The Washington times., 1923-08-04


idge replied.
Will Hold Conferences. =
With reference to launching
anew the routine affairs of the
Government, President Coolidge
explained that many Of the Cabi.
net officers, not anticipating the
return to Washington Of PreSi-
dent Harding until the end Of
August, had made commitments
for the entire summer.
81 have been assured, however
that should occasion arise, any
engagements which have been
made, will be cancelled to facili-
tate re-assembly Of the official
family" he added.
As was customary in the White
House during President Hard
ing's tenancy, Coolidge indicated
that the regular bi-weekly Cabi-
net meetings, as well as the BIZ
above normal travel, but
when daylight came and the
weekly press conferences, would
be resumed.
While President Coolidge was
undergoing his first interview as
President of the United States,
Secretary of the Navy DENLY, just
arrived from Michigan, entered
the room. The new Executive
broke off his conversation short
to greet his aide. A warm and
heartfelt greeting passed between
the two men.
Hundreds Of letters and kilograms
were delivered to the Presidential
suite during the morning. An extra
corps OF stenographers were sum-
moned from the Capitol and the
President kept steadily debating
replies for more than hour. He
then entertained his first caller, Col.
Clarence o. Sheriff., a Presidential
aide and superintendent Of build
ings in Washington, with whom he
discussed arrangements for PreSi-
dent Harding's state funeral.
Postmaster General New and As
aistant Postmaster Bartlett were
the next callers. and few minutes
later Gen. John J.. Hines, director
of the Veterans Bureau, entered
the temporary White House"
Civilians To Attend.
When Colonel Sheriff. left the
suite, he announced the President
had agreed to include delegations
Of civic, patriotic and fraternal or
carnations in the escort Of honor
accompanying the body Of Presi-
dent Harding next Wednesday.
Military and naval detachments OF
National and State troops will form
the immediate guard but the other
organizations will be included in
the escort Of honor during the
State funeral.
Arranges for Funeral.
Thus far, President Coolidge has
devoted his every thought to the
assurance of a fitting tribute to the
passing of Warren G. Harding.
From the moment of his arrival last
night to the time he retired, and
continuing at an early hour this
morning, he has labored over ar
rangements for the funeral cere-
monies for the late President. With
the assistance Of Secretary Of State
Hughes, Senator Charles Cutris of
Kansas, and Col. Clarence o Sher-
rtII, Presidential aide and superin-
tendent of public grounds and
buildings, President Coolidge has
worked into the final stage a most
elaborate and impressive ceremonial.
The remains Of President Harding,
now speeding East, according to the
plans issued from the temporary
White House." will arrive in Wash
ington about p. m, Tuesday,
dent, members Of the Cabinet and
the Supreme Court, the body will
be escorted to the White House,
where it will repose until Wednes-
day morning.
At 10 a. m, Wednesday, accom-
panied by a military and civic es-
cort, the body will be conveyed to
Z the Capitol. There, in the historic
rotunda. which has housed the
martyred Presidents. Lincoln. Gar
field, and Mckinley, and Americas
greatest hero-the Unknown Sol
dier-funeral services will be held
over the twenty-ninth President,
and the body will lie in state that
all may pay tribute.
At 6 p. m, Wednesday, President
Harding's remains will be taken on
a special train to Marion, Ohio,
scene Of his birth and the only
place he called home. Escorting
tne DOoy 10 us last resting place
will be, in addition to Mrs. Harding
and members Of the family, Presi-
dent Coolidge, Chief Justice Taft,
and members of the Cabinet, led
by Secretary Hughes.
Pershing To Lead Escort.
The military escort, which will
conduct the funeral procession from
the White House to the Capitol on
Wednesday, is to be personally
Inarshalled and led by General
Pershing. 1t will include one
squadron Of cavalry, a battalion OF
field artillery, brigade Of infantry
q battalion Of marines, and a
battalion Of blue-jackets. Funeral
dirges will be rendered by the
Marine band and the Army band.
Services in the rotunda of the
Capitol will be conducted by the
Rev. Freeman Anderson, acting
pastor of the Calvary Baptis
Church, and the Rev. James Shers
Montgomery, chaplain Of the Hous'
Of Representatives.
Murky and overcast skies
strangely symbolic of the nations
grief and bereavement-mark til,
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