, 1923-08-11

ing, the gentle, unaSSumlng n
president of the United States. The
only physical reminder OF yesterdays
historical events were the mourning
draped streets and the military patrol
in front of the modest vault where the
body was placed yesterday.
In the uncertain future, a mauso
leum is to be erected to house the
lust of the fourth Ohio president to
die in office and when completed pos
sibly on the top of Indian mound
near the cemetery. where his mother
is buried. the American people will
have another shrine.
Friends and neighbors of Mr.. Hard
Ing today congregated to talk ove
tho events OF a life time. Each fea-
ture was gone over in detail. Many
were the stories related.
Ono old friend OF the Harding
family gave a vivid description Of
the intimate and dramatic scene in
the living room at DR.. Harding's
home yesterdSy afternoon when Presi-
lent Coolidge, Chief Justice Taft and
other high government officials met
in the few brief minutes before the
funeral procession started for the
cemetery. No newspaper writer's
were present to record tho scene to
posterity.
at was / p. M" he told the Asso-
ciated Press. when the line from the
early morning had been filing through
to look at the dead presidents face
for the last time. was stopped by
the uplifted arms of a soldier on
guard at the door. Thousands in the
line were disappointed after hours OF
waiting.
"A hush settled over the rooms
that had heard for two days the
tramping feet of thousands.
President and Mrs. Coolidge en-
tered. followed by Chief Justice Taft.
General P%ershing. members OF the
cabinet, Ambassador Harvey, Speaker
Gillett, Governor Donahey and army
and navy officers of high rank in
their bright uniforms. Bishop Will
liam #. Anderson of the Methodist
church, and the Rev. Dr.. Jesse Swank
and the Rev. George L. Lands. OF
Marion. who were to officiate at the
cemetery were present. Tho gather
ing formed a semi-circle in the quiet
room and all plainly showed their
great grief.
President Harding's father, DR..
George t. Harding. with his wife
entered with Secretary George Chris
tian and were introduced to Mr., and
Mrs. Coolidge and h other members
OF the a~asemblage. They retired and
in n few minutes Secretary Christian
reappeared with Mrs. Harding. the
widow. leaning on his arm.
"Mr. and Mrs. Coolidge arose TO
greet Mrs. Harding.
"'Mr. President, 1 greet you said
Mrs Harding in a clear distinct voice
as she held out her hand to the man
who succeeded her husband.
"Then, turning 10 Mrs. Coolidge.
she wished her success as the new
mistress OF tho White House.
she next greeted Chief Justice
Taft and Attorney General Daugherty.
and when Secretary Hughes stretched
out his hand. she grasped It and said.
Mr.. Secretary She could say no
more. Tears filled the eyes Of Mr..
Hughes and Mr.. Taft. Tears filled
the eyes of Mrs. Harding.
Quickly recovering, Mrs. Harding
greeted the others. saying:
81 cannot talk to you. but I could
not think OF having you enter this
home without taking each of you by
the hand
There was deep silence as Mrs.
Harding retired. and then the voice
OF n minister thanked God for the
work OF the late president. and in
voked the divine blessing on the
mourning company. The casket was
taken out. President Coolidge. Chief
Justice Taft. Secretary Hughes and
the others following"