Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1924-09-13
KLAN IRRELEVANT
ISSUE: IN CAMPAIGN,
COOLIDGE ASSERTS
BY DAVID LAWRENCE
Especial Leased Wire to The Journal-Copy-
rpht. 1901


Before starting on his 9.O0O-mile trip
to ascertain political sentiment, Mr.. Law
renee had a talk with President Coolidge
at the White House on the issues of the
campaign, and will analyze the attitude
of the other nominees as he encounters
them on their speaking tours. In this
dispatch, Mr.. Lawrence sets forth some
Of the domestic aspects of the campaign.
Tomorrows dispatch will deal with the
Coolidge foreign polcies.)
WASHINGTON, Sept. 1O.-Presi
dent Coolidge feels that the lines of
battle have been drawn and that
no new factors will be thrust into the
campaign-at least so far as he is
concerned
Mr.. Coolidge holds what may truly
be called a common sense view
point toward his own political for
tunes. When asked, for instance,
whether he intended to ma Ike many
speeches in the campaign, he laugh
ingly remarked that he never heard
Of candidate being defeated for talk
ing too little, but that he heard of
number of them who had been de-
feated by talking too much. Oc-
caSional addresses will be made, but
they will be largely in amplification
and explanation of the main princi-
pies that already have been laid down
by the president.
Our discussion covered a wide
range of subjects, from the agricul.
tural situation to the Khan issue.
Guards Dignity of Office
The president has been getting let
ters of all kinds and advices from
all quarters with respect to the inn
portance of the khan as an issue in
the national campaign. Mr.. Coolidge
feels that he can not forget for an
instant that he is president of the
. United States and that he must pur-
sue for the campaign an attitude
which does not involve him in the
nlire of politics itself
From a publicity viewpoint, Mr..
Coolidge appreciates full we'll that
his opponents are obliged to make
wide speaking tours and campaign
actively, but that the man who is
president of the United States is ac-
tually performing the duties of the
office and the public impression Of
him is obtained from the day to day
developments in the White House. 1t
IS 1rkSome every now and then TO
be tied down to official tasks and
not he able to answer back in poiti-
cal fashion. Mr.. Coolidge, however,
has determined to maintain an at
titude in conformity with pres1den-
tial tradition and make only oc.
casional addresses.
Attitude OH KIan
The president has Il fixed idea that
most of the discussion of the Ku
kluX Khan is academic and that il
does not touch the chief executive or
the powers of the federal govern.
ment. Most of the crimes laid to
the ku kluX Khan by its accu3ers are
covered, he believes, by the police
powers of the several states AS for
the theory that q president should
not apply any religious test in max.
ing appointments to office, Mr.. Cool.
idSe is of the opinion that his own
record, both as governor of Massa-
chuSetts and as president. will re
sufficient answer on that score Not
only has he appointed Jews and
Catholics to office, but also negroes,
and he thinks it would be unwar.
ranted on his part to be conscious
or any distinction while considering
persons for public office. He does
not even care to dignity the subject
by public dissertation because he
oeileves 1t TO be one Of the natural
functions of the presidential office
10 consider appointment for office on
the merits Of the individual and
without being provoked by or related
10 racial or religious questions.
Not long ago the PRESIDENTS sec
rotary gave out letter in which
he stated that Mr. Coolidge is not
a member Of the khan nor in SYM
pathy with its objects. So far as
the White House is concerned. thar
VIII have to suffice for the remain
der Of the campaign. Mr. Coolidge
VIII discuss from time to time the
principles of religious freedom and
the constitutional guarantees as he
mas them appropriate Cor discus
SION IN connection with the general
campaign, but he has ALREADY said
virtually all that he is going to say
on the issue. incidentally. he would
nal%n was over, people were admit
ting that they had exasserated the
Importance of both the kIc and the
Issue itself.
Agricultural Relief
in respect to agriculture. the Dras.
ident has it in mind to make the
proposed agricultural commission \
clearing house for all ideas on the
SUBJECT of agricultural relief. He is
aware that the board itself Will not
complete its work until after cleo
ton, but he is hopeful tina. some
thing concrete may he worked out
netore next session Of congress 50
that whatever is determined upon
/ may soon 10 mt into legislative
/ form Mr.. Coolidge. it will he re-
called did not come out for. o.