Roanoke Rapids herald., 1923-09-28

seems to show pretty conclusvely that Coolidge
has made good in every position he has held. In
reading his speeches and writings one finds often
the words duty" and "service"-they bulk large
in his political creed.
In politics Calvin Coolidge has always been a
party man--"regular" He believes in the party
system. He said, when governor of Massachusetts
reSSognze S party man ought to be loyal to those
President Coolidge. it is everywhere agreed, is
taciturn and reticent. His friends say he born
tight-mouthed; those who have opposed him add
that he has also cultivated it as political asset.
Here is a sample of Coolidge brevity: When he
made his inaugural address as president of the
state senate the second time he said Just this and
no more:
fer you: Conserve the firm foundations Of our In
stitutions. Do your work with the spirit of a
Sass 1T the sbS pps tic Be the
Above all things-be brief.
Yet Coolidge can talk when he feels like 1t and
the occasion warrants speech. Intimates say he
can pound the desk and say "D-n." They also
say that when he does read the riot act his Ian
guage Is blisterlng He has made many notable
public speeches.
Certainly he fooled the newspaper correspond
ents at Washington. Coolidge, vice president
singulary unobtruslve. Edward C. Lowry in
his book, "Washlngton Close Ups described him
as "a politician who does not, who will not who
seemingly cannot talk" And this came to be the
view generally accepted by the newspaper CORE
spondents at the capital.
Practically the first official act of the President
upon his arrival In Washington was to receive the
newspaper men-132 men and 5 women He subtly
gave the impression that he anxious to estab-
lish personal relations with them. He also showed
Enthusiastically that he master of the situation
He opened the interview with short speech Study
of the Presidents words shows both speech and
answers to be concise, clear and admirable The
result was that this body of exacting generally
cynical and frequently unappreciative newspaper
people repaid him with hearty round of applause
Coolidge, contrary to report is not at all lacking
In of humor; his brand Is very dry
He is, of course thrifty.
Analysis of Coolidges record shows that he has
often been able to make men of divergent interests
work together and has retained the good will of
both sides. Competent observers among the Wash
ington correspondents say that most of his many
and various callers since he became President have
gone away in friendly spirit, though the man in
the White House had said little and promised moth
ing "Everybody's FRIEND they call him, half in
compliment. half in jest.
Coolidge has few intimates who insist that he ls
much warmer inside than his exterior indicates
and give various facts in evidence. But even these
intimates, though they may call him Cal, don't
slap him on the back when they say it.
Calvin Coolidge has imagination and ideals and
a militant spirit Of service read his Have Faith
in Massachusetts, if you doubt His Puritan mot
Pilgrim) forefathers 'fell first upon their knees
and then upon the aborigines." Spirituality end
practicaly both bulk large In the character of the
men who settled New England and In that strange
blend which has produced the Down East Yankee
who is thirteth President of the United States Of
America