Friday, March 31, 2023 (Research Trip to the Ohio History Connection)

I finally cleared my schedule and gave myself a day to do some in-person research on one of my favorite historical interests. I visited the archives at the Ohio History Connection, which I'd have done at some point in 2020 but, you know, the pandemic.

This is the hefty scrapbook in the archives that is the source of most of the Harding campaign photos I found online and posted throughout 2020. It was neat to see! (Also, I was standing under a skylight when I took the photo on my phone, so that's my shadow at the bottom of the book.)

And maybe I've seen this photo before, but it's currently my favorite Harding photograph, of which I now have three:

For what it's worth, 100 years ago today, President Harding was in St. Augustine, Florida. It was the last day of a four-week vacation. The Hardings left Florida that evening for Augusta, Georgia, where they planned to stay a week.

Friday, November 5, 1920

A neat ad from today's Marion Star:

Thursday, November 4, 1920

Will Hays, the chair of the Republican National Committee, arrives from Marion for "no particular significance." The president-elect takes him to the Star office for a tour.

In the evening, the whole town holds a huge celebration -- "in the form of a torchlight parade and jollification meeting at the front porch of the Harding Home." Festivities include thousands of marchers, a number of bands, and the Columbus Republican Glee Club.

"Everybody in Marion County and the Whole State of Ohio Who is Happy That Warren G. Harding is Elected President is invited to the Harding Victory Celebration."

Club members stand on the Hardings' porch and perform for the crowd. Harding speaks, as does Senator-Elect Frank B. Willis. Harding thanks the crowd, talks about the League of Nations (again), and then thanks the glee club:

You of the Glee club, how often we have campaigned together. It is twenty-one years since you have sung and I have spoken at our first meeting. I have been thrilled, heartened and inspired by your work. It isn't that you are skilled in music. It is because you love the work and sing with a soul. I pay tribute to you as the spokesman of a party for the services you have rendered.

At Harding's request the glee club close the celebration by performing "The End of a Perfect Day."

Sources:

• "Fall In! Big Parade for Hardings Tonight." Marion Star. 4 November 1920.
• "Joy Expressed in Mighty Din." Marion Star. 5 November 1920.
• "Pledges New League Stand." Marion Star. 5 November 1920.

Wednesday, November 3, 1920

 Today's front page from Harding's newspaper:

Harding Centennial in the Marion Star

A Harding Hullabaloo in the Marion Star today!

• Harding: From Marion to the White House, a true American story
• Marion residents still honor President Harding 100 years later
• McCurdy: 100 years ago, Marion at center of politics, sports
• Work continues at Harding Presidential Sites despite pandemic
• Harding vs. Cox: Two Ohio newspapermen vied for presidency in 1920
• Robenalt: Reconsidering the Harding presidency 100 years later
• Hall: Harding's election 'A wonderful night for Marion'
• Marion County at 200: Hardings cast their votes for president in 1920
• Marion celebrates Harding's presidential election

Source:

• "See all of the Marion Star's coverage of Warren Harding's presidency centennial." Marion Star. 2 November 2020.

Tuesday, November 2, 1920 (ELECTION DAY)

Today is Senator Harding's 55th birthday. It's also Election Day!

Monday, November 1, 1920

On the eve of the election, Harding holds a long conversation on the telephone with Will Hays, chair of the Republican National Committee. Mrs. Harding is under the weather and remains in bed until noon.

Later, during a conversation with the reporters on site, Harding is asked if he has a final statement to make on the eve of the election, Senator Harding says, "I have made the best fight I know how to make and I await he result with complacency."

Harding is not concerned by a forecast calling for bad weather. "There was a time when rain on Election Day was considered Democratic weather, but that was before the day of the automobile. This was quite noticeable in the horse and buggy days, when many voters spent four or five hours going to and from the polls, but now, with the automobile, there are few election precincts in which it takes more than half an hour to get to the polls."

Harding's precinct is three blocks from his house in a garage co-owned by two brothers, both lifelong Democrats: "Like many other Marionites, they are 'Harding Democrats.' The windows of their homes display the largest Harding pictures obtainable, and no one knows how much time and gasoline they have consumed in driving front-porch visitors around Marion."

Sources:

• "'I Have Made the Best Fight I Know How,' Harding Says." New York Times. 2 November 1920.

Sunday, October 31, 1920

Senator Harding holds no events today.

Saturday, October 30, 1920 (MIDDLETOWN, DAYTON, SPRINGFIELD, COLUMBUS)

This leg of Harding's campaign trip takes him from Cincinnati to Columbus.

Middletown, Ohio

En route from Cincinnati to Dayton, Senator Harding stopped in Middletown for a 15-minute address to more than 5,000 people, who blocked the right-of-way and overflowed into the side streets in all directions. It was an ovation...and applause interrupted his brief address time after time as he discussed some of the issues of the campaign of Americanism against internationalism. (Dayton Herald)

Dayton, Ohio

The Harding special on which Senator Harding and several prominent party leaders are making a tour of Ohio cities arrived in Dayton shortly after 1:30...and the Republican Presidential nominee was greeted by a crowd at Union Station variously estimated at from 8,000 to 10,000. (Dayton Herald)

Governor Cox's newspaper covered the stop as well: Harding "advised his audience at Union Station Saturday afternoon that he has glad to see them 'this morning.' The train to which his car was attached was a few minutes late in arriving and it was then 2 p.m. After 'wiggling and wobbling' on the time of the day, Senator Harding, disregarding campaign issues, told his bearers that he did not think he nor any other man was big enough to run the government of the United States..." (Dayton Daily News)

Hamilton, Ohio

An ovation surpassing anything of its kind in the history of Butler county, Democratic stronghold of Ohio, greeted Senator Warren G. Harding...upon his arrival in Hamilton shortly after 3 o'clock this afternoon. He was greeted by thousands when his train stopped at Fourth and High streets in that city where he talked for fifteen minutes. (Dayton Herald)

Springfield, Ohio

At Springfield Harding spoke to a crowd of 3000 in the Auditorium. (Dayton Daily News)

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus gave Senator Warren G. Harding...a more than rousing reception...when he gave utterance to the final words of the national campaign at Memorial hall, before an audience which jammed every available space and found itself crowding the street outside. The nominee was greeted at the union station by a cheering crowd and his progress to the Deshler hotel and later to Memorial hall was acclaimed by admiring thousands. (Columbus Dispatch)

Sources:

• "Columbus Hears Final Salvos from Senator Harding." Columbus Dispatch. 31 October 1920.
• "First Concern Is for America." Marion Star. 30 October 1920.
• "Greeted by Thousands." Dayton Herald. 30 October 1920.
• "Harding Heard by Dayton People on Trip Through Here." Dayton Herald. 30 October 1920.
• "Harding to Close Campaign With Speech in Columbus Tonight." Columbus Dispatch. 30 October 1920.
• "Harding Winds Up Campaign in Columbus." Dayton Daily News. 31 October 1920.
• "Sen. Harding Not Sure of Time of Day." Dayton Daily News. 31 October 1920.

