The Daily Alaska empire., 1931-06-15


 San Francisco, August 2.-EDI-
 TOR.)
 Standing on the super-deck ot the transport Henderson, anchored in the picturesque harbor at Sitka the old Russian Capital, Warren G Harding, as the morning of his next to last Sunday on earth dawn ed, July 9, 1923, was in sober, rem iniscent mood.
 His jouraey vo Alaska was end ing.
 The beauty of the environment absorbed him. Mt. Edgecomb bathed in sunlight, shone lustrously and commanded the scene.
 Ashore, the once gay Capital. now mere village, was proudly expec- tant of his coming. Never before had a President of the United States set foot on Alaskan soil. The bells of the quaint Greek church, relic of the past, it's an tique tower rising from a point ol vantage facing the water front rang out glad welcome.
 Here, a century ago, princes and potentates, and ladies-in- waiting held lordly sway. and fur barons flared forth their wealth gaudiiy and regally. Here, then, a manu- featuring center in embryo fash toned church bells to meet tht needs of padre missions lining the California trails.
 Here, half a century later, plu. six, William Henry Seward consul mated the purchase for Uncle Sam of so-called "Polario" and Ice bergia," often derisively termed Stewards Folly" Here the Car! emblem was lowered and the Stars , and Stripes hoisted in its stead.
 What a Contrast What a contrast, this tranquil Sabbath morning! American flag were flying, but without marching troups or martial music ModestJ akin to shrinking, self-effacement marked Sitka's greatest day 1T modern history. Its monarchia glory was gone. Only it's tradi- tions remained. It presented ane deported itself as any other pa triotic American village would have done, without pomp and ceremony Crowds gathered on the dock, await 1 ing the launches bearing heads ol the nation, prepared to extend whole hearted, Alaskan welcome. At the rail, glimpsing the pic lures abounding, anon watching 2 myriad of gulls on the hillside across the water. the President talk ed interestingly. but without anima' tion to fellow-voyagers and voiced his appreciation of the wondrou' beauties unfolded on every side Miniature islands dotted the ocean like flower pots, set out in recog- hilton of the gala occasion. Ab' sorbed in the superb vista and at- tuned to this ancient capitals tra' ditions. the Presidents thoughts ran Eastward, across the continent to that greatest of all capitals i Washington-where Fate had giver : him the hardest job ever entrusted to the hands of man. His period ol relaxation this next to the las Sunday of his on earth, was com ing to an end.
 He did not want to go.
 Time after time he had express ed regret that it would all "so soor be over" when he would resume that killing task at Washington i Dreading the prospect, he longec 1 for peace and rest--a continuation of the tranquil interlude he hac found in Alaska.
 1 A week ago, riding though tht streets of Fairbanks, off in the inte- rior, up toward the Arctic Circle pansy- covered lawns and flower enshrined log bungalows enchanted him. Espying one of these thai captivated him completely, he saie impulsively:
 "I'd give a years salary if I hac that house on my farm in Ohio adding with emphasis: "Yes, Ie give two years salary" Craved Simpler Life Such was his mood this Sunday morning in Sitka. He craved tht simple life. Plainly. when thii ! trip was over, he would like to liys on that farm, or be running news 1 paper at Marion.
 ! Re-crossing the Gulf of Alaska on his return trip, enroute to Sitka