Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-03-05
: SATURDAY. MARCH 5. 1921.
Ha,ning,s inaugural Address.

W. ARREN G HARDING candidate, may
sst have been uncertain in his attitude
toward the league of nations, but Warren
y G. Harding, President OF the United States,
knows where he stands. He is opposed to
1t. So far as the influence of his admins
tration is potent TO prevent IT, the United
+ States never will join hands with other ma
tions in any league association similar TO
the one whose foundations were laid by his
immediate predecessor in office. His oppo-
@sition is sufficiently strong to satisfy even
|! Hiram Johnson and the other irreconcilables
while he is at little pains to sugarcoat il for
the benefit of Hughes, his Premier; Root
i Taft and other Republican statesmen who
(which he now pronounces
That is the one thing in the new Presi-
dents inaugural address that stands out
! above all others. Mr.. Harding has inter
sspreted the vote which elected him to the
presidency mandate against the league,
and he is shaping his course in accordance
with what he believes is the wish of the
people as they recorded il at the polls. Nor
does he leave anything to the imagination.
He goes back to George Washingtons Fare
well Address for his inspiration, his guild
s9ance and almost, one is convinced, for his
Sssphraseology. He accepts, without reserva-
STtion, the advice of his lustrous predeces-
SSsinvolvement in Old -Avorldt fairs and de-
Esclaring, I'VE seek'n part in directing the
& destinies of the Old World We do not
mean to be entangled." lie has no objcc-
{ ton to some vague sort of friendly associa-
3tion for the exchange OF ideas with world
court for the Interpretation of international
a law, but he says, I'VE will accept no re-
sponsibility except as our own consciences
Ind judgment in each instance may deter
mine.',
or the tremendous problems that now
|sSsthreaten 10 plunge Europe into further tur-
Gsmoil, of German reparatons. of mandates,
Ee@cf a separate peace. of all those things for
Ssthe determination of which Europe has been
9axmarking time, pending possible enlighten-
ement as to the American attitude in the in
EEaugnral address, there is no word. Europe
can Draw its own conclusions if indeed il
Ssfalls to understand that the President OF
1.-The United States has washed his hands OF
bsits AFFAIRS except each case comes up on
Its merits.
~ In his discussion Of domestic issues Mr.
SsHardng is less clear than on international
E&Affairs, except that he boldly proclaims him
Ess4elf a high protcctionist, and an opponent
ESg6f government interference in private bust
EFness. Regardless OF party affiliations. the
&ssiatfon will rejoice if he can bring TO an
lend the governments meddling in business
Fan gencroachment upon individual and cor
EaDoTate rights that has grown TO menacing
and is directly responsible for
RI Inuch OF the disruption and confusion in the
Sbusiness world today.
So much, then, for the constructive side
ot the inaugural address. The remainder Of
lit bears q striking resemblance in word and
Thought to his formal campaign utteran noes
There are well rounded sentences and ant
4 I,brases, all clothing world OF good adj
S2yicesto the nation in general and its citi-
gems in particular but there is little that is
practica18tn teaching them how to apply it,
"a There 4 Is little that leads anywhere little
SsS af could not be said appropriately by any
ssi3Sne elected to popular office.
I! Justice to the new President. however.
~.