TIME: Almanac 1993

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June 23, 1924THE CAMPAIGNAt Cleveland Two came from the southern and the eastern hemisphere; two came from the middle of the Pacific; two came from the land that borders on the Arctic Ocean; two came from a rectangular island in the Caribbean; two came from the Nation's Capital. But it wasn't all a two-by-two affair. From the state of New York came 91, from Pennsylvania 79, from Ohio 51. There were 1,109 in all. Indeed it was not unlike the episode of the Ark, when the delegates came to Cleveland. They came to escape from the flood of ballots that is sure to drown somebody in November. They came to board the craft which they hoped would carry them safely upon the surface of the flood. They were a motley crew -- a princess from Oceania, a learned historian-statesman from Massachusetts, a much investigated ex-Cabinet officer from Ohio and many less marked personages. They trooped into Public Hall, which may be called the Ark, to place themselves in the care of the astute pilot, William M. Bulter, who may be called Noah. Only Calvin Coolidge must be left out of the simile to avoid blasphemy. First Day. Fifteen thousand people trouped into the Ark. It was a bigger, better Ark than they had ever witnessed before. With the great amplifiers everybody heard and everybody saw -- a seething mass of people with animalcules performing on the far horizon. National Chairman John T. Adams, promptly at the appointed hour, called the convention to order. John Philip Sousa stepped to his side. The lights went out, amber and purple auroras spread form the ceiling. Sousa rapped with his baton. His band struck up The Star Spangled Banner, followed by The Stars and Stripes Forever. Bishop Anderson then delivered an invocation: "Lord, Thou has been our dwelling place in all generations. . . ." After George B. Lockwood, Secretary of the National Committee, had read the call of the convention, Mr. Adams came forward and announced for the benefit of all: "This is the 18th Republican National Convention." He then launched into a brief address: "It is only 60 years since Lincoln was President. In that brief period our country has enjoyed the greatest moral and material welfare in all history. This has been brought about largely under Republican rule. . . ." When he had done he proposed on behalf of the National Committee, Representative Theodore E. Burton of Ohio for Temporary Chairman. A Committee escorted Mr. Burton to the chair. The Convention by vote then confirmed him in office. Thereupon Mr. Burton opened his mouth and from it issued the keynote: "It is appropriate that a Republican National Convention should assemble in Ohio . . . Not far away are the resting places of Garfield, McKinley, Hayes and Harding. . ." He then proceeded for some three-quarters of an hour to review the history of the Republican Administration, and he added: "It is time to call a halt upon indiscriminate scandal- mongering, which is largely designed to insult the intelligence and undermine the patriotism of the American people. But let us not be misunderstood. This is no reflection upon any investigator who in good faith is seeking to expose crime or any other defection among public servants. The guilty individual, whether he be high or low, Democrat or Republican, must suffer the severest punishment. Upon this proposition the Republican Party stands firm as a rock. Yet let it be known that guilt knows no party. . . "I would that I could say as much for the courage of all public men as for their honesty. There is no lack of wisdom, of patriotism, or of desire to serve the people; but courage to stand up against hasty conclusions and currents of superficial public opinion is often absent. The public fancy is sometimes caught by those who are most vociferous and at the same time most radically wrong. There are too many who listen to these voices and try the impossible contortion of keeping both ears to the ground and listening to notes to which their ears should be deaf. What is most needed in legislative halls and elsewhere is courage to withstand the sudden spasms which are created by groundless rumor or injudicious agitation. Candidates for office often fail to realize how much the people respect courage and common honesty." At this the Convention burst into hearty applause. Even Henry Cabot Lodge pounded his umbrella upon the floor, although it was an attack upon his group and he knew it. Second Day. Representative Burton called the convention to order at 11:00 a.m., just 30 minutes late. The Star Spangled Banner was played; a prayer said. Senator McKinley of Illinois came forward with the report of the Committee on Credentials. It gave final decisions in the cases of contested delegations. Next to come forward was Mrs. Elizabeth P. Martin, the first woman ever to be Chairman of one of the major committees of a Republican