New Mexico state record. (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1914-19??, 1921-05-20
PRESIDENT WILL
TRAVEL AND TALK
WOULD NOT HAVE MUCH CHANCE
FOR THAT IF HE WAITED FOR
CONGRESS TO ADJOURN.
WILLING TO MAKE SPEECHES
His Appearance Not Always on Ma
tional Occasions-Report That He
Will Visit Alaska Before the Sum-
mer Is Over.
BY EDWARD 3. CLARK.

BY EDWARD 3. CLARK.
Washington.-President Harding APP
parently does not intend to wait on the
Adjournment of congress to begin his
public appearances in different parts
OF the country us Il speaker OF occa-
tions of civic Importance. Probably
the President realized from the rec
ord of congress since 1907 that if he
waits on adjournment he will get few
chances TO leave Washington, for only
III one or two years since that earlier
date has there been any long extended
breathing spell for the national legis-
latorS.
The President in reviewing the
North Atlantic fleet as commander in
NE of the navy, performs n service
duty which all presidents undertake
once or twice in the course of their
incumbency of high office. Soon the
President will begin his excursions into
the civic field. Already he has filled
one New York engagement, and made
another n for the early fall at Biz
Hlngham, Ala. A delegation of citi-
zens of Alabama cume to the White
House the other day headed by Sena-
tor Underwood, and asked the Presi-
Gent to go to Birmingham within n few
weeks, but he found this impossible,
and promised to 90 later.
More than any other President who
has held office In recent years, Mr..
Harding seems to be willing to make
speaking engagements on occasions
which represent local activities rather
thai those of national life. Already
he has spoken mt the Grldiron club din
her IN Washington, at an assembly of
the knights of Pythins, and soon he
Is to address an association of bank
ers in Washington.
May Go to Alaska.
: II is possible that before the summer
is over President Harding will 20 to
Alaska. If he does and undertakes
10 lind out what is wrong with Alaska,
II anything rs wrong with 1t, he will
have TO listen to representatives of
two sides of a sharp controversy. The
Alaska railroad problem, just at pres
ent, is n p%erpleXing one. Under the
authority of congress n railroad has
been built in Alaska by the govern
ment, and there are rumors that il is
going TO cost n great deal more than
II was expected TO cost, thnt 1t cannot
make any money after II Is completed,
ind that the line of Its route was badly
chosen from "A business standpoint.
II the President goes To Alaska, he
probably will take W. of his cabinet
officers with him, both of whom are
concerned, in behalf of their depart
ments, about matters I'm the territory.
Secretary Fall of the Interior depart
ment today has under his charge the
work Of completing the Alaska rail-
road. The secretary probably will wnnt
10 know all about the things as his
predecessor in office handed them down
10 him. Secretary of the Navy DENLY
also Is likely to 90 to Alaska with
the President If the Journey is under.
Preparedness Is ~Pershing's Work.
An assignment which has been
givel to Gen. John j. pershing.
md just outlined officially by
the War department, has been her.
aided as news-new news, in fact.
The plan for Pershing's future work.
however, was given in authoritative
detail In previous correspondence.
General Pershlng will take hold Of
his job willingly and with a feeling
that 1t Is n entirely in keeping with
his position us ranking officer of the
American army. Ii is the intention
Df the secretary of war to frame the
maj Instructions concerning the meth
Dd OF the work so that there will be
conflict Of authority between the
Of the army and the major
who Is to become the chief
IF stan.
In a word, Pershing's work is 10 be
preparedness. lie will take the re-
serve forces Of the United States as
hey are, Increase their numbers 10
he greatest extent possible, do what
can 10 bring the National Guard
W 10 full enlistment strength and
seek TO bring about good feeling be-
the reserves. the National
Guard and the regular army with a
few to making them one in spirit,
n service. and possibly one day in de-
termination quickly Il become n sol.
Her organization for the winning Of
war, IL unhappily war shall come.
Weeks Tries RooseveIt's Method
Secretary Weeks apparently wants
o do as much In the way of prepsr-
as he can do with the means
Il his command. Some critics here
lay that some Of the Republican MEM {
'ers OF congress who "cussed out" the ,
asst administration for stacking along
preparedness lines. are now pre- /,
,aredness slackers themselves. II is
however. that the regular
Irmy under pending legislation Will
given 10000 more troops than the I
$500 N. G--s .w