Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-03-04
The text Of President Warren G. Hard
fng's inaugural address follows:

When one surveys the world about him
after the great storm, noting the marks
OF destruction and yet rejoicing in the
ruggedness of the things which withstood
it, If he is American he breathes the clari-
fed atmosphere with a strange mingling
Of regret and new hope. We have seen a
world passion spend it's fury, but we con-
template our republic mistaken and hold
our civilization secure. Liberty-nberty
within the law-and civilization are insep-
arabic, and though both were threatened
we find them now secure and there comes
to Americans the profound assurance that
our representative government is the
highest expression and surest guaranty
Of both.
Standing IN this presence, mindful Of
the solemnity Of this occasion, feeling
the emotions which no one may know
until he senses the great weight Of re-
EponsibiIity for himself l must utter my
belief in the divine inspiration of the
founding fathers. Surely there must have
been Gods intent in the making of this
new world republic. Ours Is an organic
law which had but one ambiguity and
we saw that effaced in a baptism of sac
rfhce and blood with union maintaining
the nation supreme and its concord in
spring. We have seen the world rivet
Its hopeful gaze on the great truths on
which the founders wrought We have
seen civil, human and religious liberty
Fer11ed and glOrihed. In the beginning
the old world scoffed at our experiment,
today our foundation OF political and
social belief stands mistaken q precious
Inheritance to ourselves, an inspiring ex
ample Of freedom and civilization to all
ankind Let US express renewed and
strengthened devotion, in grateful rev.
erence for the immortal beginning and
utter our confidence in the supreme full
fllment
The recorded progress of our republic
materially and spiritually, In itself proves
10 aVn ---fwn N-I
non-invOlvment in old world affairs. Con-
hdent of our ability to work out our
own destiny and jealousy guarding our
right to do so we seek no part in direct
Ing the destinies OF the old world. We
DO not mean to be entangled. We will
accept no responsibility except as our
own conscience and Judgment In each
instance, may determine.
Our eyes never viii be blind to a de-
veloping menace our ears never deaf to
the call OF civilization. We recognize the
new order in the world, with the closer
contacts which progress has wrought
We sense the call of the human heart for
fellowship, fraternity and cooperation.
We crave friendship, and hRrbor no hate.
But America, our America, the America
builded on the foundation laid by the n
spired fathers, can be party to no per-
manent military alliances. 1t can enter
into no political commitments nor as
sumo any economic obliga tons which viii
subject our decisions to any other than
our own authority.
/ am sure our own people Will not
misunderstood, nor will the world mis-
c0nstrue. We have no thought to impede
the paths of closer relationship. We wish
to promote understanding. We want to
do our part in making offensive warfare
so hateful that governments and peoples
who resort to 1t must prove the righte-
BUSINESS Of their cause or stand as out
laws before the bar Of civilization
ASSOCIATION FOR COUNSEL
IL % 4arNsa r.Tw
with the-nations OF the world, great and
small, for conference for counsel, to seek
the expressed views of world opinion, TO
recommend way to approximate dis
armament and relieve the crushing bur
dens of military and naval establish
ments. We elect to participate in sug
costing plans for mediation, Cancellation
and arbitration and would gladly JON
in that expressed conscience Of progress
which seeks to clarity and write the
law OF international pelatiOns and es-
tabltsh a world court for the disposition
OF such tusticiable questions as nations
are agreed to submit thereto. In ex-
pressing aspirations, in seeking prac-
teal plans, in translating humanity's
new concept of righteousness and justice
In its hatred of war into recommended
action we are ready most heartily to
unite, but every commitment must be
made in the exercise Of our national
sovereignty. Since freedom impelled
and independence inspired and nation
atty exalted. a world super-gOvernment
Is contrary to everything we cherish adm
can have no sanction by our republic
This is not selfshness, it is sanctity. II
Is not aloOfness, it Is security. 1t Is not
suspicion of others, ii is patriotic ad-
herence to the things which made us
what We are.
Today, better than ever before, we
know the aspirations Of human kind and
realization Of our place in the world and
a new appraisal Of our nation by the
world. The unselhshness Of these United
States is thing proven; our devotion to
peace for ourselves and for the world is
well established. our concern for pre-
served civilization has had its impas-
stoned and heroic expression. There was
no American failure to resist the at
viii be no failure today or tomorrow.
RESTS ON POPULAR WILL.
The success of our popular Government
rests wholly upon the Interpretation OF
popular will Of America. In a deliberate
questioning Of a suggested change of
national policy, where Internationally
was to supercede nationality, we turned
to a referendum to the American people.
There was ample discussion. and there
Is a public mandate in manifest under
standing.
America is ready to encourage, eager
to initiate, anxious to participate In any
seemly program likely 20 lessen the
brotherhood of mankind which must be
Gods highest conception Of human rela-
tionship. Because we cherish ideals OF
justice and peace, because we appraise
International comfy and helpful relation
ship no less highly than any people of
the world; we aspire to high place in
the moral leadership of civilization, and
we hold a maintained America, the proven
republic, the mistaken temple Of repre-
sentative democracy. TO be not only an
ingpfra tiou and eyauOlA hUf fhe highest
agency Of strengthening good will and
promoting accord on both continents.
Mankind needs a world wide benedic-
ton of understanding. It is needed among
individuals, among peoples. among gov
ernments and it will inaugurate an era
Of good feeling to mark the birth Of a
new order. In such understanding men
viii strive confidently for the promotion
of their better relationships and nations
will promote the comities so essential to
peace.
TRADE TIES CLOSELY.
We must understand ties of trade
bind nations in closest intimacy and none
may receive except as he gives. We have
not strengthened ours in accordance with
our resources or our genius notably on
our own continent, where a galaxy of
republics reflect the glory Of new world
democracy, but in the new order Of
finance and trade we mean to promote
enlarged activities and seek expanded
confidence.
Perhaps we can make no more help
full contribution by example than prove
republics capacity to emerge from the
Wreckage Of war. While the worlds en-
FILTERED travail did not leave US deV
astated lands nor desolated cities, left
no gaping wounds, no breast filled with
hate, Ii did involve US in the delirium
Of expenditure IN expanded currency
and credits, in unbalanced industry, in
unspeakable waste and disturbed rela-