Friday, October 29, 1920 (AKRON AND CINCINNATI)

Akron, Ohio

Harding is in Akron this morning, the day after he gave a campaign speech to thousands there. He heads to Cincinnati for his next appearance.

Marion, Ohio

Harding...passed through Marion this morning about 11:30 o'clock in two special coaches on Erie train, No. 2, enroute from Akron to Cincinnati. The train stopped here about fifteen minutes. A large number of friends of Senator and Mrs. Harding were out to greet them and chatted with them on the platform. (Marion Star)

Urbana, Ohio

"At Urbana his train stopped for 10 minutes, the Senator leaving his car and crossing the tracks to speak to a crowd of several hundred person." (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Dayton, Ohio

"Senator Warren G. Harding and Mrs. Harding arrived in Dayton at 2:30 Friday afternoon and got off the train for a few minutes to shake hands with several hundred people who had gathered to meet them. The senator was enroute to Hamilton where he was to make a speech, later going to Cincinnati for an address..." (Dayton Herald)

Hamilton, Ohio

Yesterday, the Hamilton Daily News reported that Harding would stop in Hamilton today: "This is the only opportunity the people of Hamilton have to hear the leading candidate in this campaign. Attempts have been made for several weeks to get Senator Harding here for an address but these were unavailing, and it was not until noon today that definite word was received that he would be able to stop here." He arrives at 3:30 and is greeted by a large crowd.

Cincinnati, Ohio

The Harding train arrives in Cincinnati at 4:40 p.m. and the candidate is taken to the Hotel Sinton, where a dinner in his honor is given at 6 o'clock. Nicholas and Alice Longworth are in attendance.

"Cincinnati paid glorious tribute...when Senator Warren G. Harding was welcomed by one of the most enthusiastic audiences that ever assembled in historic Music Hall to hear a presidential candidate..." (Cincinnati Enquirer)

Sources:

• "Cheers for Harding." Cincinnati Enquirer. 30 October 1920.
• "Great Rally in the Queen City." Marion Star. 30 October 1920.
• "Harding and Party Pass Through Marion." Marion Star. 29 October 1920.
• "Harding to Speak at Fourth and High Streets at 2:35 P.M. Friday." Hamilton Daily News. 28 October 1920.
• "Many Shake Hand of Candidate for Republican Honor." Dayton Herald. 29 October 1920.
• "Sen. Harding Admits." Hamilton Evening Journal. 30 October 1920.
• "Urbana Folks Hear Harding." Marion Star. 29 October 1920.

Thursday, October 28, 1920 (CLEVELAND AND AKRON)

Harding is in Cleveland this morning, but leaves for Akron for the second stop on the final leg of his campaign.

Akron, Ohio

Elaborate preparations were made for the reception of the Republican standard bearer, who reached the city at 3:30 p.m., but the rain that had been falling all day interfered somewhat with the plans of the Republican leaders. No reception had been arranged for the candidate at the railroad station, but nevertheless there were more than 1,000 enthusiastic admirers who waited patiently for his train to pull in. (Marion Star)

Harding gives his main speech at the armory; Governor Cox will speak there tomorrow.

Sources:

• "Akron Greets Ohio Senator." Marion Star. 29 October 1920.
• "Harding Gets Big Reception Here." Akron Beacon Journal. 29 October 1920.
• "Senator Harding City's Honored Guest." Akron Beacon Journal. 28 October 1920.

Wednesday, October 27, 1920 (CLEVELAND)

Senator Harding leaves Marion on his final campaign trip; his train, expected to leave at 12:40 p.m., pulls out of the station 30 minutes behind schedule. Because of demand, he will add a third speech to his stop in Cleveland.

According to the Marion Star, the candidate is welcomed by a "downtown parade in which thousands of men and women marched as a demonstration of their Republicanism, with red fire, band music, transparencies, banners and all the paraphernalia of campaign jubilee of others days." Harding gives an informal speech at the parade, another at a dinner for the Jewish Independent Aid Society, his main speech at the armory, then another at a West Side tent meeting.

Grey's Amory

"Scarcely more than one-fourth of the crowd was able to hear the senator speak at the meeting in Grays armory. The building was packed long before the parade began and thousands were turned away. Senator Harding paid a glowing tribute to Theodore Roosevelt in his address, holding him up to the audience as the greatest American of recent days." (Akron Beacon Journal)

The stop is described as the "most enthusiastic politically rally since the days of William McKinley."

The Harding party spends the night in Cleveland.

Sources:

• "Big Reception Given Harding." Marion Star. 28 October 1920.
• "Cleveland Plays Honor to Harding." Akron Beacon Journal. 28 October 1920.
• "Nominee Is Off on Final Tour." Marion Star. 27 October 1920.

Tuesday, October 26, 1920

Another day of rest, although, according to the Marion Star, Harding issues "a denial of reports that Washington D. Vanderlip, of California is in Russia acting as his agent.... [A] dispatch said Secretary of State Colby had announced the state department had received a telegram...to the effect that Premier Lenin, of the Russian Soviet government, had informed H. G. Wells, the English writer, that [Vanderlip] had visited him and claimed to represent Senator Harding." Harding has no idea who the man is.

Harding's newspaper prints this full page ad for Republican candidates:

While the Chattanooga News shows its readers "What the Election of Harding Means":

Perhaps in response to this editorial cartoon, Harding will declare later this week "that he was not the candidate of any clique or combination, but was absolutely 'unpledged' and 'unbossed'...'I believe I am the freest man that was ever nominated by any party for the presidency of the United States.'"

Sources:

• "Akron Greets Ohio Senator." Marion Star. 29 October 1920.
• "Harding Never Heard of Washington Vanderlip." Marion Star. 27 October 1920.

Monday, October 25, 1920

Senator Harding will keep a low profile until he leaves on Wednesday for his last campaign trip, this time through Ohio.

Sunday, October 25, 2020 (ANOTHER ROAD TRIP!)

Although not planned as a Harding road trip, I ended up in Washington Court House today on a too-late-to-matter autumn foliage road trip, and I remembered that Harry M. Daugherty, who is described as the "President-maker" in his New York Times obituary, is buried there.

Here is Daugherty (and Harding) in the Harding front yard, circa August 28, 1920:

Daugherty's hometown newspaper reported on the burial, which took place Tuesday, October 14, 1941:

It was a dismal and gloomy day, but there were men and women, long prominent in the business and professional life of Washington C. H. and the farms of the surrounding countryside, gathered for the homecoming. They had wiped away the events of the intervening years during which Harry Daugherty had been praised and denounced; they had turned back to the time when they were all younger and happier with life before them. With heads bowed in grief and thoughts deep in memories of days gone by, they stood under the canvas canopy to get shelter from the gray of the clouds and drizzle of rain.

