The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1921-03-10

Electoral Vote a Mandate From the
People UNFOLDING Policy of Aloof-
ness From Foreign EntangIements-
AS to Tariff Readjustments.
Washington, March 4.-Presldent
Harding, in his inaugural address,
spoke substantially as follows:
My Countrgmen-When one surveys the
world about HIM after the great storm,
noting the marks of destruction and yet
rejoicing in the ru~ggedness of the things
which withstood II, If he is an American
he breathes the clarified atmosphere with
a strange minsing of regret and new
hope. We have seen a world of passion
spend Its fury, but we contemplate our
republic mistaken, and hold our civiliza-
ton secure. LIberty-liberty within the
law-and civilization are inseparable, and
though both were threatened. we find
them now secure and threre comes to
Americans the profound assurance that
our representative government is the
highest expression and surest guaranty
OF both.
Standing in this presence, mindful of
the solemnity OF this occasion, feeling the
emotions which no one may, know until
he senses the great weight pf responsible
ity for himself, / must utter my belief in
he divine inspiration of the %founding
fathers. Surely there must have been
- . llNSlA III llS llahlih u MS llNN
world republic. Ours is an organic law
which had but one ambiguity and we saw
that effaced in a baptism of sacrifice and
blood, with union maintained, the nation
supreme and its concord inspiring. We
have seen the world rivet its hopeful gaze
on the great truths on which the found
ers wrought We have seen civil, human
and religious liberty verified and glOrited.
In the beginning, the world sCoited at our
experiment, today our foundations of po-
litiCal and social belief stand mistaken, a
precious inheritance to ourselves, an in
spring example of freedom and ~civiliza-
ton to all mankind. Let us express re-
neWed ana strengthened devotion, in
grateful reverence for the immortal be-
ginning, and utter our confidence in the
supreme fulhllment.
No ENHANCEMENT With Old World.
The recorded progress of our republic,
materially ana spiritually, in itself proves
the wisdom of the Inherited policy of nom
involvement In old world affairs. Conf
dent of our ability to work out our own
destiny, and jealousy guarding our right
10 90 so, We seek no part in directing the
deStlnieS of the old world. We do not
mean to be ~entangled. We will accept
J responsibility except as our W con-
science and Judgment, in each instance,
may determine.
Our eyes never will be blind TO a
developing menace. our ears never deaf
TO the call of civilization. We recog-
niZe the new order of the world, with
the closer contacts which progress has
wrought. We sense the call of the
human heart for fellowship, fraternity
and cooperation. We crave fellow
ship, and harbor no hate. But Amer
lea, our America. the America builded
on the foundation laid by the inspired
fathers, can be a party to no perma-
neut military alliance. 1t can enter
into no political commitment nor as
sumo airy economic obligations which
will subject our divisions to any other
than our own authority.
Will Associate I'm Counsel.
Nn q re rEHGV IN nEGnPtntq ourselves
with the nations of the world. great
and small, for conference, for counsel,
to seek the expressed views of world
opinion. to recommend a way to APP
proximate a disarmament and relieve
the crushing burdens of military and
naval establishments. We elect to par
ton, Cancellation and arbitration. and
would gladly join in that expressed
conscience of progress which seeks to
clarity and write the laws of inter-
world court. for the disposition of such
justiciable questions as nations are
agreed to submit thereto, but every
commitment must be made in the ex-
ercise of our national sovereignty.
Since freedom impelled, and independ-
ence inspired, and nationality exalted,
a world super-government is contrary
to everything we cherish, and can have
no sanction by our republic. This is
not s~elfshness, 1t is sanctity. 1t is
not aloofness, IL is security.
we nave come TO q new reallZatlOn OF
our place in the world and a new apprai-
sal of our nation by the world. The un-
selfishness OF these United States is a
thing proven. Our devotion 10 peace for
ourselves and for the world is well estab-
lished. Our concern for preserved civili-
cation has had its impassioned and heroic
expression, There was no American fall
ure to resist the attempted reversion of
civilization. There will be no failure to-
day or tomorrow.
Declares Nation Has Spoken.
The success Of our popular government
rests wholly upon the correct interpreted
able popular will of America. In a DELHI
crate questioning of a suggested change
of national policy. where Internationally
was to supersede nationality. we turned
TO a referendum of the American people
There was ample discussion, and there Is
a republic mandate In manifest under
standing.
America is ready to encourage, eager to
initiate. anxious to participate in any
seemly program likely to lessen the prob
ability of war and promote that brother
hood of mankind which must be Gods
highest conception of human relationship
We aspire TO a high place In the moral
leadership of civilization; and we hold a
maintained America. the proven republic.
the mistaken temple of representative
democracy, to be not only an inspiration
and example. but the highest agency of
strengthening good will and promoting
accord on both continents.
Mankind needs a worldwide benediction
of understanding. II is needed among in
dividIals. among peoples, among govern
ments, and II Will inaagurate an era of
good feeling to mark the birth of a new
order.
United States as an Object Lesson.
We must understand the ties OF trade
bind nations in closest intimacy. and none
may receive except as he gives. In the
new order of finance and trade we mean
to promote enlarged activities and seek
expanded confidence.
Perhaps we can make no more helpful
contribution by example than a republics
capacity TO emerge from the wreckage Of
war. While the worlds embittered travail
did not leave US devastated lands nor des-
olated cities, left no gaping wounds, no
breast filed with hate, II did involve US
in the delirium OF expenditures. in ex-
banded currency and credits. In unbal-
anced industry. in u~nspeakable waste and
disf1lrhad ralafinnShinS While IL nncnN-