Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-03-05
THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS

THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS
II the peoples of the earth are to
maintain peace greater dependence
must be placed on reason and less on
force; more consideration should be
had for the experience Of mankind
and less of feverish enthusiasm for
novelty in government; clearer rec
ognition Of those things which shape
character and less dependence on
miraculous conversion to theory;
more Of willingness and liability to
cooperate with others and less of
opinionated posing.
At least such impressions as these
may be had from the brief inaugural
address Of President Coolidge. His
conclusions are those Of one, who
keeps his feet on the ground tn the
midst Of milling throng, who is
conversant with fundamentals, the
interplay Of influences shaping in
dividual and national characteristics,
who is concerned more for the effect
upon character Of encouraging thrift
and wisdom in expenditure than for
the treasury surplus. mot because
wish to save money. but because I
wish to save the people" who sees
the possibilities of sweet reasonable
ness, but also the likelihood Of that
J,ag SrvNo IL, h> 81. 80
Common sense? Yes, and more than
is usually attributed to common
sense. All expressed with Coolidge
clarity and conciseness.
He sees that what has been ac-
complished in this country Of ours
has not happened by mere chance.
, and we should know the causes. He
urges that we take our bearings; and
we need the urging. While he would
have US distinctively American he
would have us capable Of compre-
hending the character Of other peo-
pies. He would not minimize posi-
bilities from the earnest studies Of
those who advocate the outlawing of
aggressive war;" but he would not
for one moment forget that nations
as well as individuals must eat to
live: in other words that one Of the
greatest dangers to maintenance OF
peace Is economic pressure. There
is need to have enough to go around
and to see that it goes around.
One hears the question, why help
Europe onto it's feet to compete
against us. Conditions must be
provided under which people can
make a living and work out their
difficulties Isn't that a compre-
hensive answer?
And another essential 'lies in the
heart Of humanity. 1t needs culti-
walton.
It Is commonly complained that
Congress Is constantly making
failure Of itself. We know that 1t
has endeavorAd in many ways to
thwart the efforts Of the President,
yet he reminds us that "there is no
more Independent and effective leg
tslative body in the world" He rec
ognizes that he shares with it in
success or in failure.
"As the man, so his speech, was
observed centuries ago. Something
like this was in the minds Of the
people last fall when they voted for
Coolidge. This understanding ID
emphasized by this inaugural mes
sage.
He has not entered into lengthy
details respecting measures; he has
not told US just what he would like
TO have done at this particular time
respecting Russia, agriculture, rail-
roads. Japan, the Philippines or oil
concessions. He did not need to do
this. He subscribes to those funda-
mentals on which he has consistent
ly stood from the beginning and the
public trust the convictions they be-
Iieve him to possess, are confident
the processes Of thought to which he
Is accustomed will be given express
sion at the proper time and place.