greater infiu
ence than the average first year ner
i He demonstrated his ability as a bil
i drafter and came into prominenc
Through his fight against the so-calle'
INew York theatrical trust.
fcontsnued on Page FNur.l