Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1921-03-08
PRESIDENT HARDING
SETSFAS RECORD
FOR A DAYS WORK

dent Harding's first DAY In the White
House set a fast record of presiden-
tial activity and about covered the
whole range Of experiences to which
chief executives ordinarily fall heir.
Besides dispatching his first dip
lomatic note he found time to in
quire into the condition Of every
one of the government departments,
canvass the situation in congress,
consider the reorganization Of the ma
tional political machinery of his
party, dictate big sheaf Of letters,
shake hands with several hundreds
of his fellow citizens, install new
White House mascot, and attend the
theater.
While he was at work, an order
he issued yesterday, opening the
White House gates to the public,
gave a new touch of life to the ex-
ecutive offices and grounds. For the
first time in months visitors flock
ed in hundreds to the White House
doors and into the receiving room of
the presidents office, presenting a
picture in striking contrast to the
quietude of the closing days of the
Wilson administration.
Began Day Early
Mr.. Harding's work day began
early. Before 9 o'clock he was at
his desk and was wading through
the first batch of mail to come to his
attention as chief executive. After
an hours dictation he began a sue
cession of conferences with his
ly-installed cabinet officials, aid
kept to an unbroken schedule of Up
pointments with members of his Of
when he took an hour for lunch with
members Of his family. In the aft
ernoon he and Mrs. Harding neld
their first reception in the east room,
standing for more than two hours
while guests, invited and unlimited,
passed by in line.
Tonight tie new president and first
lady of the land chose a musical
comedy from among the theatrical
attractions of the capital. 1t was
their first public appearance since
the inauguration.
The cabinet member with whom
|Charles Evans Hughes. his new sec e.
E&ry of state. with whom he dis
cussed the note to Panama and Costa
Rica. With most of the other de-
lartment heads he merely talked
over general conditions and problems
Of organization, asking for informa-
ton about any problem that seemed
Ikeley to become troublesome. The
canvass Melted him several pages of
closely written memoranda, jotted
down for future attention during
his talks with the men he had call
ed to his official circle of counsel
Confers on Special Session
The coming reorganization of the
Republican national committee he
discussed with Elmer Dover. of
Oregon, former secretary of the
mentioned for the post of chairman,
which soon is to be vacated by Will
IL. Hays, the new postmaster gen.
eral. The conference gave rise to
possible part Mr.. Harding will take
toward the choosing of the new
chairman, but there was nothing to
indicate that he had made a deci-
sion regarding it.
Suggestions about the special ses-
sion of congress were heard by the
president from Senator Lodge, of
Massachusetts, and Representative
Mondell, of Wyoming, senate and
house Republican leaders. They came
the date congress should be called
together and to inform the chief
executive about the situation that
will confront his tariff program at
the special session. 1t was said
afterWard that no date would be set
until there had been further con-
ferences, although it was said de-
cision probably would be reached in
time to permit issuance of the call
next week.
One Friend Who Won't Talk
Mr. Harding's afternoon reception
members of the Republican national
committee, which has been in SeS-
sion here. and developed into a
function recalling the public recep-
Many personal friends had been in
vited to call and pass along. the re-
ceiving line, and scores of sight
seers who had congregated ABOUT
the east entrance took advantage OF
the opportunity and trooped up the
steps to shake hands with the presi-
dent and Mrs Harding.
The presidents mascot, blooded
Airedale pup named "Caswell Lad
die Boy" was brought into the {. eX :
S w. o9et GIhesS Of aS Toiedo, Ohio The
dog arrived in the midst Of the
cabinet conferences, but Mr.; Hard ard 9
ing had given orders that ne was
to see it as soon as it was deliver
ed. With many manifestations @, Of
pleasure he led his new pet into his
office, where it made itself at home
during the morning. ,-. ..,o-
Later the president brought Gas
exhibited him to a group of news
paper correspondents gathered out
side his office. 49,
sYou see," he said laughingly, Il
am going to have near me at least
one friend who won't talk"
Cheered at Theater
Upon arriving at the theater to-
night President and Mrs. Harding
were cheereC and the president
shook hands with the manager.
They were escorted to the presiden-
tial box, draped with the American
flag, at the left of the stage while
the orchestra played the Star
Spangled Banner" and the audience
applauded. The play began imme-
diately thereafter.