The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-08-04
NEW IF ICIAL GOES QUICKLY TO RESIDE NCE:
Man Called To Assume Lead-
 eTship Of American People
 Wears Grave Expression As
 He Makes Trip To Capital LARGE ESCORT GUARDS EXECUTIVE IN NEW YORK
President Refuses To Expand Statement Except To Say Policies Of Administration
 Will Not Be Interrupted

WASHINGTON, August 3.-tBy As- sociated Press.) )-Calvin Coolidge to- day grasped the helm of the shIp of state as it fell from the lifeless hands of his captain, Warren c. Harding. Quietly he took upon himself me duties of pilot.
 Up practically all night receiving the news of his chiefs sudden death, he had taken in the sitting room of his fathers farm house in Plymouth, Vt, the oath to perform the duties of the thirtieth president of the United States.
 Then a visit Co his mothers grave and he was off to Washington. He arrived in the capitol at 9:l0 D. m, to be met at the railway station by an official party including Secretary Hughes and Postmaster General New.
 Before retiring he conferred with Secretary Hughes and senator Curtis of Kansas. republican whip. Tomor- row the new chief executive planned a busy day He intended to remain in Washington until the body of Mir. Harding arrived from san Francisco Tuesday and go to Marion. Ohio, for the burial.
 Goes To Home In Hotel. President Coolidge went directly U his suite in the Willard hotel where he and Mrs. Coolidge will ret-ain un- til Mrs. Harding, at her convenience, moves from the White House
 The new PTesider: planned to rise ! bright and early tomorrow morning and be at his desk by o'clock. Mall, l accumulating during his vacation in 1 New England g nd conferences on Mir. Hardng's funeral arrangeme will bsorb his attention. He also will look after preparation of d procla- m..tion for a day of national mourn ing for Mir Harding.
 Those who came with the Presi- dent consider it unlikely that he will announce any important steps in his administration until after the country has recovered from the shock of the death of Mir. Harding.
 The last leg Of President Coolidge's trip .rom New England to Washing ton was made in fast time. Less thar four hours and e half after he hac boarded the special train which awaited him at the Penusylvauia sta tion in New Yor';. he stood in the capitol.
 Bows Quietly To Crowds.
 ASA he passed through the gates tt the presidential entrance of the rail. road station, which was last used by Mir Harding when starting his Alas kan trip. Mir. Coolidge raised his hat and bowed quietly to the crowd be- hind the ropes There were no cheers nor applause. but spectators raised their hats. The reception throughout was marked by its dignity and silence.
 Before entering the White House automobile to leave, the President, Mrs. Coolidge, Secretary Hughes and Postmaster General New posed q mo- meut for a battery of cameramen, Again, at the New Willard hotel aa- other flashlight was taken under the portico. Before entering their apart mont, Mr. Coolidge greeted a few friends and acquaintances who had gathered
 Remains Tn Observation Car.
 During the Journey from New York to Washington the President had re- mained ;hc entire time in his ob- servation ear. Small crowds waited to greet him at West Philadelphia and Baltimore and on each occasion he stepped out on to the rear plat form with Mrs. Coolid { At West Philadelphia he waVcu friendly hand To the engineer of passing freicht.
 on the way to Washington MT Coolidge dispatched n message 10 the Rev. Jason Noble Pierce. fellow Am horst graduate and pastor of the Waehinatou church, which the Cool idEes attended, inviting him to call. AIr. Coolidge also received in his
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