Evening star., 1923-08-03


the policies laid down by the admin
tration or should use his own
judgment. After the death of Pres
idcnt Mckinley Theodore Roosevelt.
entering the White House, evolved
policies of his own.
More pressing than any OF the PROB
Ions today are the distress of the
farmers in the agricultural states
and the threatened tie-up of the
anthracite coal mines. The need OF
prompt action to meet these sltua-
tions has been evident. The late
President Harding was urged by
members of Congress to call spe-
cial session of the new Congress to
handle both these matters. He gave
no sign, however, that he would issue
such call.
President Coolidge comes from a
section of the country that suffered
very greatly from the coal strike of
1922. He has had it impressed upon
him at home that something must be
done to avoid repetition OF the con-
ditions that existed last winter and
spring Mr.. Coolidge's promDt action
at the time Of the police strike in
Boston, In 1919, leads to the belief,
il was said here today that he will
meet the coal situation with firmness
should il develop.
Those senators and representatives
who nave urged a special session of
Congress to aid the farmers lave ad-
vocated government insurance OF a
minimum price for wheat and other
crops. Those who know Calvin
Coolidge saw that they do not be-
lieve he would fall in with such a
plan. This does not mean he is un-
sympathetic with the farmer. bur that
the means proposed for the farmers
relief does not meet his approval.
Course on Court.
Mr.. Harding had announced his de-
termination to bring about. if pos
sible the adherence of the United
States to the world court. with reser-
vations that would make entansIe-
ment with the league of nations i'm
possible. His last public statement.
in fact, dealt with this question. This
determination had threatened to split
the republican party What course
President Coolidge will pursue with
regard TO the world court remain to
be seen
Mr.. Coolidge. it will be remembered.
was a great friend of the late Sena-
tor Murray Crane of Massachusetts
who believed in the ratification of the
Versailles treaty, with reservations.
But whether Mr.. Coolidge will favor
entrance of the United States further
into world affairs also remains to be
seen.
An overshadowing problem in many
of the states is the enforcement of
the national prohibition law. Presi-
dent Harding had announced himself
firmly on this question and it is ex-
pccted that Mr.. Coolidge will carry
out the policy of strict enforcement
urged by the late President. Mr..
Coolidge'S reputation for love of law
and order is known.
Railroad Problems.
The transportation question is slat-
ed as one OF the foremost to come be-
fore the next Congress. Mr.. Harding
had given his adherence to the pro-
posal that the railroad systems of the
country should be merged into a num-
ber of great competing systems. Mr..
Coolidge is thoroughly familiar with
the subject
Revolt in West.
The political situation created in
the republican party by dissatisfac-
tion with the administration because
it has failed to bring about prosperity
in the agricultural districts is another
matter the new President and titular
head of the republican party will have
10 face.
The revolt in some of the northwest
ern states resulting in the election of
two farmer-labor party senator's in Min
nesota and in the sending of radical
senators and members of the House
from several other states has created a
very deep impression in political circles
Whether Mr.. Coolidge will be able to
edly questionable.
A matter of which Mr.. Coolidge must
consider and determine at no late date
is whether he is to be a candidate to
succeed himself. The late President
had been regarded by republican lead
ers as practically sure of denomination
But now the field has been thrown open
to all the republicans, of various de-
grees of conservatism and progressivism,
who seek the presidency.