It might not have been the kind of day Harry Daugherty would have chosen for a homecoming. But he would have liked the way his old friends remembered him and forgot some of the things that had been written in the books during his colorful and turbulent career as he climbed the ladder to prominence and became a confident of a president of the United States.

This picture of the historical marker in the Washington Cemetery in Washington Court House was taken this morning:

And here are the front and back views of Daugherty's mausoleum this morning. According to the obituary in his hometown newspaper, the family mausoleum was built "during the days after the first World War":

I am fighting the urge to research Daugherty's life, which is hard to do when I come across statements like these in his hometown newspaper:

• In May of the year of Harding's death [1923], Daugherty's constant companion Jess Smith committed suicide in the apartment they occupied jointly in Washington. (October 13, 1941)
• Near the mausoleum where Mr. Daugherty lies is a granite slab which bears the name of Jess W. Smith, his intimate friend, known in Washington as the "mystery man" of Harding's brief period in period. (October 15, 1941)

Here are photographs of Smith's grave, also taken today:

And for those who live in Columbus and drive down East Broad on a regular basis, here a recent photograph of the Broadwin, where Daugherty died on October 12, 1941.

Sources:

• "Harry M. Daugherty Dies in Columbus; Burial in Cemetery Here on Tuesday." Washington Court House Record-Herald. 13 October 1941.
• "H. M. Daugherty Comes Home to Be Buried Here." Washington Court House Record Herald. 15 October 1941.

Sunday, October 24, 1920

As usual, Sunday is a low-key day in Marion, so here are two clippings from today's newspapers for your enjoyment:

Another 1920 Election Blog!

I learned today that the Newberry Library is hosting this exhibition, Decision 1920: A Return to "Normalcy," and they also have a blog.

• Harding Leaves His Front Porch, Cox Goes Off the Rails (September 23, 2020)
• "Mr, Harding, We're All Here For You" (October 4, 2020)
• Women Voters Campaign for the Candidates in 1920 (October 19, 2020)
• "What We Expect" (October 20, 2020)
• Harding the Happy Hooligan (October 20, 2020)

Saturday, October 23, 1920

Still resting from his last campaign trip, Harding spends much of today working on the speeches he will make in Ohio, starting Wednesday; he also approves the final schedule for that trip which will include events in Cleveland, Akron, Cincinnati, and Columbus. The Dayton Herald describes the upcoming week as "the battle for Ohio": "With the consent of their perspective campaign managers, who realize the need for Ohio's 24 electoral votes and the tremendous moral victory that goes with them, both Senator Harding and Governor Cox have elected to make their home state the scene of their final activities, the last 'big push.'"

• Tuesday - Cox in Cincinnati
• Wednesday - Cox in Dayton; Harding in Cleveland
• Thursday - Harding in Akron
• Friday - Cox in Akron; Harding in Cincinnati
• Saturday - Cox in Toledo; Harding in Columbus

Sources:

• "Harding Prepares for His Last Big Fight Next Week." Dayton Herald. 23 October 1920.
• "Wilson-Spencer Row Alluded to by Harding." St. Louis Globe-Democrat. 24 October 1920.

Friday, October 22, 1920

From the Marion Star: "With the major part of his campaign definitely behind him, Senator Warren G. Harding is returning to his Marion front porch today, feeling more confident than ever that eleven days hence the voters of the nation will go to the polls and register an overwhelming Republican victory."

Upon his return to Marion, Harding briefly spends time in his office then heads to Mansfield to a round of golf, the first such trip in weeks. 

Sources:

• "Buffalo Hears Ohio Senator." Marion Star. 22 October 1920.
• "Harding Enjoys Holiday Before Final Ohio Tour." Lima Gazette. 23 October 1920.

Thursday, October 21, 1920 (NEW YORK)

Rochester, New York

"Probably not since the day the armistice was signed had there been so large a crowd surging through the main streets of the city; not since that exciting day nearly two years ago did business so nearly cease to function as it did around noon...; not since that day had the people been remined so forcefully that a new manner of living is in sight, that a new regime is about to begin..." (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

Buffalo, New York

"Before of an audience of 10,000 to 12,000 persons at the Broadway Auditorium...Senator Warren G. Harding...delivered the closing address of his speaking tour... At the mass meeting...at an earlier reception and in the course of his passage through the streets from railroad station to hotel and later from hotel to auditorium, Buffalo gave Senator Harding a most enthusiastic reception..." 

Sources:

• "In Buffalo." Marion Star. 22 October 1920.
• "In Streets, Hotels, Hall Republic Candidate Is Cheered at Every Turn." Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. 22 October 1920.
• "Senator Harding Against League, But Wants Peace." Buffalo Enquirer. 22 October 1920.

Wednesday, October 20, 1920 (OHIO)

Senator Harding heads out on a short campaign trip to Jackson, Ohio, and Rochester and Buffalo, New York. His train leaves at 7:30 a.m., and the party is expected back in Marion Friday morning.

Jackson, Ohio

Senator Harding "before a crowd of many thousands of iron, furnace, and coal mine workers and hill folk from three states, returned to the battles of William McKinley and tariff protection for the iron and steel industry... The senator talked at a barbecue and burgoo given by Jackson Republicans at which is was said $5,000 work of sides of beef were consumed." (Marion Star)

Harding shares the stage with Frank B. Willis, candidate for senator, and Congressmen and Mrs. Nicholas Longworth.

Columbus, Ohio

The Harding train stops in Columbus to pick up the Republican Glee Club.

Sources:

• "Harding Meets Jackson Folks." Marion Star. 21 October 1920.
• "Off for Two-Day Speaking Trip Today." Marion Star. 20 October 1920.

Tuesday, October 19, 1920

Two weeks to go until Election Day, and the "concluding engagements" for the Harding campaign are announced:

• Jackson, Ohio (October 20)
• Columbus, Ohio (October 20)
• Rochester, New York (October 21)
• Buffalo, New York (October 21)
• Cleveland, Ohio (October 27)
• Akron, Ohio (October 28)
• Cincinnati, Ohio (October 29)
• Columbus, Ohio (October 30)

Sources:

• "Engagements for Harding." Marion Star. 19 October 1920.

Monday, October 18, 1920 (FIRST VOTERS DAY)

In what is considered the largest crowds since Notification Day in July, thousands of Harding supporters are in Marion today to celebrate First Voters Day. The delegations came from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and many of the counties in Ohio.

From the Marion Star: "All during the morning there were hundreds of callers at the Harding home and headquarters and it seemed as though the crowd became larger instead of diminishing as the hour for the noon-day meal arrived. For a considerable there was a steady stream of people to the Harding porch to shake hands with Mrs. Harding and the yard both at the home and headquarters, as well as the street, was crowded."

