Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-12-13
Editors Letter Box
Thoughts Suggested
BY Harding Memorial
Respectfully Submitted:


During this week set aside as
Harding Memorial Week 1T is sug-
gested that OF all tie memorials to
the life and activities of Ohio's late
President, Warren G.. Harding, there
could be none which would he more
appropriate, more far-reaching and
productive OF such lasting benefit to
all of the people. regardless of creed,
class, religious or political utilization
than declaration by tho press of
America to honor and memorabilia
their fellow penman and chief
executive of the United States by
pledging their support of these inter-
ests which were nearest his heart
and the full fruition of which would
rebound to the honor and glory not
only of Warren G. Harding but to
the press. the people and the United
states Of America.
From a young man in the early
twenties President Harding was
editor and proprietor of the Marion
Daily Star. What is known and pub
lished throughout the country as 1.-THE
newspaper creed of Warren G. Hard
ing is as follows:
BE Truthful. Get the facts. Mis-
takes are inevitable, but strive for
accuracy. | would rather have one
story exactly right than a hundred
half wrong. Be decent. BE fair. Be
generous. Boost,-don't knock.
There Is good in everybody. Bring
out the good in everybody and never
needlessly hurt the feelings of any
body. In reporting a political gather
ing, get the facts; tell the story as it
is. not as you would like to have it.
Treat all parties alike. If there is
any politics to be played we will play
1t in our editorial columns. Treat
all religious matters reverently. If
it can possibly be avoided never
bring ignominy to an innocent wo-
man or child in telling of the mis-
deeds of a relative. Don't wait to
be asked. but do it without the ask
ing. And above all BE CLEAN.
Never let a dirty word or q sug-
gestlve story get into type. / want
this paper SO conducted that ii can
go into any home without destroying
the innocence of any child"
Prohibition Law Enforcement was
matter of especial interest to
President Harding. Only a year
after this amendment was written in
the Constitution of the United States
he sent out broadcast this statement:
In every community every one
hhS"S nv" "Idl
that debts are more promptly paid,
families are better clad and condi-
tions are more cheerful and happier
and more money finds its way into
the savings bank. Drink was the
cause of the destruction of much
which was most precious in the
American home. In the face of SO
much evidence on that point what
conscientious man would want to let
his own selfish desires influence
him TO vote to bring 1t back"
Just previous to his death Presi-
dent Harding made this statement,
Il do not see how any citizen who
cherishes the protection of law in
organized society may feel himself
secure when he HIMSELF is the ex-
ample of contempt for law. Clearly
there is a call for awakened con-
true self-interest on the part of the
few who will themselves suffer
most when reverence for the law
is forgotten. and passion is expressed
in destructive lawlessness."
At the Governors Conference at
the White House on October 20 in
the program of action President
Coolidge called upon the several
states to do seven specific things,
The second was this:
Call upon the PRESS to support
Prohibition Law Enforcement stress
law observance and treat the en-
forcement program commensurate
with the gravity of lawlessness."
Federal Prohibition Commissioner
HAYNES. himself an editor (Hillsboro)
and an Onion, early in his adminis-
tration solicited the aid of the press.
as President Coolidge has done, add
ing that the cooperation of the
press of the country would assure
speedy and effective results in this
great and worth while one hundred
per cent American task for safe
guarding that greatest of institutions
The American Home.
GEORGIA HOPLEY