The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-04-20
AMERICAS JOIN IN COMME.MORAT|ONOF OF
 HEROES 0F BOTH
Harding ProcIaims Anew the Fundamentals of Monroe Doctrine at Unveiling of
 Statute of Venezuelan
By Associated Press


 North and South America joined hands across the Caribbean today in two mo- table historical events commemorating their heroes who showed each eonti- nent the road to liberty
 Amid the roar of cannon and the plaudits of distinguished gathering President Harding, at the bronze eques- trian statue of simon Bolivar, unveiled in Central park, New York. proclaimed anew the fundamentals of the Monroe doctrine and cited the desirability oi standing firmly together for service both to the new and old world.
 Simultaneously in Caracas, Venezue- las capital, President-elec Gomez and the people of Bolivar's native land gathered around the statue of George Washington, which was unveiled with appropriate exercises in Washington park, new site to which it had been transferred.
 President Harding's brief visit tc New York gave the public its first op- portunity to greet him as President with the enthusiasm always reserved for the nations chief executive From the moment of his arrival until his de- Sut Vf lhA CC anu QdiI nOuTS hours ldIGf crowds waited good naturedly in the chilly streets through which he had tc pass and cheered cordial welcome
 President Harding was generously applauded when he declared the United States is ready to fight in upholdins the Monroe doctrine
 The history of the generation since that doctrine was proposed" he said has proved that we never intended ii selfishly. that we had no dream of ex. ploitation. On the other side. the history of the last decade certainly must have convinced all the world that we stand willing to fight if necessary to pro tect these continents. these sturdy young democracies from oppression"
 21-GUN SALUTE
 The Presidents arrival at Bolivar Iiil was signalized by salute of 21 guns After he had been escorted to the stand facing the statue, followed by Secretary of State Hughes, Rene vivian, envoy extraordinary from France Governol Miller, Mayor Hylan Dr. E. Gil-Borges Venezuelan foreign minister. and hos Of Latin-American diplomats. and rep resentatives of patriotic societies of bott continents the ceremonies began promptly.
 Monsignor Michael J. Lavelle of st Patrick's cathedral offered the invoca, ton.
 The unveiling of the statue by tn, great grand daughters of General Jos, Antonlo Paez was the occasion for an other salute of 20 gii,ss followed by tn, playing of the Venezuelan national an them by band from the Brazilian bat tleship Minas Geraes and the presenta tion by Minister Gil-Borges. Mayor Fly 1nf, ,1 ft fxs.. .tA and wreaths were laid at the base of tn, statue by various societies. Governo Miller then eulogized the South Amer ican liberator and the President wal introduced.
 President Hardingss departure from tn, park after pr. William T Manning bishop-eIect of the Protestant Episcopa diocese of New York, had pronounced the benediction, brought another salut of 21 guns. Through the smoke of tn, artillery and flanked by motorcycle DO lice he was driven at high speed througl lanes of cheering men and women to tn "lighthouse'' for the blind in East Eff ty-ninth street where he spoke for on minute to sightless audience that ha, eagerly awaited him.
 WELCOMED BY BLIND
 We are glad to welcome you, Mir President" said Miss Winifred Holt .'t, the lighthouse for the blind We hop that the lighthouse movement ma, usher in new era of light for tn blind throughout the world and we be lieve that under your leadership, W, shall win the war against darkness"
 Facing the group of blind men ant women, the President began to speal slowly and softly in tones scarcely au dible to those in the rear of the audito rum. There was a distinct tremor il his voice, his face was sad as he framed in his mind the words to suit the mo ment in such great contrast to the vivi' spectacle on Bolivar Hill.
 "I have not time to stay and talk t you today the President barely whfs pered. But I just want you to knoy that if there is anything can do to SC aglow a flame in the soul that is denie, the light. God helping me. mean | do it. I would like to make all Americ, realize what this great work means. an' to do its utmost to help those who can net see I would like to make you un derstand by my voice, how deeply want to bring you some light in you hearts and I wish for you all the jo that you can find. in comparison to tn loss of the great light. I wish ever success for the great campaign you hay before you"
 The President carried away tin. plaster elephant modelled by Rocco d Mucio. a youthful blind sculptor wh died at the lighthouse. It was mounte on carved wood and can be. used as al ash tray.
 The President who was accompanie by Mrs. Harding and several friends then was rushed to the Pennsylvani station and boarded his, special trail for the return trip to Washington.
 REACH WASHINGTON
 Washington. Apriq 19.- President Hard ing and his party arrived here on thei