Also from the Star: "All the front yards and porches in the vicinity of the Harding home were crowded with people, the roof of the home of Mrs. Wixstead being sunken today as a result to people climbing on it. Many climbed trees and to the tops of porches for vantage points from which to witness the parade and hear the speaking. The top of the Harding front porch was pressed into service by moving picture photographers."

Harding speaks in the afternoon:

Fellow-Americans: This is a very unusual occasion, unmatched in American politics, and significant in its meaning. No like company of new voters ever met together on the morning of their entrance into the sacred fellowship of representative democracy, and asked a message from a party candidate for the presidency.

I speak my appreciation, and confess a deep impression of my obligations in speaking to you, and through you to all the new voters in our republic. Frankly, my heart is moved, and patriotism is more impelling than partisan devotion, because you stand on the threshold of service to our common country...

Sources:

• "Citizenship Obligation." Marion Star. 18 October 1920.
• "Thirty-Six Colleges Represented Monday." Marion Star. 20 October 1920.

Sunday, October 17, 1920 (OHIO)

Bellefontaine, Ohio

This morning, Senator Harding is greeted by several hundred people in Bellefontaine:

While we make it a rule to have no political addresses on Sunday, it can do no harm, I am sure, to say to you how pleased Mrs. Harding and I are to have your cordial greeting. And there can be no harm in saying on a Sabbath morning that one rejoices in his friendships and his friendly relationships. It can do no harm to say that we are all interested alike in the good fortunes of all the people of our common country...

I want to take this opportunity of explaining to Bellefontaine that we did not know that on last Monday morning you were expecting to greet us as we passed through your city. No one would go through here without consideration for your thoughtful intent. We went through and never knew until some hours afterward that you planned to say "hello" and express your good wishes. That is one of the great difficulties of travel in this way -- we are not always kept in touch with the plans of the local people and it is not possible always to know precisely what is intended...

Marion, Ohio

The Harding train arrives in Marion at 11:30 a.m.

Sources:

• "Harding Back From His Trip." Marion Star. 18 October 1920.

Saturday, October 16, 1920 (INDIANA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI)

From the Marion Star: "Continuing his campaign in Indiana today, Senator Warren G. Harding left Indianapolis this morning for a final day's work through this territory. The senator's trip will be concluded tonight with a speech in St. Louis after which he will return to his Marion front porch."

Friday, October 15, 1920 (INDIANA)

From the Marion Star: "Feeling confident that Kentucky can safely be counted in the Republican column this year, Senator Warren G. Harding crossed the river today and began the invasion of Indiana, another state claimed alike by Republicans and Democrats."

Thursday, October 14, 1920 (TENNESSEE AND KENTUCKY)

From the Marion Star: "Well pleased with his reception in this strongly Democratic state, Senator Warren G. Harding left Tennessee today, striking northward into Kentucky on the second lap of his hurried invasion of the political border states."

Wednesday, October 13, 1920 (TENNESSEE)

From the Marion Star: "Senator Warren G. Harding carried the gospel of Republicanism and opposition to the Paris league of nations into 'enemy' territory today. Confident that this year will see the fulfillment of that long-cherished Republican dream--the breaking of the Solid South--Senator Harding invaded Tennessee for a single speech."

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Harding special arrives at 8:15. The day will include a sight-seeing trip to Civil War battlefields, a luncheon, a public reception, and the speech.

"Senator Warren G. Harding's visit to Chattanooga...was at least a personal triumph. His supporters were insistent after the day's demonstrations were over that it was a political triumph as well. Nobody will know as to that, it is assumed, until after the votes are counted in Tennessee on Nov. 2... The candidate's party arrived in Chattanooga almost on schedule... A large crowd was at the station, but not so large that the arriving visitors were put to any discomfort... Automobiles conveyed the entire party to the Hotel Patten, where another big crowd gave the nominee a noisy welcome. And throughout the day the candidate's reception was all that any man, no matter how distinguished, could wish. The tour of battlefields was apparently a source of enjoyment to the large party that went on the trip..." (Chattanooga Daily Times)

Here is Harding at Lookout Mountain:

Harding speaks at Billy Sunday's Tabernacle, a temporary building that had been built to host a six-week revival in November 1919.

"Senator Harding, unheckled, last night preached his 'gospel' to Chattanooga and the democratic south - a gospel of protection, isolation, and materialism. The throngs that greed the republican candidate for president were enormous... But it was not a crowd of partisans. The applause was not long, and not loud. Many of the speaker's points, doubtless telling in republican cities, fell flat. The crowd was eager to see, and to listen, but not to applaud or commend." (Chattanooga News)

The Hardings return to the train which remains in the railroad yards over night.

Sources:

• "Chattanooga Gives Welcome." Marion Star. 13 October 1920.
• "Harding Outlines G.O.P. Policy if Elected; 'Never Going into League'; Says South Needs Tariff." Chattanooga News. 14 October 1920.
• "Harding's Reception Cordial; Makes Bid for Break in South." Chattanooga Daily Times. 14 October 1920.

Tuesday, October 12, 1920

From the Marion Star: "Senator Warren G. Harding late this afternoon left on a speaking trip which will take him to Chattanooga, Louisville, Indianapolis, and St. Louis [again]... Senator Harding will deliver the first set speech of his trip Wednesday night. Thursday night he will speak in Louisville, Friday night in Indianapolis, and Saturday in St. Louis. Enroute to Chattanooga the schedule calls for a short stop in Cincinnati and several short stops are scheduled throughout the trip."

Prior to his departure, Harding travels downtown to the Grand Theater to attend the first half of a concert by John Philip Sousa and his band. Harding misses the encore, "Stars and Stripes Forever."

Columbus, Ohio

"During a short lay-over...the candidate climbed down from his private car and chatted with a group of railroad employees about Cleveland's victory in the world series. He declared it was 'bully' to have the championship pennant remain in Ohio." (Washington Star)

Xenia, Ohio

Sources:

• "Harding Takes Up Cudgel at Scene of Old Battles." Washington Star. 13 October 1920.
• "Senator Harding Leaves for Another Tip Today." Marion Star. 12 October 1920.
• "Sousa's Band Delights Here Tuesday Afternoon." Marion Star. 13 October 1920.

Monday, October 11, 1920 (BACK IN MARION)

The Harding train returns to Marion five hours ahead of schedule. There were no stops after St. Louis. Back on his front porch this morning, Senator Harding informally meets delegates from the North Ohio A.M.E. conference.

Sunday, October 10, 1920 (KANSAS AND MISSOURI)

 

Coffeyville, Kansas

"Warren G. Harding, good roads enthusiast, common citizen of the United States, shook hands with about one hundred Coffeyville people...as his train stopped twenty minutes at the M. K. & T. depot. The train carrying Senator Harding and his party was delayed two hours by a wreck on the south end of the Katy division and did not reach here until 8:30 o'clock. It was scheduled to arrive here at 6:27... He didn't make speech. He never does on Sunday."

