The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1921-04-26
Bespeaks Continuance of
Lofty Motives Inspired
During the War
ASSOCIATED PRESS
GIVES TOAST TO HIM
Harding Sent Letter of Re-
gret at Inability to
Be Present

New York, April ga letter from
President Harding bespeaking eontin-
uance of the lofty motives that in
spired American newspapers during the
war, was read to-day at the annual
luncheon of the Associated Press at the
Waldorf Astoria.
Regretting that he could not yield
to the temptation to play truant and
attend the luncheon of fellow publish
ers, he also expressed the hope that
the administration would be able to
deserve and retain the lavish measure
of good will and confidence accorded 1t
thus far. Frank B. Moves, president
of the Associated Press, in behalf OF
the gathering, pledged support and
sympathy to President Harding in the
great tasks he is confronting and gave
the only toast offered on these occa-
sions: "The President OF the United
States"
The guest of honor at the luncheon,
which was held in connection with the
annual meeting, was John w. Davis,
formerly ambassador to Great Britain,
who made his first appearance before
the members as general counsel for the
Associated Press.
Remarking that editorial comment
was secondary to the news column IN
influence upon public opinion, he con
graduated tie Associated Press "be.
cause by the general verdict of man
kind it has performed its duty without
bias, without prejudice and without
partissnship, and in an earnest pur-
suit of the truth where it might be
found"
Hardings Letter.
The letter from President Harding
was as follows:
Dear Mr. Noyes:
u would be very grateful if on the
occasion of the annual luncheon of the
Associated Press you would express to
the gathering my great regret that
public engagements make It Impossible
for me to accept the invitation to be
present. The opportunity to meet so
pleasantly company of fellow news
papermen. such as will there be gath
cred, presents real temptation to
play truant and join you but it seems
impossible.
aAs a newspaper publisher, I am
disposed 10 arrOgate to myself bit
of special qualification to judge the
service that the journalistic press has
rendered to our country in the dlfilcuit
period through which we have passed,
and which is not yet ended I know
how earnestly and effectively the press
tried to hold up the hands OF all who
were carrying forward our nations ae-
tivities during the war.
con the other hand, my service in
public life gave me some special IN
sight into the relations between the
government and the instrumentalities
OF publicity. No more unqualified, in
telligent and patriotic service was rem
dered TO the nation and the great cause
than that so freely given by the news
papers. Looking back upon il as one
of the chief assets on the side Of ma
tional morals, cannot but hespeak a
continuance of the lofty motives that
inspired il. and of the generous, con.
| siderate, helpful attitude.
"The world and our own nation have
vet manifold onerous problems to solve
and burdens to bear. ] know t@t
among those interested with national
administration there is the ardent wish
10 serve with whatever ability we may
possess, and without any reservations
| in behalf Of partisanship Of personal
interest. Nothing would give me more
assurance at this time than to know
that the new administration would be
able to deserve and retain the lavish
measure of goodwill and confidence
that has been accorded to il thus far
Mutual tolerance and moderation will
am sure. be amply repaid in accom-
plishment for the good Of the country
we all love and wish to prosper.
Most sincerely yours,
warren C Harding"