South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-03-05
WILSON WINDS
UP DUTIES AS
NATION CHIEF
New President Revives Prece-
dent Set by First Execu-
tive of Country.

CONTINUED FROM PACE ONE)
lions OF the fathers and reiterated
his belief that The supreme task
ahead was 10 bring the country once
more nOmalcy.
The inauguration ceremony took
place as usual. on a stand erected
above the east steps OF the capitol.
but In marked contrast 70 previous
3uauglratlo1s when thousands OF
seats were provided. all the disting-
uished company had 70 remain
standing Even the inaugural stand
was much smaller than usual, and
was erected 20 accommodate a
telephone apparatus which carried
Mr.. Harding's voice far out over the
capitol plaza and for the first time
enabled thousands % hear an in
augural address.
Patriotic Decorations.
About the only features familiar
20 inaugurals were the patriotic de-
corauons that futtered under a
bright sun along Pennsylvania av.
and the usual escort Of cavalry act
ing as a presidential guard OF honor
IN the ride 20 and from the capitol.
The only semblancc Of O. parade was
presented By the little group OF Of
fetal motor ears and the hollow
squares OF troopers, kept at a trot
all the way.
Before his own inauguration be
gan Mr.. Harding attended that OF
his vice president. Calvin Coolidge.
in the senate chamber. II was an
hour past noon when the first OF
the inaugural company began to file
out on the platform facing the east
plaza, members OF the senate and
house coming first. followed
es OF supreme curt and the pres
ident-elect. Chief Justice White
and Mr.. Harding walked out to the
front OF the platform together. as
th~ marine band the presidents
own. played the national anthem.
Then the oath was administered and
the new president began his in
augural address. reading from man
uscript but making his points with
vigorous gestures that awakened re-
peated periods OF applause.
Visits Senate.
The presidents visit 20 tho senate
chamber followed Immediately the
conclusion of the address. He had
known his intentions 20 few OF the
leaders. and the senate was waiting
in special executive session TO re-
ceive him. He wen first TO the pres
ident's room. and was escorted by
a committee of senators to the ros-
trum Of the chamber to make his
first communication 20 congress.
Submission OF the cabinet selec-
tons was prefaced by a brief expIa-
nation in which the new chief exc
cutive suggested that good relations
between executive and legislative
branches might be cemented by the
element OF personal contact. He
read from memorandum the
names OF the men be had selected
for his official circle of counselIors.
Within % minutes after. his depar-
ture all the nominations had been
confirmed.
In personally appearing before the
upper branch of congress in execu-
tive session. Pres't Harding harked
back TO a precedent esta bIisbed in
the earliest administrations. but dis
regarded ever since.
Visits White House.
Reaching the white house shortly
before three o'clock. the president
and Mrs. Harding had luncheon with
the immediate members of their
family. Afterward tho Hardings
hold open house TO the folks Of
Marion, who had come on several
special trains to see their neighbors
settled in tho executive mansion.
IL was late in the afternoon be-
fore Mr.. Harding made his first visit
to his office and issued the order
opening the white house grounds
20 the public.
Most Of Mr.. Harding's first even
Ing in the executive offices was
spent with his secretary. George B.
Christian. jr-. making a preliminary
survey OF the unfinished business
left by the retiring administ ton.