The Washington times., 1923-01-01
HARDING works
ON NEW YEAR
DAY
President at Desk-Also Re-
ceives Governor Reilly Of
Porto Rico.

President Harding was at his
desk in the White House Executive
offices shortly after 10 o'clock this
morning, but remained only long
enough to glance over his mail.
He then returned to the Mansion,
where he received Governor e.
Mont Reilly, Of Porto Rico, discuss
ing the islands turbulent political
affairs for nearly an hour.
Governor Reilly will leave in a
day or two for his home in Kansas
City, and will return to San Juan
in about a month.
with the utmost simplicity and
uHipretentiousness the New Year
was welcomed at the White House
today.
The observance was particularly
noteworthy, for it marked q virtual
reversion to the Wilsonian days,
when all State functions were cur
tailed.
The Executive Mansion was quiet
and secluded today, quite in contrast
to former seasons, when on the first
afternoon of the new year it was
crowded with gay throngs. eager to
grasp the hand and wish the hap
piest greetings to the President and
the First Lady"
Omission 10 Regretted.
Not particularly pleasing. how
ever, to the President and Mrs. Hard
ing was the necessary departure
from the tradition of holding New
Year reception, which in the past
always has been one Of the most
brilliant and enjoyable events OF the
Washington social season.
1t was with great personal re"
greet to Mrs. Harding that, because
of her health. she was forced to
call off the usual formal cere-
She has always looked
with keen pleasure upon these AT.
fairs. Shortly after the President
was elected, and before the Hard
ings entered the Mansion, Mrs.
Harding announced she would re-
vive the custom of New Year re.
ceptions which for the eight years
previous President Wilson, breaking
a welI-established tradition, had
abandoned.
5000 In Line Last Year.
Last year, when more than 5000
persons stood in line for hours.
Drawing bitter cold weather, Mrs.
Harding's first reception was an
success, though some
attribute her subsequent physical
to the strain of that
ordeal. For four hours she re.
ceived guests 'in the Blue Room
with the President.
Today, upon strictest command
from her physicians, Mrs. Harding
was forced to pass the day quietly,
in order that her complete recov-
cry might not be impaired by the
excitement and fatigue of reception
duties.
Most of the day she spent with
the President in the upper west
parlors of the Mansion, reading,
and chatting with a few personal
friends who called to extend we'll
wishes for the season. AS on
she had dinner with the
President in one of the main dining
salons down stairs.
Receive Many Greetings.
Greetings for the season for the
SSANSAN e%AAA AS4A % pOuECA
into the White House by the thou
sands today. The cards and mes.
sages were from people in every
station Of life all over the world.
While all Washington last night
ushered in the infant year with
greatest acclaim, the Hardings, aft
er the last bells had tolled the end
Of the old years, and horns and
whistles heralded the new, retired
Except that her strength IL not
yet sufficiently returned to permit
her to walk unassisted about the
Mansion, save for short periods,
the New Year found Mrs. Harding
In better health than at any time
since her serious illness three
ago. Her spirit is high and
the snap and sparkle has returned
to her eyes. Her face Is no longer
worn or fatigued, and her COM
plexion Is excellent. She partakes
more and more Of solid foods, and
is better able to sleep and rest.
Her heart, however, Is still at
fected and she tires rather easily.
Likely to Go to Florida.
CHANGING ahead into the New
Year, it is now believed that, un.
less Mrs. Harding suffers a re-.
lapse, she will be we'll enough to
accompany the President on the
annual Florida vacation trip this
spring. Arrangements are being
made to start south on March 6,
after Congress adjourns. The Hard
lngs hope to visit several Florida
cities during a period of about two
weeks.
Mrs. Harding also wants to go
with the President on his contem-
plated Alaskan and western visit in
June. The definite plans for this
trip. however, have not been com
pleted, being held in allegiance until
1t can be learned whether Mr.
Harding shall have his affairs in
such shape that he will be able
to leave Washington for an ex-
tended period.