Nevada, Missouri

"Nevada was unexpectedly visited by a candidate for president Sunday... [Up] until about nine o'clock Sunday morning no one in Nevada knew that the Republican candidate and his party were going to make Nevada a visit... About three or four hundred Republicans and Democrats gathered at the station to give the distinguished visitor and his wife a Nevada welcome... The train stopped here just one minute, coming in at 11:05 and leaving at 11:06... The senator was instantly recognized...with the possible exception that he does not look quite so cold and stern as his photographs show him":

Of course you do not expect me to make a political speech this morning. We in America are very insistent about the observance of the proprieties and the increased reverence with which we keep the Sabbath day.

Parsons, Missouri

"Warren G. Harding...paid Parsons a visit Sunday morning, shook hands with 2,000 people and addressed 3,500 others from the rear platform of his special car... The senator's stay in Parsons was only of 30 minutes duration, but it gave the people an opportunity to see what the sort of a man this city and county will give their overwhelming majority to in November... Mrs. Harding, who was slightly ill, did not present herself to the crowd." (Parsons Daily Sun)

The train is expected at 7:35 but arrives an hour late.

Sedalia, Missouri

"Katy Passenger train No. 4, carrying the Harding party...made one of the fastest trips ever made between Parsons and Sedalia, covering the whole distance in three hours and thirty-one minutes. The train left parsons and hour and twenty-three minutes late and got into Sedalia twenty-eight minutes late... On the trip through Missouri after leaving Parsons both Senator and Mrs. Harding rode a distance of 20 miles on the engine..." (Parsons Daily Sun)

St. Charles, Missouri

"...about 150 citizens had assembled to greet the candidate. Senator Harding's party had not expected the ovation and were taken by surprise. He spoke a moment from the platform and received a bouquet of roses..." (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Harding tells the crowd in St. Louis, "About 150 girls came clear back to the end of this twelve-car train to greet me [in St. Charles]. It was a shame not to be able to make a speech to all of those enthusiastic Missourians along the way." (St. Louis Star and Times)

St. Louis, Missouri

"Senator Warren G. Harding...spent one hour and 10 minutes in St. Louis...arriving at 7:40 from Oklahoma City and departing for Marion, O., at 8:30, completing a speaking tour in the Middle West which covered points in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. He was greeted at Union Station by several hundred persons... [Harding excused himself] from a formal speech with the remark that there may be no impropriety in speaking on the Sabbath, but he did not wish to 'offend the sentiment of the country.'" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Sources:

• "Harding, in City an Hour, Greets Station Crowds." St. Louis Star and Times. 11 October 1920.
• "Harding Is Given a Rousing Welcome." Parsons Daily Republican. 12 October 1920.
• "Harding Shakes Hands with Many at Union Station." St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 11 October 1920.
  
• "Harding Visits Here." Coffeyville Daily Journal. 11 October 1920.
• "Harding Visits Parsons; Talks." Parsons Daily Sun. 11 October 1920.
• "Harding Visits Nevada." Southwest Mail. 15 October 1920.
• "Harding Will Not Make Address Here." Parsons Daily Republican. 10 October 1920.

Saturday, October 9, 1920 (KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA)

From the Marion Star: "Rapidly turning his trip into a campaign against the Wilson league of nations, Senator Warren G. Harding dipped into Kansas and Oklahoma today, on the final lap of his brief invasion of the Middle and Southwest."

Wichita, Kansas

"Despite the early hour of 9 o'clock in the morning crowds lined the streets of Wichita, Kan., and cheered as Senator and Mrs. Harding motored to the forum at the International Wheat Show. Six thousand persons gave Senator Harding a roaring greeting...," per the New York Times. Wichita is "the point where President Wilson broke down last fall, in his swing about the country in the league's behalf," according to the Star. Harding speaks briefly to students from the Kansas College of Agriculture.

Winfield, Kansas

"Senator Harding's special train arrived at South Winfield at 11:35... The Senator was greeted with hearty applause and happy smiles of welcome. The crowd realized the brevity of the time for the talk the Senator was to give, and cut the applause short in the anxiety to hear as much as possible... The crowd which heard Senator Harding here filled an area equal to nearly a quarter of an acre. The lowest estimate of the number present was fifteen hundred, and it was probably two thousand."

Arkansas City, Kansas

"Senator Warren G. Harding...spoke for thirty minutes to a crowd of more than two thousand people at the Santa Fe station here today... The train pulled in on schedule, 12:05 and slowly made its way through the throng..." (Arkansas City Daily News)

Newkirk, Oklahoma

"It was not known here that Senator Harding would stop in Newkirk until about five minutes before his arrival, so it was a small but eager crowd that greeted him at the station. Harding's special arrived in Newkirk at 1:15 and he spoke from the rear platform o about eighty persons."

Ponca City, Oklahoma

"All Kay county was apparently in Ponca City to greet Senator Warren G. Harding today in his invasion of the Southland... From a booth at the north end of the Santa Fe depot here Senator Harding began to speak promptly at ten minutes of two o'clock to an audience of approximately 10,000 people..."

Perry, Oklahoma

Guthrie, Oklahoma

Edmond, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

"Senator Warren G. Harding...spoke to a wildly enthusiastic throng that filled the fairgrounds pavilion Saturday night, after receiving perhaps the greatest ovation ever accorded a candidate in Oklahoma City. From the time of his arrival here at 4:55 p.m., he was never out of the sound of wild cheering of crowds that lined the streets and followed his car on journeys from train to Huckins [hotel] and from Huckins to the fair grounds... He spoke for an hour and 20 minutes, and his slightest gesture, his simplest expression of policy or patriotism provoked applause... He left Oklahoma City at 11:15 p.m."

Sources:

• "Crowd of Over 10,000 Here to Greet Sen. Harding." Ponca City News. 9 October 1920.
• "Harding Talks to Thousands." Oklahoma News. 11 October 1920.
• "Newkirk People Hear Harding Saturday." Newkirk Republican News Journal. 15 October 1920.
• "Senator Harding Greeted Big Crowd Here." Winfield Daily Courier. 9 October 1920.
• "This Was Harding Day in Arkansas City--Big Crowd to Meet the Senator." Arkansas City Daily News. 9 October 1920.
• "Wilson Dodges Truth on Pact." Marion Star. 9 October 1920.

Friday, October 8, 1920 (IOWA AND MISSOURI)

From the Marion Star: "Well satisfied that Iowa and Nebraska are safely Republican by big majorities, Senator Warren G. Harding swung southward, today, into the closely contested state of Missouri." His main speeches are in St. Joseph in the afternoon and Kansas City in the evening. His train leaves Omaha at 9 a.m. 

