U.S. POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 March 1921, Page 5

U.S. POLITICS.

REPUBLICANS TAKE OFFICE. NEW PRESIDENT SWORN IN. MR. WILSON’S FAILING HEALTH. By Telegraph.—-Press Amu.-Copyright. Received March 6, 5.5 p.m. Washington, March 4. Mr. Warren G. Harding, the new Republican President, took the oath as the twenty-ninth President of the United States at one o’clock, Mr. Coolidge having previously been sworn in as VicePresident. President Wilson drove with Mr. Harding to the Capitol, and as the former, who was leaning heavily on a cane with his left arm helpless, shuffled to the carriage, into which attendants lifted him, the crowds outside the White House hushed and doffed their hats. During the ride President Wilson remained expressionless and oblivious of the crowds. Arriving at the Capitol, President Wilson slowly walked to the President’s room, where he was lifted into a chair. He signed several Bills and then farewelled Mr. Harding, leaving before the inauguration ceremony on his doctor’s advice, and proceeded to his new home, which was filled with flowers. Mr. Harding was inaugurated under a half-masted flag in honor of Mr. Champ Clark (a former Speaker of Congress, who died recently). The ceremonies were simple and brief, as Mr. Harding wished,' contrasting sharply with former brilliant inaugurations. During the course of his inaugural address Mr. Harding said American standards require that higher production costs be re r fleeted in the tariff on imports, and such tariff must be adjusted to the new order. America cannot sell where she does not buy. After the delivery of his address Mr. Harding drove to White House amidst cheers. Mr. Harding gave a warning that America stands ready to resist any attempted reversion of civilisation - “America,” he said, “seeks no part in directing the destinies of the Old World, but is ready to enter an association of nations for conference and counsel which will not impair the sovereignty of the United States.” He declared against a permanent military alliance, stating: “Our eyes are never blind to the developing menaces and our ears never deaf to civilisation’s call. We will give no people cause to make war upon us. We hold no national prejudices, entertain no spirit of revenge and no dreams of conquest. If despite this attitude wars are forced upon us, I hope a way may be found to unify our individual and collective strength and consecrate all America to national defence.” Mr. Harding did not mention the League of Nations, but denounced superGovernment schemes, and pledged himself to recommend a way to approximate disarmament. He expressed a desire to join other nations in plans of mediation, conciliation, arbitration, the clarification of international law and the establishment of a world court. The Senate has confirmed the Harding Cabinet. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

INTERNATIONAL PROBLEMS. "MANY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS. Received March 6, .5.5 p.m. ■Washington, March 4. The Harding Administration will be immediately confronted with many pressing international problems, of which the outstanding questions are peace with Germany and disarmament. Other matters awaiting decision are whether the United States will send a plenipotentiary to the next meeting of the League of Nations Council; the United States’ next step in Mesopotamia’s oil controversy with Britain, and the next move in the Yap mandate question; Japan’s stand on "the Californian alien laws; ratification of the Columbian Treaty, delay in connection with which has bred ill-will on the part of the South American Republics; recognition of the Mexican Government; the disposition oi exGerman cables; and Britain’s objection to the American Marine Act, which other Governments claim violates treaties because of the advantages given to goods carried in American ships.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.