The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1921-04-02
PRESIDENT DELIVERS
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
AFTER TAKING OATH
Speech Chiefly Devoted to Me-
cessity for Worlds Re-
construction.

VCSSlly wi tsUi " nC
construction.
UNITED STATES MUST
ASSUME LEAD IN TASK
Chief Executive Says He Considers
Electoral Vote a Mandate From the
People UNFOLDING Policy of AIoof-
ness From Foreign Entangements-
AZ to Tariff Readjustments.
Washington, March 4.-President
Harding, in his inaugural address.
spoke substantially as follows:
My Countrymen-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
he breathes the clarified atmosphere with
q strange mingling of regret and new
hope. We have seen q world of passion
spend its fury; but we contemplate a s,; our
ton secure. Liberty-liberty within the
law-and civilization are inseparable. and
though both were threatened. we find
them now secure and threre comes to
Americans the profound assurance that
our representative government Is the
highest expression and ssurest 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 responsible
ity for himself. l must utter my belief In
he 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
that effaced in q baptism of sacrifice and
blood. with union maintained. the nation
supreme and its concord inspiring. We
have seen the world rivet its hopeful gaze
bn the great truths on which the found
ers wrought We have seen civil, human
and religious liberty verified and glorifed.
experiment today our foundations of po-
litical and social belief stand mistaken.
precious Inheritance to ourselves, an IN
spring example Of freedom and civiiiza-
ton to all mankind. Let us express re-
newed and strengthened devotion, in
grateful reverence for the immortal be-
ginning. and utter our confidence in the
Nc ENHANCEMENT With Old World.
The recorded progress of our republic,
materially and spiritually, in itself proves
the wisdom of the inherited policy of nom
involvement in old world affairs. Conf
dent OF our aDiilIy 10 Work out our OWu
destiny. and jealousy guarding our right
TO do so. we seek no part in directing the
destinies of the old world. We do not
mean to be entangled. We will accept
J responsibility except as our own con-
science and judgment. in each instance.
may determine.
our eyes never will be blind to a
developing menace, our ears never aeaI
nizel the new order of the world. with
| the closer contacts which progress has
| wrought. We sense the call of the
human heart for fellowship. fraternity
| shin, and harbor no hate. But Amer
! tea. our America. the America bui!ded
| on the foundation laid by the inspired
| fathers. can be party to no perma-
nent military alliance. It can enter
| into no political commitments nor as
sumo airy economic obligations which
! will subject our divisions to any otner
/ than our own authority.
| Will Associate in Counsel.
We are ready to associate ourselves
/ with the nations of the world. great
to seek the expressed views OF world
1 opinion, to recommend a way 10 ap-
| proximate a disarmament and relieve
| the crushing burdens of military ana
Iesats a Plans Ms ff
| ton. Cancellation and arbitration, and
would gladly join in that expressed
conscience OF progress when . seeks ESQ 70
l
NATIONAL relationship. and establish a
/ world court for the disposition OF such
/ tusticiable questions as nations are
agreed to submit thereto. but every
| Commitment must be made in the ex-
/ arcise of our national sovereignty.
/ Since freedom impelled, and 1ndepenG-
| ence inspired. and nationality exalted.
! = world per-government is contrary
/ to everything we cherish, and car have
/ no sanction by our republic. This IS
not selfishness. it is sanctity. It is
not aloofness. It Is security. .e
| We have come to a new realization o.
/ our place In the world and new apprai-
1 sal OF our nation by the world The un-
selfishness of these United States IS a
/ thing proven Our devotion to peace for
| ourselves and for the world Is well estan-
| lished. Our concern for preserved civil
/ xation has had its imprisoned and heroic
| expression. There was no1Amerlcan fan.
| IRE to resist the attempted reversion of
! civilization. There will be no failure to-
- Declares Nation Has Spoken.
The success OF our popular government
rests wholly upon the CORRECT lnte dansna-
| able popular will Of America. In delib-
| crate questioning Of q suggested change
| OF national policy. where internationality
| 10 3 referendum Of the American people.
! There was ample discussion, and there fs
republic mandate in manifest UNDER
| standing.
! initiate. anxious to participate In any
1 seemly program likely to lessen the prob
/ ability OF war and promote that brotner-
/ hood of mankind which must be God s
| highest conception of human relationship:
! We aspire to high place In the moral
/ leadership Of civilization: and we hold
/ maintained America. the proven republic,
1 the mistaken temple Of representative
| democracy, TO be not only an inspiration
/ and example, but the highest agency OF
! Strengthening good will and proHotlng
| accord on both continents
Mankind needs worldwide benedfcfion
! of understanding. II Is needed among IN
/ dfviduals, among peoples. among govern
menta and It will inaugurate an era or
] good feeling to mark the birth OF new
order.
We must understand the ties of trade
bind nations in closest intimacy. and none
may receive except as he gives. In the
new order of finance and trade we mean
to promote enlarged activities and seek
| expanded confidence.
PERHAPS We can make no more helnfuI
contribution by example than republic
/ CAPACITY to emerge from the wreckage OF
war While the worlds embittered travail
/ did not leave US devastated lands nor des-
olated cities. left no gaping vgorEsis. n
breast filled with hate, 1t did fEfNI3e
| In rhe de1irium Of expendituttA, Ill -
handed currency and credits. ~ MuM
anced industry, In unspeakab,e vafGte i.ne.
/ disturbed relationships. While IT uncov-
cred our portion of hateful selhshness al