The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-09
STRONGF FORT|TUDE. WINS SYMPATHY OF IMMENSE THRONGS.
Widow Sees Nation Pour Out Its Homage Upon Bier Of
 Man She Loved

WASHINGTON, August s.-(By As sociated Press.)--With the same fortitude that already had won her the great sympathy of a nation, Mrs. Florence King Harding today passed courageously through the ordeal of the solemn state funeral of her hus- ban'. Tonight she again was alone with her dead as the funeral train sped westward toward Marion where for her must co=.e an even greater trial as the body Is consigned to it's last lace of rest.
 Although plainly showing the strain of the long and painful journey across the continent, Mrs. Harding, who only brief time ago made a brave fight for her own life, still maintains the control of an iron will that enabled her to say when first the terrible blow struck at San Francisco that she would not break down.
 And so in her public appearance to- day she permitted to escape her no manifestation of the grief that tears at her heart. Both Brigader General Sawyer, and old friend from Marion. and physician to MT. Harding, and George Christian, secretary to the dead President, declared after Mrs. Harding returned from the capital that Mrs. Harding was bearing up well under the strain General Sawyer said she twas holding up wonderfully well" adding that she was d remarkable woman"
 O O O
 Receives Mrs. Coolidge.
 After luncheon with members of the immediate family this afternoon. Mrs. Harding received Mrs. Coolidge, the wife of the new President who remained at the White House for half an hour. Wives of the cabinet officers also were received during the afternoon.
 During the few hours the body of the President remained at the White House before the state funeral, Mrs. Harding twice gazed upon the face, noble in life, majestic in death. At 1 o'clock this morning, after official and visitors had left the White House, she went quietly to the East room to spend half an hour alone there save for the silent statuesque figures of the guard of honor around the casket.
 For time she stood at the bier in silent prayer and meditation. Then she examined a number of floral pieces banked against the walls and selected several to be laid near her sleeping husband.
 O O o
 Laddie Boy Comes In.
 Returning to her apartments on the second floor, Mrs. Harding retired at 1:36 o'clock. She arose at 7:45 o'clock after what appartnely had been a fairly refreshing rest and had break fast in her room. During the meal Laddie Boy came in for a time to TO- ,eiNe kindly pat from his mistress.
 She remained alone until 9:4S o'clock, when she was escorted to the ice that preceded tn claiming of the body by the nation to bestow upon it the homage befitting the high es- tate to which Warren G. Harding, With her help. had accepted.
 Entering the room with MT. Chris tian and General Sawyer, Mrs. Hard ing stood for a few minutes at the head of the casket while the Lords prayer was repeated under the lader- ship of Dr. A. Freeman Anderson, pastor of the Calvary Baptist church. President Coolidge, members of the cabinet and justices of the supreme court were presnt.
 Mrs. Harding again retired to her apartments to await the hour of an other trial the journey to the capitol for the services there. Returning to the White House at 1915 D. m, she was accompanied to her apartments, where she was greeted by the mm- bers of the immediate family, with whom she had luncheon.
 After receiving Mir. Coolidge and the ladies of the cabinet, she rested until the coming of the evening hour set for her again to board the cara van of sorrow