Evening star., 1923-08-02

which measure provided for selective
service and made possible the crea-
tion of the great American army over
seas. The amendment known as the
Roosevelt amendment to the military
bill for the enlargement of the forces
for the world war. authorized the
President to create not more than two
divisions of volunteers for immediate
service in France.
The aCqua begun in fact
in 1916, between Roosevelt and Hard
ing, had ripened in the last year or
the colonefs life into strong friend
ship. Particularly during the last year
il was known by many of the SEN
ator's close friends that Roosevelt
frequently talked with Harding about
the possibilities OF the latter's candi-
dacy for President.
Col. Theodore Roosevelt: jr.. son of
the former President, and the other
members of his Immediate family
were strong supporters of Senator
Harding during the campaign or
1920.
Forceful ms n Speaker.
As public speaker Mr.. Harding
always was pleasing and at the same
time forceful. To begin with. his ap-
pearance was all that could he de-
sired for a man on the platform. His
voice was deep and rich and mellow
and had remarkable carrying power.
Although he was entirely void of any,
thing bearing on the theatrical. he
was impressive and his winning man
ner assured him a hearing ami
large. appreciative audience at all
times.
In the world of politics, as in the
business world, he always was a con-
ciliator. He had the ability to bring
together opposing factions 20 marked
degree. He was charged with being
conservative-if that be a crime.
But he was conservative with pro-
gressive ideas. In the Senate he lined
up with the party organization. lie
was a member of many of the i'm
portant committees of that body. in
cluding the foreign relations commit
tee. with which he sat during it's
deliberations concerning the peace
treaty with Germany.
Lfkened TO Mckinney.
In many respects Mr.. Harding re-
sembled that other son of Ohio
William Mckinley. Both were of
Scottish descent and possessed char
acteristics that were similar. In
presence, in manner Of speech, in
ability to judge men. in careful,
painstaking mastery of detail and
tact in bringing together opposing
factions on some common ground,
there was a remarkable similarity.
Mr.. Harding was. first of all, a
patriot. He believed in America, in
it's form of government, and always
expressed pride in his country's past
and hope for its future. He always
con tended that our obligation is to
our own, and that the problems which
vitally concern US are domestic and
not foreign,
He had at all times the courage of
his conviction. even though his stand
should engender serious opposition.
He was one of the early advocates of
in this connection while others were
clamoring for peace at any price.
While in the Senate he sponsored the
bill for preparedness which had the
Endorsement of Col. Roosevelt, and
he was so closely associated with him
during its pendency that it was wide
ly rumored through the press at the
time that Col. Roosevelt regarded
him IS the coming man of 1920. He
was not easily swayed by ciamor or
passionate appeal. and was capable
of exercising deliberate judgment,
even amidst the turmoil of bitter
partisan strife. This was brought
in evidence during his utterances both
paign Of 1920 when questions arose
regarding the peace treaty and the
proposed league of nations.
Travelled Extensively.
Mr.. Harding was an extensive
traveller. He had been three times
abroad. visiting most of the European
countries. not on pleasure bent, but
to study at close range their system
of government and the economic
problems with which we have to deal
such as the tariff, the standard wage
paid to labor in the different cou1-
tries. and the varied conditions sur
rounding their mode of life: but al
ways he has returned with a deeper
conviction that it's form of govern
ment is the best which was ever de-
vised by the brain of man.
After his election to the United
States Senate and before taking his
seat. he visited the Hawaiian Islands
to get some frst-hand information
upon the production and distribution
of sugar. He has spoken many times
in almost every state of the Union.
addressing now wool growers as
sociation. now a farmers institute.
now a convention of steel and iron
masters, and now an association of
miners or of railroad employees, or n
combina tion OF laborers from some
other branch of industry. thus famil-
iarizing himself with the needs of
every section, and with the thoughts
and hopes and aspirations of all
classes and conditions of men
President Harding took great pride
in what he termed being lust plain
folks" To all of those who knew
him well he had a personal charm
that made strong attachments and
lasting friendships. He impressed
practically every one as being gcnu-
ineIy human and honest He was
quick at repartee. and was a good
storytellcr. and at the same time Just
as good a listener all Of which went
toward making him companfonable
and popular. One of his outstanding
characteristics was his unfailing
courtesy and kindliness. Although
sharp in debate. he was never acri-
monious. Even during the fever heat
of political campaigns he never let
bitterness figure in his acts nor his
words and he never forgot that he was
a gentleman.
OF Powerful Physique.
In physique President Harding was
unquestionably one of the most
powerfully built occupants of the
White House of modern times. He
was tall, broad shouldered and deep
chested He was 1.-THE of limb and
his hands were large and strong. He
at all times gave every evidence of
good health and good spirits. He
attributed this to his vigorous early
life and his nevar-failinE fqndn go