NEW AMERICAN PRESIDENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17723, 7 March 1921, Page 5

NEW AMERICAN PRESIDENT.

INAUGURATION CEREMONY.

MR. WILSON'S PATHETIC EXIT A LEGACY OF PROBLEMS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. —Copyright. (Received 7.30 p.m.) A. and N.Z- WASHINGTON. March *. Mr. Warren G. Harding took his oath as 29th President of the United States at one e'cjock to-day. Mr. Colvin Coolidge had been previously sworn in as VicePresident. Mr. Woodrow Wilson, the retiring Presideat, drove with Mr. Harding to the Capitol. The crowd outside White House stood silent, and men doffed their hats as Mr. Wilson, leaning heavily on a cane, with his left arm helpless, shuffled to the carriage, into which attendants lifted him. During the ride Mr. Wilson preserved an expressionless demeanour, and appeared oblivious to the crowds. Arriving at the Capitol he slowly walked to th« President's room, and was lifted into the chair. Having signed several Bills he bade farewell to Mr. Harding, and left before the inauguration of his successor, thereby acting on his doctor's advice. Mr. Wilson proceeded to his new home, which was filled with flowers. Mr. Harding was inaugurated under a flag at half-mast, in honour of the late Mr. Champ Clark. The ceremonies were simple and brief, as Mr. Harding wished, contrasting sharply with former brilliant inaugurations. After delivering his inaugural address, Mr. Harding drove to White House amid cheers. In his inaugural address, Mr. Harding stated that the United States stood ready to Tesist any attempted reversion of civilisation. The United States sought no part in directing the destinies of the Old World, but was ready to enter into association with the nations for conference and counsel which would not impair Undted States sovereignty.

Ha declared against permanent military alliances, stating that the eyes of the , United States were never blind to develop- . ing menaces, her ears never deaf to civil- | isatkm's call "We -will give no people cause to make war upon us," he con- ; tinned. "We bold no national prejudices, ' entertain no spirit of revenge, and have i no dreams of conquest. If, despite this attitude, war is forced upon us, I hope a way may be found to unify individual and collective strength, and consecrate all America to the national defence." Mr. Harding did not mention the ■ League of Nations, but denounced superGovernment schemes. He pledged him- [ self to recommend a way to approximate disarmament, and expressed a desire to join other nations in plans for mediation, ! conciliation, and arbitration, the clarifica- j tion of international law, and the establishment of a world court. He added that American standards re- ! quired that higher production costs should i be reflected in the tariff on imports. Such a tariff must be adjusted to the new order. The United States could not sell where j she did not buy. j The Senate confirmed Mr. Harding's \ Cabinet. The aew administration is immediately confronted by many pressing international problerrts, the outstanding of which are peace with Germany and disarmament. Other matters for decision are:— | Whetner the United States shall send a plenipotentiary to the next meeting of \ the League of Nations Council. The"' next step of the United States in | the Mesopotamian oil controversy with i Britain. , The next move in the Yap mandate [ question. _ \ Japan's attitude to the Californian anti- j alien laws. . < Beatification of the Columbian Treaty, ; the delay regarding which has bred illwill on the part of the South American j Republics. Recognition of the Mexican Government. ' The disposition of former German , cables. 3 Britain's objection to the projected repeal of the Panama Canal Tolls Act. International objections to the United ; States Merchant Marine Act, which other j Governments claim violates treaties, because of the advantages it gives goods carried on American ships. Mr. Wilson did not sign the Restriction of Immigration Bill or the Army Appropriation Bill.