Vox Presidentis

The following excerpts purport to give, under appropriate headings, the sense and significance of President Coolidge's inaugural address:

"My Countrymen:

The Future. "No one can contemplate current conditions without finding much that is satisfying and still more that is encouraging. . . .

Foreign Relations. "We cannot permit ourselves to be narrowed and dwarfed by slogans and phrases . . . It will be well not to be too much disturbed by the thought of either isolation or entanglement of pacifists and militarists. . . . We have long advocated the peaceful settlement of disputes by methods of arbitration and have negotiated many treaties to secure that result. The same considerations should lead to our adherence to the Permanent Court of International Justice . . . . Some of the best thought of mankind has long been seeking for a formula for permanent peace. . . . But all these plans and preparations, these treaties and covenants, will not of themselves be adequate.

"One of the greatest dangers to peace lies in the economic pressure to which people find themselves subjected. . . .

"But there is another element more important than all, without which there cannot be the slightest hope of a permanent peace. . . . Parchment will fail, the sword will fail, it is only the spiritual nature of man that can be triumphant. . . . We have made great contributions to the settlement of contentious differences in both Europe and Asia. But". . . we can only help those who help themselves. . . .

Significance of His Election. "When the country has bestowed its confidence upon a party by making it a majority in the Congress, it has a right to expect such unity of action as will make the party majority an effective instrument of government. This Administration has come into power with a very clear and definite mandate from the people. The expression of the popular will in favor of maintaining our constitutional guaranties was overwhelming and decisive. . . .

Economy. "I favor the policy of economy not because I wish to save money, but because I wish to save people. . . . Economy is idealism in its most practical form. . . . The collection of any taxes which are not absolutely required ... is only a species of legalized larceny. . . . The time is arriving when we can have further tax reduction, when, unless we wish to hamper the people in their right to earn a living, we must have tax reform. . . . This country believes in prosperity. It is absurd to suppose that it is envious of those who are already prosperous. . . . The result of economic dissipation to a nation is always moral decay. . . .

Prohibition. "Those who disregard the rules of society are not exhibiting a superior intelligence, are not promoting freedom and independence, are not following the path of civilization, but are displaying the traits of ignorance, of servitude, of savagery, and treading the way that leads back to the jungle.

The Congress. "Our Congress represents the people and the states. . . . I do not hesitate to say that there is no more independent and effective legislative body in the world. . . .

The Ku Klux Klan. "The last election showed that appeals to class and nationality have little effect. . . . We cannot permit any inquisition either within or without the law, or apply any religious test to the holding of office. . . .

America. "Here stands our country, an example of tranquillity at home, a patron of tranquillity abroad. Here stands its Government, aware of its might but obedient to its conscience. . . . America seeks no earthly empire built on blood and force. . . . She cherishes no purpose save to merit the favor of Almighty God."