The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-11-21

Harding shortly after he had pur-
chased the Marion Star.
The future President was work
ing night and day to put his paper
on a paying basis, and the struggle
was slow and discouraging. Fol
lowing q brief courtship, they were
married in July, 1891, over ,he
strenuous protests Of the brides
father. In fact, the estrangemel1t
lasted for nearly seven years.
The marriage ceremony took
place in the famous Harding house,
at Marion, from which Mr.. Hard
ing conducted his front porch"
campaign for the presidency thirty
years later.
Mrs. Harding from the very
start took an active interest In her
husbands activities - whether in
the field sof politics or OF business.
Soon after their marriage she en-.
tered heart and soul into the work
Of making a real paper" out Of
the Star. The circulation and
business offices were her special
province, and much of the papers
present success can be attributed
to her untiring efforts.
Active in Politics
Then, as the late President be-
gan to become known throughout
his State, Mrs. Harding turned her
attention to politics. Running for
governor Of Ohio, however, Mr..
Harding lost, and the two went
abroad to rest after q strenuous
campaign.
Returning, Mr.. Harding was
$1,000 - ,..,~, Re.. khn TTnffnA 2fofA0
Senate. He left the decision up to
his wife. Somewhat discouraged
by the gubernatorial race, 1t was
two days before the politicians
could reconcile Mrs. Harding to a
return to politics. Once In. how
ever, she worked constantly for
his election and was rewarded by
victory.
The first years In Washington
as wife of a Senator did not APP
peal overmuch to Mrs. Harding.
The official life rather awed and
bored her at first.
Her Health Bad.
Because of i'll health. Mrs. Hard
ing took little part in the social
life of the Capital during those
first years. An operation for the
trouble that ultimately cost her
her life resulted in long. slow
For the most part. when able to
get out, Mrs. Harding spent her
time in the galleries of the Senate
following the debates and legisla-
tive business in which her husband
participated.
Just as she hesitated when the
Senatorial nomination was thrust
upon her husband, Mrs. Harding
again baked when the Presidency
was suggested.
Once In the race, nevertheless.
Mrs. Harding bent every effort to
promote the success Of Senator
Harding. No campaign trip was
completes without her; no meeting
was satisfied until she, also. had
been introduced.
Her Election Vow.
II was in an interview, shortly
after the memorable election that
returned the late President to the
white House by 100000 ma
iority, that Mrs. Harding perhaps
best expressed her feelings toward
her husband.
II wanted Warren to win because
he wanted to-" she said, "and for
no other reason. He is the greatest
man in the world, and there is not
a thing that he cannot do. know
you will think ! am boasting, but, !
have only one fad--the only fad
have had for the last twenty-six
years--and that is my husband. It
is old-fashioned, know, but that Is
the way feel about It,"
The strain Of the continual round
OF duties finally told on the First
Lady's health. 1t was while taking
a weekend trip ON the Presidential