New-York tribune., 1921-01-11
Senator, in kilograms
10 Mclean and Knox,
Urges Simple Ceremony
as Example of Economy
Capital at Once
Heeds Request
Even Parade Is Unlikely {;
$4,000 Voted by Con.
gress May Be Rescinded
From a stan correspondent

from q StQV COTTeSpOsUcUt
MARION, Ohio, Jan. 10.-President-
elect Harding sent kilograms tonight
to Edward B. Mclean, chairman of the
inaugural committee, and Senator
philander C. Knox. chairman of the
Senate committee for the inauguration,
urging the abandonment of all plans
for an inaugural celebration.
In his message to Senator Knox,
Senator Harding urged that Congress
not appropriate any money for TIE
celebration and also asked the Senate
committee to forego the expenditure of
any inaugural fund. He tele graphed
Mr. Mclean that. while realizing that
the government outlay is relatively
small and that the larger outlay comes
from private purses, the abandonment
Of all but the simplest forms of the
celebration would be a Wholesome ex-
ample of economy and thrift"
His Telegram to Knox
The following telegram was sent to
Senator Knox:
II have been reluctant to intrude my
views relatingSto inaugural plans. but
cannot longer remain silent without
embarrassment and understanding,
which had rather avoid. Please con-
yey to your committee my sincere
wishes for the simplest inaugural pro-
gram consistent with the actual re-
quirements in taking the oath of office
and the usterance of befitting address.
very respectfully request that Con-
gre will not appropriate and your
committee will not expend any fund
whatever.
Il am familiar with the custom o1
erecting platform and providing
seats for guests who witness the
ceremony at the Capitol, but it will be
most pleasing to me to have !hls
ceremony take place within the Capitol
or on the cast porch in its stately
simplicity. without single extra prep
aration for the occasion.
This will require no expense and
we shall be joint participants in ar
example Of economy, as we'll as SIM
plicIty, which may be helpful in the
process of seeking our normal ways
once more. | have addressed a mes
sage OF like import to the inaugural
committee, asking the abandonment Of
the parade and ball, and hope for an
acceptance of the intruded suggestion
in the spirit which has inspired it.
Message to Mr.. Mclean
The message to Mr.. Mclean said:
Il beg respectfully to suggest to
your committee complete abandonment
OF all rfcpc frr ho 1ra1 Ca1ahra.
zion. Heretofore / have been very re
,~csant to express my personal views
q your committee, because | xnew OF
the cherished regard in our national
capita! for this quadrennial event and
81 the generosity of the citizens of the
district in making provision for it
You we're coed enough to accept the
ehairmanship at my request, and your
associates have won my lasting graft
sude for the time and labor you have
gwen to preca -ation.
However. if it is becoming to ex-
press my preference l wish you and
your committee to know that the i'm.
preston OF extravagant expenditure
ana excessive cost would make me q
ss.y unhappy participant. / know full
wen tnat the government outlay is rela-
aseiy small, and that the larger ex-
psnonure comes from the generous
contribution of District citizenship
Dus 1t is timely and wholesome to prac-
s., slse the utter denial Of public expen.
a'..re, where there is no real necessity
aug II will be wholesome example o1
economy and thrift if we save the
many, many THOUSANDS which the in
sagufai celebration will call from the
s'.sate purse Of those attending.
nave sent message of like pur.
fcouttaueL cn oaas tbrae1