National Convention. She presented the report of the committee on Permanent Organization, naming Frank W. Mondell of Wyoming as Permanent Chairman. With a roar for her and a roar for Mondell the Convention agree. Chairman Burton presented Mr. Mondell and Chairman Mondell then addressed himself to his organization: "Every serious fault of recent legislation and every failure to complete and round out a satisfactory legislative program could and would have been avoided had there been dependable Republican majorities in the Congress. The one certain and assured remedy for such a condition is the election of a Congress, Republican by a goodly majority both in name and in principle. "A tree is known by its fruits; not by the showy flowers of promise or the occasional defect in bud or branch, but by the normal harvest through the running of the years -- and the harvest of the Republican party and leadership is faithfully reflected in the matchless growth and fadeless glory of the Republic." Mr. Mondell called for the report of the Committee on Rules. Paul Howland, counsel of Harry M. Daugherty, stepped forward. His report had two interesting features. One was the provision giving women equal representation with men on the National Committee. At this the women delegates went wild. The men expressed approval. The other was a provision giving the National Committee power to oust any committeeman who refused to support the Convention's nominees -- a threat for the Wisconsin group if they should turn from Coolidge to LaFollette. The roar of approval which this provision produced was as great as that which had followed the clause for equal female representation. Wisconsin sat stolidly in its seats. There was no opposition to the adoption of the report. The convention went into recess until that evening. At 8:00 p.m. the Hall was crowded -- too crowded to be in order. The organ and a band played loudly. Twenty minutes later Mr. Mondell secured order. Then Charles B. Warren, Ambassador to Mexico, presented the report of the Committee on Resolutions. Said he: "The platform to be presented by the Committee has been agreed upon by the members from every state and territory except one. "Throw out Wisconsin!" shouted the Convention. He began to read. At his first mention of Calvin Coolidge there was a 20-minute demonstration. The entire Convention stood and cheered -- all except 28 men from Wisconsin, who sat tight. The surging delegates tried to tear the Wisconsin placard from its moorings, but the Wisconsin man held it tight. Cries of "Kick them out!" "Throw them out!" The band began to play The Star Spangled Banner. The lights were turned out and searchlights played in the darkness. Mr. Mondell rapped for order. The organ began to play and the galleries began to sing "Hail, hail the gang's all here -- all except Wisconsin, all except Wisconsin!" Mr. Warren, earnest but uninspiring, continued to read the platform. After each plank was read, the audience nailed it down with applause, sufficient but not overpowering. When Mr. Warren had done, grey-bearded Representative Cooper of Wisconsin got the floor to present a minority -the Wisconsin- report. He was given ten minutes to speak in addition to his time for reading his platform. He spoke well, and although the audience was against him, it demanded more time for him. He quit when his speaking time was up and began to read. Some of the minority planks were loudly hissed and booed. A few received mild applause. When he finished, he moved his platform be adopted. Mr. Warren moved the majority report be adopted. Mr. Mondell put the questions. For 28 men, the Wisconsin delegation shouted well in voting for their platform, but the opposition was overpowering. Mr. Mondell announced that the majority platform was adopted "overwhelmingly." Then adjournment was taken until 10:00 the next morning. Third Day. The proceedings opened, as usual, with a prayer, followed by the singing of The Star Spangled Banner. Then Senator Wadsworth of New York, tall, bald, businesslike, rose out of the crowd and was recognized. On behalf of the New York delegation he presented a resolution to send the good wishes of the Convention to Chauncey M. Depew, now turned 90. Mr. Depew was absent for the first time since 1888. Illness had prevented his coming, although he was a delegate this year as always. The hall roared its approval. Mr. Mondell announced that National Committeemen and Committeewomen would be elected. The chairman of each state's delegation rose and announced his state's choices. A parade of Civil WAr veterans then entered. Mr. Mondell introduced them as "defenders of the Union." The audience stood and the aged veterans paraded down the centre aisle. Patriotic airs of Civil War time were played -- including marching Through Georgia. A motion was passed limiting speeches seconding nominations to five minutes. Then the long awaited moment