Thursday, October 7, 1920 (IOWA AND NEBRASKA)

Newton, Iowa

Colfax, Iowa

Des Moines, Iowa

Senator Harding arrives from Chicago at 8:20 a.m. A crowd greets the train at Rock Island Station:

The candidate greets a "Harding Republican":

Mrs. Harding greets 90-year-old Mrs. Sarah Jane Sherman, "the oldest woman voter in Des Moines":

Harding is driven to the Fort Des Moines hotel in an informal process of 25 cars:

Harding leaves the hotel at 10:16 to speak at the Coliseum to a crowd of nearly 10,000:

Fellow Americans: My stop in Des Moines is more personal than political. There are associations in public service which are the chief compensation save that alone which comes to the consciousness of a public duty honestly performed. I have known such associations, and conspicuous among them has been my association with your distinguished statesman who is standing this year for re-election, Senator Albert B. Cummins. I am not only very fond of his personally, and hold him to be one of the most delightful companions and a valued friend, but I also regard him as one of the ablest statesmen of the present time and one of the most useful men in public life...

This photograph is taken at the Coliseum (and may be one of my favorites I've come across):

And here's another as he returns to the train to head to Omaha:

Wednesday, October 6, 1920 (OHIO, INDIANA, AND ILLINOIS)

The Hardings depart Marion at 10:42 a.m. for the third campaign trip outside Ohio. They will return on Monday.

Lima, Ohio

A crowd estimated between 1,000 and 1,500 people greats Harding's train as it passes through Lima:

I am glad of the opportunity to make this talk because I realize that this crowd has gathered here not to see me but to hear the standard bearer of one of the great parties... I want the help of you in the garb of the worker and the best way you can give that is by giving the best that is in you to whatever task you may perform.

The final words of Harding's ten-minute speech are drowned out by the crowd as the train pulls away from the platform.

Spencerville, Ohio

Decatur, Indiana

Harding delivers a three-minute speech at 1:15 p.m.: "In the few remarks that he was able to make in the short time he had, he criticized the present administration for trying to do what it could to gain for this country a leadership among other nations and did not try as it should have done to bring about a normal condition at home. He spoke flatteringly to the school children of the city who composed a very large part of his audience, and said he hoped they would soon enjoy the freedom of American policies and institutions as did their ancestors before them."

Huntington, Indiana

Harding stops again in Huntington, though this time his train is twenty minutes late, requiring the entire stay to be a focus on his speech, a few handshakes, and a gift presentation to Mrs. Harding:

I promise you that if the Republican party is returned to power, as I believe it will be, that the government will get down to real business methods. And I promise you that when we take the reins of government, we will think of America, first and always.

Crown Point, Indiana

"Senator Harding...spoke from the back platform of his Pullman to several hundred people at Crown Point on Wednesday. His talk was enthusiastically received and though here but a short time he hade a mighty good impression upon those present."

Hammond, Indiana

"Senator W. G. Harding was greeted by a throng of voters variously estimated from 3,000 to 5,000 when the train to which his car was attached halted for a few minutes at the Erie depot in Hammond last night. Republican leaders were astounded at the turnout considering that the meeting was announced only the evening before and that it came right at the supper hour.... Seeing that his crowd was composed of workingmen he spoke for their benefit..."

Chicago, Illinois

Harding stops here for four hours to rest at a downtown hotel and meet with party leaders. The Harding party leaves for Des Moines late tonight.

Sources: 

• "Bulletin." Lake County Times. 7 October 1920.
• "Crowds Greet Ohio Senator." Marion Star. 7 October 1920.
• "Harding Here; Delivers Ten Minute Talk." Lima Republican-Gazette. 7 October 1920.
• "Harding Promises That America Shall Be First." Huntington Herald. 6 October 1920.
• "Harding Speaks from Train at Decatur." Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. 7 October 1920.
• "Swing Through West Is Begun." Marion Star. 6 October 1920.

Tuesday, October 5, 1920

Senator Harding spends a "strenuous twelve hours" today working on campaign speeches for the rest of the week and holding meetings, including a morning conference with Will Hays, the chair of the Republican National Committee, who travels by automobile from Columbus. Hays predicts a huge Harding win in November.

Monday, October 4, 1920 (ATTICA, OHIO AND FREMONT, OHIO)

The Hardings leave Marion by car around 8:30 a.m. for a day trip to Attica and Fremont.

At Spiegel Grove, in Fremont, the senator unveils a bronze tablet to honor the soldiers from Sandusky County who died in the in Spanish-American and Great Wars:

My Countrymen: It is a fine thing to gather at the shrines of American patriotism. It is fine that we have such shrines. Without them we should have little soul, and less love of country. It is good to pause and note the sacrifices through which we came to nationality and then to eminence in the world. It is reassuring to dwell afresh in the atmosphere of colonial heroism, and to be reminded anew that the spirit which triumphed in the early making of the republic is with us, after all the years of developing fulfillment, to guarantee its perpetuity. .. It is an exceptional shrine at which we are gather today...

Here's the crowd in front of the Hayes library:

Spiegel Grove was the former home of President Hayes. Harding was to share the stage with Governor Cox for the first time during the campaign, but Cox cancelled. A crowd of 5,000 watch the ceremonies, which includes a parade and the naval band from the Chicago recruiting station. On the veranda of the Hayes' home, Harding takes time to shake the hands of dozens of children.

Sources:

• "Fine Tributes Paid Soldiers." Marion Star. 4 October 1920.
• "Imposing Ceremonies at Unveiling of Soldiers' Memorial Tablet Monday." Fremont News-Messenger. 5 October 1920.

Sunday, October 3, 1920

Another low-key day in Marion: Senator Harding releases a statement about the support he may or may not be receiving by two of his Republican colleagues in the Senate, both of whom are reportedly upset by his hard-to-pin-down position on the League of Nations.

Saturday, October 2, 1920 (WILSON'S CORNER, OHIO)

Senator Harding speaks in the afternoon to "an outpouring of farmers from a number of counties at an old-fashioned basket picnic and flag raising at Wilson's corner...a famous meeting point for country events and lies between Plain City and Western Jefferson, almost exactly at the junction point of Franklin, Madison and Union counties." He travels there by car and is back in Marion by six this evening.

Source:

• "Tenant Farmer Increase, Peril." Marion Star. 2 October 1920.

Friday, October 1, 1920 (SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY)

As reported earlier this week in the Marion Star, "Women from Marion and adjacent counties and from all parts of the country will meet here [today] to express to Senator Harding...their gratitude for the part of the Republican Party, which he represents, played in the battle waged by women during the past fifty years for the ballot... It is understood that a delegation of [Black] women, headed by national workers of that race, will be present; also a delegation of foreign-born women dressed in their national customs and carrying American flags, emblematic of their allegiance to America."

