Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1922-07-27
NO USURPATION;
NO Sinking

WASHINGTON, July 23-Strong-
" commencing the course President
Harding has pursued in the strike
difficulties, the Republican Publicity
Association, through it's President,
Hon. Jonathan Bourne, Jr., says
"There are few belligerent in
dividuals scattered overthe country
who have bee nclamoring for the use
Of military force by the Federal gov
eminent fro the termination of the
railroad and coal strikes. These few
men, who do not themselves feel the
restraining influence of responsible
ity, criticize President Harding for
the patient and deliberate manner in
which he has endeavored to bring
harmony where there is controversy,
and to renew industrial activity
where there is idleness. But the
Thoughtful man who advocates obser-
vance of Constitutional requirements
and who believes in government by
law rather than by hysteria, will
heartily endorse the course the Pres
ident has pursued.
"The preservation of peace and or
der is not primarily Federal func-
ton. The founders of our govern
ment, having had unpleasant exper-
fence with outside rulers, took care
to guard the right of the States to
exercise the police power in the pres
ervation Of domestic peace. The Con
stitution provides, however, that on
application of the legislature of a
State, or of the executive when the
legislature can not be convened, the
United States shall protect each
State against domestic violences. So
long as the power of the State and
it's subordinate divisions is sufficient
to protect its people against domes-
tic violence, the performance of this
duty should be left to the State au-
thorities. When they announce their
inability to protect their people it
will be ample time fer the President
to exercise the power of the Federal
govrnment
ut must be remembered too, that
neither the merits nor the faults in
connection with the coal controversy
and the railroad controversy, are all
on one side. The President would
scarcely be justified in assuming to
set himself up as practically dicta-
tor unless events shall demonstrate
that no other course promises pro-
lection Of life, liberty and property.
Hasty action in the controversial
stages Of the present labor disputes
would undoubtedly have brought in
justice to one side or the other, and
perhaps to both. The only duty of
the executive, in labor controversy
is to see that all citizens are protec-
ted in their right to work and that
the decisions of legally constituted
government tribunals shall be obser-
ved Mr.. Harding's past acts and
utterances give assurance that he will
neither usurp authority nor shirk
duty.
"Instead Of becoming doubtful as
to the wisdom and the strength Of
character of the President, because
of his deliberate course, the country
should have renewed confidence in
him as a Chief Executive. Those
who are prone to criticize should aim
their criticism against local authori-
ties who have not exercised their full
power in an effort to suppress domes-
tic violence.
''They may rest assured that if the
time comes when conditions call for
the use Of Federal power, the Pres
ident, as Commander-in-C Chief of the
military forces, will give the neces-
sary authority, and that authority
will be exercised by Secretary of
War who, like the President, is ac-
customed to perform his duties with
deliberation, with wisdom, and with
courage"