was at hand. The Chair announced that nominations for the Presidential candidate were in order and ordered a roll call of the states. It began: "Alabama!" The leader of the Alabama delegation rose and announced: "Alabama yields to Massachusetts!" Governor Channing H. Cox, of the latter state, moved that the privileges of the Convention be accorded to Dr. Marion LeRoy Burton of Michigan to nominate the candidate of Massachusetts. Mr. Mondell put the motion: "The privileges of the Convention to Dr. Burton to nominate President Coolidge." There was a gust of laughter at this slip, covered up by a perfunctory chorus of "Ayes." Slowly the President of the University of Michigan came forward. Like the man he came to nominate, he had reddish hair. Like him, he was slender. Unlike him, he stood well over six feet in height. He began: "Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, fellow Republicans and fellow citizens of America, the greatest country the world has ever known: "This hour is fraught with solemn obligation. . . In nominating this man to succeed himself you are virtually choosing the next President. . . "I shall speak as one who for years has known the President . . . the better you know him the more you will trust him. . . "First, the man: "In keeping with his real qualities I shall make no effort to exalt him, for he does not need it. . . About this man there is something elemental. . . . He has moral fibre. . . . With him there is no compromise. . . Frugality is a part of his being. . . To him, life is work. . . In the largest sense of the word he is a patient man. . . No one can throw him into a panic, for he sees life steadily and sees it whole. . . Has he a sense of humor? Emphatically, yes. . . . "Second -- the American: "He has been thinking America, believing America, living America. . . He reverences our past. . . He knows that progress will require unrelenting toil. . . His fervent love of America has made him an out-and-out Nationalist. . . He stands for America first because America can then serve all mankind. . . Heart and soul he is an American. "Third -- the human being: "The brotherhood of man is a great spiritual reality. . . He has unlimited confidence in the people. . . As a human being he believes without reservations in the people and their capacity for self government. . . To him the home is our most sacred institution. . . No one can fail to be gripped by his depth of human understanding. . . "To the National convention of the greatest party in American history, I have the distinction to present as candidate to succeed himself as President of the United States of America . . the virile man -- the stanch American -- the real human being - Calvin Coolidge." The speech was not of the "spellbinding" type of oratory but bound the audience firmly in a spell for 51 minutes. Then several Massachusetts delegates got up from their seats and began waving banners. Senator Frank B. Willis in the Ohio delegation began to shout. In about five minutes they had got the convention on its feet and marching around. The band struck up a sickly Onward Christian Soldiers. In 13 minutes the demonstration, such as it was, was over. Then the seconders got to work: 1) Mrs. Florence C. Porter of California, "motherly," "middle-aged" -- eight minutes. 2) Representative Martin B. Madden of Illinois, white-haired and active -- twelve minutes, closing amid shouts of protest of his length. 3) Former Governor W. W. Stickney of Vermont, personal friend of the Coolidges -- four minutes. 4) Judge George H. Erie of Oregon, who waited sternly for quiet while the hall shouted for a vote -- three minutes. 5) Mrs. Minnie J. Grinstead of Kansas, with a voice like a trumpet and a flame colored gown -- one minute. 6) Dr. George E. Cannon (Negro) of New Jersey -- eight minutes and howled off. 7) Isaac M. Meekins of North Carolina -- five minutes (last minute inaudible). 8) Nathaniel A. Elsberg of New York who began "If you won't be cruel to me, I won't be cruel to you" -- three minutes. Then the roll call began: "Alabama," "16 for Coolidge" -- "Arizona" "nine for Coolidge." So on continuously. When Nevada had recorded her vote Coolidge had the majority necessary for nomination, but the call went on. North Dakota was the first to break the solid phalanx. She cast six of her 13 votes for La- Follette. A little later South Dakota gave 10 of her 13 to Hiram Johnson. Wisconsin gave 28 of her 29 to LaFollette. And the roll call ended, Coolidge 1,065; LaFollette 34; Johnson 10. There were hisses and booes at the Wisconsin delegation when it cast its vote. The chief of the South Dakota delegation moved that Coolidge be unanimously nominated. The lone Wisconsin delegate, who had voted for Coolidge, Thomas Scott a large chubby man from Kenosha, began a speech but was shouted down by his colleagues. The motion was put: A great chorus of "Ayes" -- a handful of lusty "Noes" from Wisconsin. The nomination was made unanimous "with the exception of a very few voices" -- 28 to be exact. A recess was taken until 3:30 p.m. Then nominations for the Vice Presidential Candidate. Alabama yielded to Iowa who nominated Judge Kenyon. Arizona came forward unexpectedly to nominate Lowden. A parade around the hall followed, lasting four minutes. A man from Illinois announced that Lowden would not be a candidate. Then Indiana nominated Watson. Illinois yielded to Nebraska who nominated Dawes, Kansas nominated Senator Curtis. Maryland nominated William P. Jackson, National Committeeman from that State. Missouri nominated Governor Hyde. Utah nominated General Frank T. Hines. After the nominating roll call a few brief seconding speeches followed. Then the real roll call began. In half an hour the result was announced. The leaders (in a field of 20-odd) were: Lowden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 Kenyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Dawes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Theo. E. Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 On the second ballot the tide turned for Lowden. Then suddenly States began to change their votes to jump on the Lowden band wagon. They changed so fast that apparently no accurate count was made. Lowden had secured well over a majority and the nomination was made unanimous. Confusion followed on the stage. William M. Butler seemed perturbed. Mr. Mondell pounded for order and finally had the aisles cleared by the Sergeants-at-Arms. Then he had a letter read: "While fully appreciating the high honor that has just been tendered me, I hereby decline the nomination for Vice President. "Very respectfully, "FRANK O. LOWDEN." The letter had been prepared in advance for just such an emergency. A moment later an Associated Press dispatch from Elgin, Ill., brought the same news from Mr. Lowden, at Elgin, Ill. A motion was made to proceed to a third roll call. Charles B. Warren interrupted by moving instead that the Convention recess until 9 p.m., so that meanwhile Mr. Lowden might be consulted by telegraph. It carried and the delegates went out for dinner, feeling hungry and hurt. During the recess Mr. Mondell telegraphed Mr. Lowden and the latter repeated what he had "said a thousand times" that he would not accept the nomination. Not at 9:00 but at 10:00 p.m. the Convention resumed work. First, the Secretary read a schedule of departing trains. Then the correspondence with Mr. Lowden was read. Then voting began. William M. Butler made a strenuous effort to have Herbert Hoover nominated. The Old Guard, thoroughly squelched up to that point, refused to be dictated to. Again the roll call began. The Dawes total piled up rapidly. When Texas cast her 23 votes for him he had the necessary majority and a cheer went up from the delegates who had been keeping tallies. Governor Cox of Massachusetts moved to make it unanimous. Senator Watson of Indiana, who had watched his own prospects wane, jumped up and seconded the motion, saying: "I've been for Charlie Dawes all the time." The motion carried. A few formal motions were passed. John T. Adams, retiring Chairman, announced that the new National Committee would meet the next day and moved that the Convention adjourn sinc die. It did. Republican Platform The Republican platform for 1924 was something Democrats looked forward to with avidity. Said they, not only to themselves, but aloud in the public ear: "Coolidge and Congress have been at war. If the platform endorses Coolidge, it must repudiate Congress and vice versa -- either way it will be meat for us." The question was -- would it be a Coolidge platform or a Congress platform? William M. Butler saw that it was a Coolidge platform. Charles B. Warren, Ambassador to Mexico, staunch friend of Coolidge, was placed in charge of the drafting. From his Committee of some 50 members, 16 were chosen to do the actual construction. First brief public hearings were held. Then the Subcommittee drafted the document. Then the entire Committee considered and approved it, with minor amendments. Then the Republican Delegates, in convention assembled, formally approved. The differences between the President and the Republican Congressional group were, of course, ignored. As far as possible, they were concealed. In one case, that of the soldier bonus, the difference was compromised by entire refusal to touch on the subject. But on the question of tax reduction -- the Mellon plan on which the President took his stand -- Mr. Coolidge's position was approved in general terms and the substitute law, which was passed, mildly disapproved. On the question of U.S. entry into the World Court, the platform sanctioned Mr. Coolidge's recommendation for entrance. In the following summary of the platform wherever possible words and phrases are taken verbatim from the text; assertions are printed in ordinary type, promises in quotations: Harding. Devotion to the memory of Warren G. Harding because of his human qualities, unswerving devotion to duty, staunch Republicanism, true patriotism achievement in the Limitation of Arms Conference. Coolidge. Thanksgiving that Calvin Coolidge is a fully- equipped successor, justifies faith and confidence, places public welfare above personal considerations, has integrity, vision, singleminded devotion to the public needs. Situation in 1921. 