Imperial Valley press., 1929-03-09
MR. COOLIDGE WRITES

At the time the famous q Go not choose to run
message given to the public, it not difficult
for New Enganders to understand the causes behind
Mr. COolidges refusal to accept another term Pres
dent of the United States. Others had to wait for his
present series Of articles in current magazine before
they would believe that who had followed poll
ties all his life would deliberately turn his back upon
another chance the highest office in the nation and
that sentiment would prompt him to do so.
Many well posted men in all parts Of the country
refused to accept the statement as final, and for
months politicians looked for hidden meaning behind
what they believed to be a veil of ambiguity Not so
New Eng anders. Many New Englander is now
saying to his nejgh5Or, = told you So
To a New Englander, the word choose has
ing Of definenegs not given to it in other sections Of
the country. When the New Englander chooses not
to do ii that he is Just going to do it,
and is as final as the most emphatic no.
Family ties in New England are closely woven,
particularly among the older families. Along her
coasts. those who followed the accustomed to
leave their homes. but not the inlanders. 1t is
thing to find the fifth sixth generation by
ing in the same house as their forefathers. As we'll
as to get the old families to move.
The individual family ties are thereby intensified.
cold, austeTe and devoid Of sentiment. Even to his
family he may appear so, but he and they understand
each other and know that underneath the surface
flows strong stream of love and affection.
1t this way with Mr. Coolidge. As he states
in his article, the death of his son. and later Of his
father were particularly poignant griefs. His sense
of duty prevented him from being with his father ii his
last Illness and this added to his
Where another could throw off the effects OF such
ITd9eQtS through the passage OF time or Df SEEKING
diversion Of sort Mr. Coolidge hugged his grief to
himself. 1t found relief and is undoubtedly
sharp today as it when death visited his dear
This, added to the usual burden of the Presidency,
was too much for any man to stand. The country
called r. Coolidge to fill out 2Ir. Hardings term.
Of duty and justice tc himself demanded that he
should seek the Presidency another time in his own
right. This accomplished his understanding of duty
had been fulfilled. There no further call due to
be answered
Simply and without ostent4 ton yet with dignity,
he had served his country weil. His heart was nct
in Washington but UP in the rugged hills where his
son lay beneath the sod close 10 his grandfather The
simplicity of Northampton to be preferred TO the
pOnp and ceremony Of Washington; the honest,
straightforward talk Of "Cobber' Lucey to the oily
gatherings Of diplomats and the meaningless phrases
of politicians the honest regard G his Northampton
neighbors to the hypocrisy Of those who faved before
the President Of the United States, but sneered Cal
vim Coolidge.
He was honest enough with himself to be himself
and turn his back on it all. Many may not like Mr.
Coolidge; they believe him 10 Rave been n silt
in the Presidency; they may think they Will ABOUT
him. but they must whoe-he2rtedv respect h'r' for
being true to Calvin Coolidge and to his convictions.