Evening star., 1923-08-03
Hording's Chief Personality
Seen IN His Modest DemennOr
Liked the People, Loued His Friends, But
Accepted PIaudits rendered as In-
tended for His High Office.

THE cheers and kindly smiles that
always greet the President when he
shows himself in public are for the
office and not the individual who
happens to be occupying it, and
sincerely hope that the time will
never come while I am President
when / will cease to remember this"
|, President Harding said that one
day to small group OF newspaper
men who commented upon the en-
thusiastic reception the President
had just received at some public
gathering. In the estimation of
many, the President gave a clear
understanding of his character
The President entered the White
House unaffected and unspoiled by
his success. and those who saw him
almost daily during all those two and
one-half years say unhesitatingly
that he never changed. He appre-
everywhere. He resented it If a
proper tribute was lacking, because.
as he expressed it on more than one
occasion, ito show a lack of appre-
citation of and of respect for the head
OF the nation does not indicate the
kind of American spirit upon which
this republic was founded"
How He Impressed Visitors.
The first impression one received
upon meeting Warren Harding was
his physical appearance, his kindly,
friendly manner. and his voice. No
estimate has ever been made of the
thousands who journeyed to the
White House during his administra-
tion, but no one can say the President
ever failed to give his hand in a real
clasp and to utter some little greet
ing which went home. 1t was natural,
therefore, for those who met him,
even for Just the mere honor of say
ing they had shaken the hand of the
President, to leave the receiving line
smiling happily and sounding his
praises. He had made them realize
that the head Of their country was
human-just an ordinary. fine look
ing, big, strong man.
During the early part of his first
year President Harding gave orders
to permit as many people as possible
him. Some days as many as 1900
would file by to shake hands with
him. Generally the number averaged
400 or 500. Some of his close asso-
ciates thought this was too big a
strain on him and that too much of
his time was lost. and they suggested
that the daily public receptions be
discontinued or else made a weekly
affair.
Refuses to Limit Crowd.
Not on your life" Mr.. Harding
answered, when this was put up to
him. The one big, bright spot of
my day is seeing those admiring and
kindly faces. / love to meet them.
They have nothing to ask. They are
typical Americans, and it is merely
their way of showing reverence for
their President. Besides il is a treat
to meet some one at the White House
who is not seeking executive favor"
The President by his actions and from
remarks he often made when talking to
friends felt that he belonged to the
people and therefore it was his duty to
grant their every wish-anything within
reason. He and Mrs. Harding prided
themselves on being Just home folks, !"
and they always so impressed those who
were about them much.
At times Mr. Harding looked stern.
Probably it was the heavinesS and the
angle Of his eyebrows and the square,
ness OF his jaw. But the instant he
smiled his bigness of heart and the
warmth Of his nature was readily seen.
This was especially true when he was
with his intimate friends-'the boys
from Marion" as he always referred to
them-or some of his old Senate pals.
1t was very noticeable, too, while talk
ing with the newspaper men who were
assigned regularly to the White House.