4,500,000 unemployed; industry and commerce stagnant; agriculture prostrate; business depressed; Government bonds below par; peace delayed; misunderstanding in foreign relations. Situation in 1924. Industry and commerce active; public and private credits sound; peace made; disarmament and world friendship advanced; foreign policy defined; tasks completed; some ills still enduring from the Democratic Administration. Economy. Since 1921, Republican Administration reduced expenditures $2,000,000,000 per annum; reduced public debt $2,500,000,000; reduced Federal employees by more than 100,000: made possible reduction of taxes of $1,250,000,000 per annum; established the budget system. "Rigid economy in government." Taxation. Prosperity of the nation depends on wise and scientific manner of taxation. Tax reduction should be tax reform. Tax reduction should not be confined to the 4,000,000 people who pay direct taxes, but be spread to the 100,000,000 who pay taxes in the form of living expenses. "Progressive reduction of taxes, as rapidly as possible, and in a sound manner, to a peacetime basis. A conference of Federal and State officers next November for lightening taxes. A Federal Commission to make a scientific study of taxation, with a view to a more equitable adjustment." Reorganization of Executive Branch. "Reorganization of executive departments in general conformity with a report recently made by a joint committee of Congress." Civil Service. The civil service has been improved by law and by executive action. "Inclusion within the merit system of first, second, third class post offices, and prohibition-enforcement unit." Foreign Relations. The wisdom of the Republican policy of aiding world peace without political affiliations is demonstrated by the beneficent work of the Dawes Commission, by the Limitation of Arms Conference, by peace treaties with Germany and Austria, by 50 other treaties and agreements for the purposes of peace and good will, by better relations with Latin America, by U.S. aid in settling the Chile-Peru dispute of long standing, by adjustment of relations with Mexico. "Entrance into the World Court, as proposed by President Coolidge. Refusal to enter the League of Nations. A conference, when conditions in Europe are favorable, to limit land forces, submarines, poison gas." Foreign Debts. The Republican Administration arranged for the payment of the British debt to the U.S, amounting to $4,600,000,000 and has 35% of our foreign debts in process of liquidation. "No cancellation of debts. Arrangements with other countries for repayment on similar terms to those accorded Great Britain." Tariff. Protective tariffs in the history of the nation have made for business confidence, industrial activity, employment, increased prosperity, high standard of living. The tariff acts of 1921 and 1922 have been of great benefit. "A protective tariff for all sections, for agriculture, for industry and for occupations. Continuation of the elastic provision whereby the President may adjust rates." Agriculture. The farm situation is a fundamental national problem affecting the prosperity of the entire Nation. The Democratic Party destroyed the balance between Agriculture, Industry and Labor. The Republican Administration gave the situation more serious consideration than it has ever received. Laws have been passed to help. The President secured the formation of a private corporation, with $100,000,000, to assist the Northwest. The revival of the War Finance Corporation, which loaned over $300,000,000, saved agriculture from complete collapse. Intermediate credit banks were established; capitalization of Farm Loan system increased; emergency loans made to drought-stricken areas; cooperative marketing begun; grain futures and packer-control laws were enacted; farmers given representation on the Federal Reserve Board; foreign marketing service was strengthened. "Whatever steps may be necessary to restore balance. Efforts to reduce taxes, give steady employment and stabilize business, lower freight rates, secure sounder and more economical marketing to bring the prices of what the farmer buys nearer to the prices of what he sells. A protective tariff on farm products. Establishment of a Federal system of cooperative marketing without putting the Government into business." Mining. The mining industry has been distressed. The Administration has given some aid. "Continued