The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-03-03

saw if. do not think there can come to a man anything more precious anything more heartening than the certified confidence and good esteem of his friends and neighbors. do not know of anything bigger or better in the world. q have a theory of government that if you do for the nation what you do for the community, you do exceeding ly well; because the nation is only the aggregate of communities. So l am going to play my part in the exc cution of my duties as chief magis- trate of the republic just as l would plav if as a neighbor and fellow citi- zen in Marion.
 nIf I can do that which will add to the spirit of good will if I can do something to promote good feeling, if I can do that which will increase the confidence of citizenship and reverence I know I will not have served in vain.'
 BACKED BY NATION
 "If | can do that which will add to the spirit of good will; if can do something to promote good feeling; if can do that which will increase the confidence of citizenship and rever- ence to government, know l will not have served in vain 1 am going 10 my work with the confidence that all will be well. I believe in the security of this American republic; 1 believe that sort of American citizenship IS right; believe that the hundred mil lions of America will be back of right-minded executive just as cor dialiv as you speak your friendship to me here today.
 q know that I take office in the love of my fellow countrymen. have made it a practice in my life to speak well of my fellow men and ever do good. I have neither envy nor jealousy in my heart. I feel that am like the great citizenship of Amer ica-there is no hatred there. I should never be prouder in all my experience than to apply this kindly feeling within myself to the inaugura- ton of a spirit of nationwide gooi will in tiiis republic.
 q want to go to Washington with your prayers as well as your friend ship Though I may not always be the ideal. I want you to know that in my heart is a reverence for Almighty God. believe that he has his part in di- recting the destiny of this free people. want Him to know of our prayers. want Him to know of our faith in Him, and trust in Him, and with con- fidence in ourselves we need have no concern TOT the IutcTe ol the repuD- lie"
 BID FRIEND SADIEU
 At the end of. the speech the presi- dent-elect and Mrs Harding stood for more than an hour shaking hands with their friends and telling them good bye. Last of all in the long line came a great New Foundland dog, pet of the neighborhood, who played about the Harding residence during many previous front porch meetings.
 Goodbye, old fellow" said MT. Hard- ing, reaching down and an appreciative paw was extended in mute reply.
 Then. just as the president-elect was turning his back on h:s home for q long absence, he spied the self-ap- pointed caretaker of the place. +uncle Charley Patton. a democrat most of his eighty years, but an ardent Hard ing man, He was industriously clean ing the sidewalks as he had done after each other front porch meeting since the campaign began.
 Uncle Charlie" said Mir. Harding, some of the boys have told me you might like to help the administration by keeping the White House grounds in trim. Well. if you are thinking of going down to Washington for the in- auguration, just buy a one way ticlSes the same as did. for we're not com ing back right away"