The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-06
FREED FROM CARE
 HARDING |S HAPPY 0N VACATION TRIP
Presidential Party, Headed for Florida, Is Given Welcome by the People of
 Virginia

ON BOARD PRESIDENT HARD ING'S SPECIAL TRAIN. mar Rocky Mount, N. C., March 6.-Freed from the cares of state more completely than at any time since his admins. tration began two years ago, Pres- dent Harding with Mrs. Harding and a party of friends tonight were in the southland en route to Florida and months vacation.
 The chief executive relaxed imme- diately after the special train carry ing the presidential party left Wash ington shortly after noon today. He had spent a busy morning, clearing up the last odds and ends of official business remaining from the session n of Congress adjourned yesterday. But on boarding his train, he put work aside and entered with a whole heart upon the first vacation he has had in 8 year and the first extended period of rest and recreation he has felt like allowing himself since he entered the White House two years ago yesterday.
 Mrs. Harding Improves.
 The trip to Florida with Ormond the first stopping place tomorrow is expected to be quite as much benefit to Mrs. Harding as to the President. When she left the White House for the train it was the first time she had been beyond the grounds of the executive mansion since last Septem- Der when she became ill. Her con- dition today was described as better than at any time since she began to recover from her illness. She spent the afternoon resting and chatting with other members of the party and tonight it was said she had stood the first part of the trip very well. Everything possible was done to make the journey as comfortable as possible, the train having been or dered to run at moderate rate of speed to decrease the jolts and lurchings.
 The first part of the trip was without incident, stops being made N. C., to change engines, and at Elm poria, Va, for water.
 Crowd Gathers
 At the last named place, a small town some distance above the Vir- ginia line, crowd of several hun dred people, including a number of school children, had gathered. The President appeared on the observa- tion platform but beyond applause there was quiet until a tall South himself and shook hands. Then some one enquired about Mrs. Hard ing to which question the President replied that "she is standing the trip very we'll" This broke sthe ice so to speak and every one crowded around and the President shook hands with as many as time would permit.
 Attorney General Daugherty who is just recovering from an illness of several weeks and who is a member of the party. went to bed soon after the train left Washington. having tired himself by visiting the depart ment of Justice during the morning for the first time since taking i'll. Tonight however, he appeared rested.
 WASHINGTON. March 5.--(By United Press.)-For the first time in six months Mrs. Warren G. Harding left the White House grounds today.
 With the President and a party of friends. the first lady started on a tour in Florida She looked wan from the long siege of illness which kept her a prisoner in the ex- ecutive mansion.
 Mrs. Harding took with her "prac- tically no raiment worth fussing about" In fact her Florida wardrobe consisted of just enough to make her presentable."
 A large crowd gave her a warm reception as she appeared on the White House steps on her way to the limousine waiting to take her to the train. It was remarked that she was somewhat thinner, but cheerful and vivacious. Rowing, smiling and waving, she entered ,the car. Her attire was a travelling suit of Hard ing blue, fur coat, dark blue hat and a spotted veil Her automobile was almost filled with flowers.
 Sawyer Goe. Along.
 Another large crowd greeted her at the station and more flowers were awaiting her in the special car set aside for the Hardings and their party.
 Mrs. Harding is looking forward with great pleasure to the month or so the party is expected to spend in the south. She chafed under the to the White House and often told callers she would welcome the change in climate, because it would permit her to be outdoors.
 Brigadier General Sawyer, the Hardings' personal physician. will keep a careful watch over Mrs. Hard ing. He regards her as practically recovered from her illness but he will not take chances and permit her to overdo for fear of a relapse.
 Mrs. Harding will not attend the numerous functions that the socially great now visiting the south are planning for her. it was said. Mrs. Harding and her husband expect to spend much of their time yachting. This will enable her to refuse the numerous invitations expected by