In the speech, according to the Star, Harding called for the "[c]reation of a department of public welfare when the time comes to reorganize the administrative government in Washington":

Americans: Today the people of Marion and their neighbors welcome you. You represent the achievements of the women of America. You represent, indeed, an extension of woman's field of endeavor, which is a benefaction to the world. I believe that this extension of woman's activities has been taken, and must forever be taken, without peril to the fulfilment of that most precious of all American possessions — America's motherhood. 

I have been asked repeatedly to make an especial appeal to the women of this country, but I have not done and I shall not do, such a thing. If there are among women the virtues of stalwart conscience and the finest appreciation of the needs of humanity, as I think there are, then the words that might be in my heart to say to women would be better addressed by me to the men of the United States.

I have refused, and I refuse now, to make an emotional or meretricious appeal to the hearts of the women of America. When we all acknowledge that the time and the conditions of the world call for fuller recognition of human rights, the protection of the life of human beings and the conservation of our human resources, it becomes the duty of the women of America, and it becomes my duty, to deal with these matters of social justice upon a high plane of an idealism which is not too proud to work. More, it is our duty to consider without hypocrisy or high-sounding phrases a program of action. And it is my duty to address not only you who are women, now entering by justice, by the principles of sound democracy, and by the wisdom of a progressive civilization, into citizenship, but also to address, through you, every American who is interested in our common welfare, 

I pledge myself today to support with all that is in me whatever practical policy of social welfare and social justice can be brought forward by the combined wisdom of all Americans. Nothing can concern America, and nothing can concern me as an American, more deeply than the health the happiness and the enlightenment of every fellow American...

After the speech, Harding holds a reception line. A delegation of Ohio women sing a song for Harriet Taylor Upton, who gives a "'side porch' speech on the west side of the Harding home and just at the west end of the famous front porch." Others are invited to meet Theodore Roosevelt's sister and daughter. Alice Roosevelt Longworth has been to Marion three times since the campaign started.

Sources:

• "Loud in Their Praise of Marion Hospitality." Marion Star. 2 October 1920.
• "Next Friday to Be Big Day at Front Porch." Marion Star. 27 September 1920. 
• "Social Justice Day in Marion Friday." Marion Star. 29 September 1920.
  
• "Would Create a Department." Marion Star. 1 October 1920.

Thursday, September 30, 1920

Senator Harding receives visitors and attends to business today.

Sources:

• "Full Faith in Progressives." Marion Star. 1 October 1920.
• "Senator Harding and Party Return Home." Marion Star. 30 September 1920.

Wednesday, September 29, 1920 (WEST VIRGINIA, KENTUCKY AND OHIO)

Sistersville, West Virginia

"The nominee's first address of the day was made at Sistersville at 7:30... There was a crowd at the station with a band [that played 'Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here']. Senator Harding said that in America the public ought to start the morning with the memory of yesterday."

Parkersburg, West Virginia

"Harding left his train here long enough to go uptown and speak to a crowd that packed the local theater. He took his place on the stage with the curtain down, and footlights were turned on and the current went up with the band playing. The audience broke into a storm of applause. Outside, the streets were packed for blocks." 

Harding also speaks from his automobile outside the theater. "In one of two speeches he made...he replied to Governor Cox's comparison of the slogans of 'America First' and 'Deutschland Ueber Alles'":

I have been preaching to my countrymen the gospel readily expressed in two words, namely, in all our thoughts, in all our actions, and in all our purposes let us be for "America first."

Ravenswood, West Virginia

"School children had been granted a half holiday [to hear the candidate]":

I have been riding along the Ohio River this morning, noting the small towns and the activities of the agricultural communities and have been thinking all the way home, how from the village and the farm we call the boys and girls into the great responsibilities in our city life. It is up to us from the wholesome rural sections, with all our freedom and inspiration, to influence the great cities and make it possible for all of the men, women, and children to enjoy the rights and privileges that God Almighty intended them to enjoy, in spite of their determination to crowd together in the great cities...

Enroute to Huntington, West Virginia

Harding's train derails between Parkersburg and Huntington.

Mason City, West Virginia

"Speaking to a crowd at the railway station, [Harding] compared his abandoned private car to the American car of state":

The great car of state, going forward to the fulfillment of national engagements, somehow got off the track last year over in Paris, and it left things in very bad order, and I think maybe in crossing the trestle of internationalism if it had not been for the guard rail on constitutionalism in the senate, to prevent us from completely leaving the track, we might have had a very serious wreck for the United States. So I am telling you that instead of trying to put up a broken-up car back on the track, let us cut it loose and go on and keep our engagements will all the world.

Point Pleasant, West Virginia

Huntington, West Virginia

Here Harding discusses "President Wilson's failure to carry out the will of Congress with regard to abrogating the commercial phases of certain treaties as provided in the Jones Shipping bill. He said the President had failed to act because some jealous nation across the sea objected":

I do not intend that any foreign nation, no matter how big or how jealous, shall ever tell America what conditions we must trade under in order to do business with the world.

Ashland, Kentucky

Harding delivers an open-air speech to an audience of 15,000, "largely composed of river men and mountaineers from three states":

I note by the morning papers that someone has taken up the slogan of "America First" and tried to compare it with that used by the Germans during the war. Somehow or other the comparison has appealed to me, and I note that in a colloquy between my Democratic opponent and a citizen of German origin, it was attempted to make the slogan 'America First' an appeal of selfishness and an ultimate menace for us in our relations with the rest of the world... I warn you my countrymen, let's not have one man dictatorship in the United States...

Ironton, Ohio

"Thousands of people thronged the district around the Elk's Home at Ironton to hear Harding speak about 4:30 Wednesday evening. Fourteen decorated automobiles carried the Harding special party from Central Park, Ashland, [across the Ohio River] to Ironton..." Harding offers a short speech:

We do not want super-government in these United States. I am not a superman but just one like all of you present...

The party is rushed to the special train.

Portsmouth, Ohio

"Senator Harding spoke to thousands of Portsmouth people who jammed the space around the N. & W. station, Tenth and Waller streets, shortly after six o'clock Wednesday evening... [He] could barely talk about a whisper, and it was only with great effort that severely taxed his physical powers that he could make himself heard by the crowd."

Marion, Ohio

The Harding party returns home just after midnight. Harding will tell journalists tomorrow:

It is my deliberate judgment that the people of this country are tired of things as they are, that they do not believe the administration at Washington has done right, and that they want a change.

Sources:

• "Ashland Hears Ohio Senator." Marion Star. 30 September 1920.
• "Autocracy Denounced by Harding." New York Tribune. 30 September 1920.
• "Great Car of State Got Off the Track in Paris, Says Sen. Harding." Meriden Record-Journal. 30 September 1920.
• "Great Meeting at Ironton." Portsmouth Daily Times. 30 September 1920.
• "Hot Retort Is Made to Cox in Harding Speech." Dayton Evening Herald. 29 September 1920.
• "Senator Harding and Party Return Home." Marion Star. 30 September 1920.
• "Thousands Here Speech at Depot." Portsmouth Daily Times. 30 September 1920.

