Evening star., 1931-06-16
Text of Coolidge Speech

adopted for our domestic benefit settle
mentS of even greater magnitude were
being made in the foreign field. Peace
treaties were negotiated with those with
whom we had been at war. A long
standing difference with Colombia was
generously composed. Diplomatic rela-
tions were resumed with Mexico. A
commission was appointed under au-
thority of the Congress to negotiate q
settlement of our foreign debts, under
which an agreement was speedily made
with Great Britain.
Sought Arms Reduction.
In spite Of q universally genuine de-
sire for peace the world was engaging
in a competitive race In ornaments
which was q source Of expense and s'is-
picion. To relieve humanity from this
increasing menace President Harding
called the historic Washington Con-
ference on the Limitation Of Arma-
ments. A preliminary treaty was
drafted for the present and future set
tlement Of differences among the many
international interests in the Pacific
Ocean. The British and japanese ALI
ance was terminated. The five great
maritime powers then entered into a
solemn covenant limiting most Of the
different types Of warshipS in respect
to number, tonnage and ornaments.
an epoch in history.
Such In barest outline are some of
the policies adopted under the leader
ship of President Harding for the res
toretton Of the United States and the
pacification of the world. Under this
benign influence trade revived and q
better international understanding pre-
vailed. He would be the last to claim
all the credit for these accomplish
ments. He had the loyal and patriotic
cooperation Of public men within and
without his own party.
wife Shared Burdens.
All he could do through governmental
agencies was to proceed in harmony with
sound economic laws which would
strengthen and support the recuperative
power of the people in working out
their own business revival. He had the
advantage, too, Of the deeply interested
and watchful care Of q wife who was
ever devoted to his welfare and shared
with him his burdens. No record Of his
work would satisfy him which failed to
recognize the helpful influence Of Mrs.
Harding, who sleeps here by his side.
Frequently he asserted that he de-
sired his administration to be an era Of
good understanding. Conflicts between
the Government and business he be-
lieved should be removed. Differences
between capital and labor he wished to
see adjusted. There Yves no room in his
broad sympathy for any taint Of sec
tionalism.
Apostle Of Harmony.
But chiefly he was determined to use
his great ofi1ce to the fun extent Of its
powers to prevent future wars. He was
for good understanding among nations.
His vision was broad. His statesman
ship was inclusive. It would be difacult
to find any peace-time period Of q lit
tie over two years when so much that
was beneficial was accomplished as dur
ing his administration.
Before he could see the full fruition
Of his policies fate brought him to q
tragic end. AS we can now realize the
wisdom Of the foundation which he laid
we are conSoled by the thought that
for some reason we cannot fathom his
work was done, his course was finished,
he was gathered to his fathers, to rest
in the peace which he had desired so
fervently to bestow upon all humanity.