New Britain herald., 1924-03-05
"HONIER SITS PRETTY"

"HONIER SITS PRETTY"
 Admitting that President Coolidge will be the republican candidate for the presideney-and this seems to be taken for granted-attention is called to the summary of the democratic sit- nation as outlined, with a breezy snappiness which refreshes in Harry B. Hunts story published in the Her ald of yesterday. And this is said with no desire to emphasize the fact that he concludes his article with a pres entation of the favorable place Homer Cummings occupies in the party. Nor is there any desire, either, to insist that Mir. Hunt is exactly right when he says that Al Smith is mot availa- ble," that Underwood has small chance" that Cox has little chance" or that McAdoo is ''irreparably lamed" The story is pointed to, how ever, as Illuminating the situation rather definitely and presenting the sit- nation in a nutshell allowing for fu- ture which. of course. any "dopester" must do at this time.
 But the situation of Homer Cum mings interests. Remembering that it is taken for granted President Coo lidge will be the republican candidate, consider for a moment how each stands in his home country--and we, also. are in Homers home country as compared with the way President Coolidge stands in his
 There is no question but that Calvin Coolidge came to the White House un- handicapped by anything peeking out Of his past. The eountry was quite ready to nod gracious approval of him. He was plain man.. and he was not a shouter The conservative liked his silence, his evident calmness Then occasions arose when everyone chafed a bit at his continued silence. Wait until he delivers hts message to con- gress; then he will speak out" his friends said. He did--and said the things everyone expected he would say--and he said them very well in- deed. without fourisies, straight to the point. But then came another period of waiting It seemed as though 1t would continue. But even today people who are not completely satls- fled with a candidate merely because he has the approval Of the party lcad- CTS at Washington, are waiting, They are not quite sure about the president except that he will not do anything hastily. What. however, if time should come when quick action were needed.
 Meanwhile people have been asking about him-his record. How did fle happen to become governor Of Massa- chusctts? Was his attitude in the police strike as fine as they had un- derstood it to be? Well. these in- auirefs heard that Calvin Coolidge was made candidate lieutenant governor Of Massachusetts because the machine wanted someone who would be harm less and somronc who, coming from the part of the state where he lived would be a geographically proper oif- Gcial. So he became Lieutenant Gov crnor. Then they learned. these in- auircrs. that as lieutenant governor the leaders uf the machine had liked Mir. Coolidge first rate" So, after the custom if the machine. Hc was made the nominee for the governOfshtp. and was elected. The machine was pleas cd. His attitude in the police strike has been mentioned in thcs" columns. It has been found that most Of the credit for the splendid handling Of that situation wcnt to the late head of the police. and that then Governor Coolidge d,d not made his strong Elp'thfA NIlfiH AtEFl Af4iAfAH N't#0 %VAA raratiseiy quiet and the situation was weii in hand. They. these iHEestiga- tors. heard also Of statements publicly made by thc governor f9vOring the soldiers bonus for the state. lt seems he thought n state which did not pay its defenders adequately did not de- serve 10 be defended. And nov, as president, Mr. Coolidge does Hut seUn tO show much concern for the former soldiers.
 In plain language Calvin Coolidge, in his own part of the country. is not considered a big man-at least that is what honest investigators have gath cred.
 Homer Cummings Is known pretty well here and hereabouts. Perhaps Homer is not considered a big man either: and perhaps he is- Al any rate