The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-03-05
DEATH PAIL HANGS. OVER INAUGURATION
 OF NEW PRESIDENT
Wilson, Says Hugh Roberts, Limps Away Into 0bscurity, to Be Rescued In Time By
 a Grateful People
By HUGH W. ROBERTS Washington Bureau Tho Age-Herala
 300 Davidson Building

Washington, March 4.-(Special.) The inauguration of President Hard ing today was not without its pathetic incidents. The flags, which at similar celebrations, have flown dauntlessly and defiantly in the wind, were at half mast in honor of the dead demo- cratic leader, Champ Clark.
 And there was President Wilson. His appearance moved vast throngs to tears. In his infirmity. he bore him self bravely. He insisted that he limp along unassisted. And yet. in mount ing steps, it was necessary for attend ants to lift his feet. Having reached the capitol at great peril to his life. he convinced himself that he should abandon the remainder of the pro- gramme. And so, instead of entering the Senate and appearing on the east wing to hear the inaugural address, he limped away into obscurity from which he will be rescued In time by grateful people.
 His automobile rolled from sight just as the vast throng opened it's throat to acclaim the new chief ex- ecutive. "Le Roi Est Mort vive Le Roi" rang out with most singular . significance of actual verity.
 HARDING CONSERVATIVE
 MT. Harding's address was of that variety which naturally emsnates from an ipEiyidua1 of hiS traipine and ip- clination. It was an argument for the prosecution and development of those principles which this republic has proved good rather than one of in- spiration based on the necessity of progress in meeting the influence of changed conditions.
 Republicans were delighted in
 that hc proceeded against the
 League of Nations. Democrats.
 while refrnininG from criticism,
 declared their conviction that Mir.
 Harding, if he has his way, will
 initinte m era of peace and auie-
 tude, one entirely denuded of bril-
 liant and spectacular events and
 performances, one safe and sane
 rather than one calculated to up-
 lift and cnlightcn.
 MARSHALL IS HAPPY
 One of the distinct features of the day was the address of Thomas R. Marshall, the retiring Vice President. He was never happier in the selection of a theme or in the choice of thought and language to express it. At it's conclusion, the Senate sprang to it's feet with spontaneous acclaim, this in cident being the sole exception in a splendid though entirely stereotyped programme. The new Vice President Calvin Coolidge, appeared as a sopho4 more beside the wizard who preceded
 Every one, with single exception rave visual proof of the solcmnity of the occasion Of course, President Wilson's appearance cast a distinct and lasting pail. President Harding's fer vent declarations, his serious de- meanor, his almost pious conduct in taking the oath and kissing the Bible, accentuated it. And then there were everywhere the halfmasted flags for ever reminding that in the immediate proximity of the scene another great man lay dead.
 Mrs. Harding appeared to wear her Jubilation on her sleeve. She was most generous with her bows and smiles. and her fetching mods moved the emo tional in her environ to repeated and uproarous applause. Otherwise. the day was one of tears and serious meditation rather than of laughter and jollification