efforts." Highways. The Federal Aid Road Act of 1921 has been of great value in aiding states in road-building. "Continuation of this policy. Construction of roads and trails in national forests." Labor. "Protection of Labor from undue exactions. Ratification by States of the child Labor Amendment to the constitution. Protection of women in industry. Continued efforts to eliminate the twelve-hour day, seven-day week. Continuation of the Federal Board for Vocational Education to rehabilitate workers. A better system of vocational education, more adequate Federal free employment agencies, and aid to the movements of seasonal and migratory labor." Railroads. "The lowest rates consistent with good service. A scientific readjustment of rail rates to encourage agriculture and basic industries. Amendment of present railway laws and of the Railway Labor Board Law when experience shows the necessity. Consolidation of roads. collective bargaining, mediation and voluntary arbitration. No involuntary settlements of labor disputes. An impartial tribunal to investigate and publish facts of disputes." Socialism. "Opposition to putting the Government in business, to nationalization of public utilities. Governmental regulation and control of public utilities." Coal. The Government has no Constitutional power to regulate prices. "In case of labor disputes, the President should have power to appoint a mediating commission, control distribution, prevent profiteering." Merchant Marine. "A strong merchant marine, built, owned and manned by Americans. Improved Government management of its merchant ships until they can be sold to Americans." Waters. "Great Lakes-Atlantic and Great Lakes-Gulf waterways. Surveys for flood control and irrigation on the Colorado River. Continuation of the Federal Water Power Act." Disabled Veterans. Republicans reaffirm admiration and gratitude and increasing solicitude for soldiers and sailors. No country, no Administration, has been more generous to the disabled. Inefficiency and maladministration in the Veterans' Bureau have been cured. All disabled veterans have been granted admission to Federal hospitals; $50,000,000 appropriated for hospital construction. The Republican Congress appropriated over $110,000,000 for the disabled. "Future liberality for the wounded and disabled." Conservation. Theodore Roosevelt originated the conservation policy. "Development of oil, timber, coal and water-power resources only when the need is positively known, and with safeguards against waste, speculation and monopoly." Education. "Federal advice to the states in education. Coordination of Federal activities. A Cabinet post of Education and Relief." War Time. "Drafting in time of war, not only of citizens, but of all needed material resources." Immigration. The new immigration law is designed to protect American citizens and resident aliens from the competition of unrestricted immigration. Its administrative features aid in eliminating hardships to immigrants. "Americanization of aliens. Improvement of naturalization laws." Hawaii. "Continuance of Federal aid in harbor improvements. Settlement of public lands by the Hawaiian race." Alaska. "Continuance of constructive development." Philippines. "Independence for the Islands, not now, but at any time when it becomes evident that independence will benefit the Filipinos." Reclamation. The Department of the Interior has made a study of Federal reclamation of arid and semi-arid lands in the West. New policies have been adopted. Completion of this reorganization should bring great benefits. Aviation. "Federal encouragement of commercial aviation." Army. "No weakening. Continued military training for citizens." Navy. "Maintenance of the Navy at full strength under the Limitation of Armaments treaties." Negroes. "Enactment of a Federal anti-lynching law." Corruption. Congressional investigations have exposed men in both parties in public office who are willing to sell official favors, and men out of office willing to buy them by money or influence. Most Government officials are honest. The Administration has undertaken prosecution of the guilty and will do so impartially. "Speedy prosecution of all dishonest public servants. A law against the selling or perversion of influence for private gain." Prohibition. "The full strength of the Government employed for the enforcement of the constitution and all laws." Women. "Welcome to women, not as assistants, but as co- partners, in politics and Government." Ku Klux Klan. "Unyielding devotion to the Constitution and to the guarantees of civil, political and religious liberty therein contained." Party Responsibility. Parties are essential to Democratic Government. The Government functions best when the Chief Executive is supported by a solid majority of his party in Congress. The people should elect a Congress which will support the President and fulfill the Party's pledges.