The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1925-02-05
Coolidge CoOIs ArdOr
Of the Inaugural Fans
National Editorial Association, Special
to The Herald.

Washington, Feb. 3.-Just a month
from today, the nation will witness
what may be justly termed an unusua
historical event. On March A, the
twenty-seventh president of the Unit
ed States will administer the same
oath that he took on the same date II
1909 to the thirtieth president! Few
have considered this dramatic situa-
ton but it is easily apparent. By vir-
tue of his office as Chief Justice OF
the U. S. Supreme Court, William
Howard Taft standing on the capitol
steps clothed in the dignified robes OF
his office, will read the oath or af-
firmation of fidelity to the Constitu-
ton as prescribed by this document.
Calvin Coolidge, by reason of his cleo
ton, in a word or two will pledge his
allegiance to his country and the prln-
cipal ceremony is thus at an end.
Simple Ceremonies
Great changes have occurred since
the Taft Inauguration and these will
be noted next month, especially on in
auguration day. When Taft became
the chief executive the ceremonies
were marked with p%agentry. The 1928
affair in compliance with the Presl-
dents wishes will be very simple. His
decision in this matter has brought
about petty protests, especially from
those who would benefit socially or
financially from a spectacular inaug-
ura1. Mr.. Coolidge, through the sud
den and tragic death of President
Harding, took his oath of office at
midnight in an old New England
farm house, when his father. a notary
public, read the Constitutional oath
without ceremony of any kline.
There are many of the socially am
bilious who would make the inaugur-
alton an occasion for clarifying the
presidency. Mr.. Coolidge, however, has
other ideas and does not approve of
these Ziegfeld methods in official life.
Knowing that an invitation to an IN
augural ball is something to talk about
for years, many Washington women
and society leaders in other sections
of the country are insistent that a So
cial function of this character should
be held whether or not the plan re-
ceives official endorsement.
AbhOrs POmp
Mr.. Coolidge has frowned upon a
formal inaugural ball. Ingenious SO
ciety women are now trying to palm
off a charity ball as the growing
event of the inaugural ceremonies.
The President has made it clear that
he does not propose to dance at this
affair which naturally takes away
some of the zest of the promoters He
has even disapproved Of the idea OF
having troops parade on Pennsylvania
emu Unfortunately, there are
many people who see nothing unless
it glitters. The Chief Executive re-
CARDS his Job in a sarious way and
does not want his Inauguration en-
bellished with theatrical effects.
Punishment for PrOgressives
The retiring Congress, especially the
house, finds itself in difficulties try
ing to put a Dunn and Bradstreet clas-
s~ification in a political sense, on their
members. Republicans are e%ndeavor-
ing to enforce party regularity by
reading irregulars out of the councils.
1t is an undertaking laden with great
risks and the minority is watching
the proceedings in secret glee.
The hubub over the confirmation of
Harlan Stone will undoubtedly sub
side when the department Of justice
presents it's case against Senator
Wheeler in the federal courts. Upon
the judicial determination Of the SEN
ator's guilt or innocence under the ac-
c%usation of official wrong-doing, Mr..
Stones job as a member of the su-
preme court will hinge.
FrilIs and FOibles
The folks back home often complain
that Congress takes itself too serl-
ously. The human equation is never
submerged. To keep an even keel IN
official life, a sense of humor is es-
%sential, indeed a saving grace for many
who otherwise would appear ridicu-
lous. Congressman Byrnes of South
Carolina, a Democratic leader, in call
ing attention this week tc the evils of
Bureaucracy, amused the mousse ny
showing s0Iae of the nonsensical pub
Iications issued at considerable ex-
nAnse to the taxpayers, One OF the
bulletins was the "Diary of H"1le-
making Activities" advising women
to jot down their thoughts and doings
during the day. The house was also
told that a departmental official
wanted a large appropriation from
Congress recently in order that ne
could investigate as to how many
hours a woman might work without
being fatigued. 1t shows the tendency
of minor federal officials to provide
themselves with employment regard
less of the value to the country at
large. The President and Congress are