Tuesday, September 28, 1920 (WEST VIRGINIA)

As the Harding special heads to Wheeling, West Virginia, the Republican candidate is "greeted at a dozen wayside stations and made half a dozen speeches," according to his hometown newspaper. Elsewhere, it is reported that the "heat has made his trip unusually trying, and his voice showed the strain of last night's speech in Baltimore..."

The location of these photographs is not identified in the record, but this gives you a sense of what occurs at each stop:

The speeches are made on the rear platform during short stops at:

• Grafton, West Virginia
• Fairmont, West Virginia
• Mannington, West Virginia
• Cameron, West Virginia
• Moundsville, West Virginia

Grafton, West Virginia

At his first speech in West Virginia, Harding is greeted by more than 500 railway workers and residents of Grafton; he again describes his support of the Cummins-Esch railroad act:

Railroad workers are coming to understand that they can get their troubles adjusted by a recognized authority under this law. If the administration were now carrying out the provisions of the act requiring pro-rata distribution of coal cars to mines the situation would be infinitely better.

Fairmount, West Virginia

Hundreds of the Fairmount residents who planned to see Harding show up to the station too late to see the candidate; the Harding special arrives at 9:27 a.m., 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Harding does greet a crowd of 1,500 and speaks briefly during the 10 minute stop. "America First was the keynote of the brief address...and the return of government to a sane and safe policy and for cooperation in meeting conditions thrust upon the nation as an outgrowth of the great world war." As the train pulls out, Harding is heard exclaiming "Why did they call 'all aboard'? I could have talked longer."

Mannington, West Virginia

The Harding special arrives in Mannington at 10:10, with fewer disappointed citizens: word is sent from Fairmount that the train is ahead of schedule. Harding gives a 10-minute speech to a crowd of 2,000, including a delegation of school children.

Cameron, West Virginia

Harding's speech here - and at Fairmount - is "devoted to the advocacy of representative government and to a plea that the United States maintain its integrity and never surrender to a league of nations the right to summon its sons to war."

Moundsville, West Virginia

"Mountaineers were conspicuous" when Harding "voiced his hope for better education and declared his faith in 'an educated America.' He also pleaded for loyalty by all foreign-board Americans, saying that those who availed themselves of American opportunities owed the debt of 'absolute loyalty' in return."

Glover Gap, West Virginia

Harding requests a special stop at Glover Gap, "a mere water tank," after he learns that a group of school girls will wave as the train rolls through. There, "he talked happily with a crowd of girls at the station, telling them how to make apple butter pie," telling the group "The most beautiful thing in all the world is a young girl, with her sleeves rolled up, baking a pie and helping mother."

McMechen/Benwood Junction/South Wheeling, West Virginia

"Senator Harding's train stopped at Benwood Junction for 12 minutes. There was not a large crowd gathered, and Senator Harding, minus his hat, stepped from the train and walked along the platform the length of his train, greeting and chatting with men, women, and youngsters."

Wheeling, West Virginia

The train arrives in Wheeling around 1 p.m. As reported in tomorrow's Wheeling Intelligencer, "It was the greatest day for Ohio county Republicanism since the famous Roosevelt demonstration in 1900, and there are many who witnessed the Roosevelt demonstration who think that Harding Day surpassed the Roosevelt reception in enthusiasm and attendance. Wheeling simply went Harding wild yesterday."

A crowd greets the Hardings at the station; they are taken to the McLure hotel for a reception and some rest. After the reception, Harding speaks from a balcony to eight or nine thousand people who could not get into the auditorium for tonight's speech. His "brief talk brought hearty bursts of applause."

Harding's main speech is about business:

Government is a political and not a business agency, but it does a good deal of business, nevertheless. The business of our government is enormous in extent and is constantly growing greater and more complex. It is carried on, however, by methods so crude, so wanting in plan and system, that if it were a private business of equal magnitude with fixed resources, instead of public business with well-nigh unlimited resources, we should have gone into liquidation and closed our doors long ago. No private business can possibly survive without keeping its expenditures within the limits of its income, but the government goes on, year after year, with no real effort to maintain the balance between income and outgo. No business can be carried on successfully without a strict application of business methods, and government business presents no exception to the rule. Hence it is that this government of ours, in its financial and business operations, would long ago have proved a colossal failure were it not for the power which it possesses to take from the pockets of the people unlimited monies to renew the lavish stream which flows from its treasury. 

Sources:

• "Harding Gets Big Reception." Bucyrus Evening Telegraph. 29 September 1920.
• "Harding's Speech in West Virginia." Indianapolis News. 28 September 1920.
• "Harding Wins West Virginia." Wheeling Intelligencer.. 29 September 1920.
• "Senator Harding Praises Fairmount's Industrial Process." Fairmount West Virginian. 28 September 1920.
• "Senator Is In West Virginia." Marion Star. 28 September 1920.
• "To Join Parade." Marion Star. 28 September 1920.
• "Wheeling Is Enthusiastic." Marion Star. 29 September 1920.

Monday, September 27, 1920 (MARYLAND)

Baltimore, Maryland

The Harding special arrives in Baltimore at 3:30 p.m., 15 minutes late. The schedule will include an informal reception at the Southern Hotel then a speech at the Fifth Regiment Armory. "It was recalled that the armory has accommodated between 25,000 and 30,000 persons and the 'planning committee' says it prepared to break the record tonight, if necessary."

Over 20,000 people are in attendance when the Hardings arrive at the armory at 7:45 p.m. In the speech, according to his hometown paper, the candidate promises a "merchant marine policy, insuring accessibility to all the markets of the world, linked with a protective tariff system to foster production at home":

Fellow-Americans: It is a great privilege to meet this assemblage. Maryland has a large place in the consciousness of America. Your citizenship has been identified with stirring events in our country's history. You are adding richly to our national store of learning and letters. For many of us, the teeming waters and fruitful shores of Maryland have long made existence more gracious.

But your city and your state have come to stand for sterner things. America looks upon a newly-set stage today. The old order has passed, never to return. The World War has wrought changes as stupendous in the economic intercourse of nations as in their political relations. Our commerce, our trade, our agriculture, our industry, our finance — all are different, in their present phase and in their future prospect, because of the war and its aftermath. Old contacts have been broken, new forces have been aroused. There has been a shift in vital centers, and cities, like individuals, are facing new opportunities, and greater responsibilities... 

A heckler, the first of the campaign, interrupts the speech and is arrested. 

The Harding special leaves for Wheeling late this evening after two new cars replace the ones damaged in the accident this morning. Per the Indianapolis News, "One of the cars substituted and occupied by newspaper men was used just a year ago as a part of the train on which President Wilson made his 10,000-mile speaking trip for the league of nations."

Sources:

• "Harding Coming Today; Big Welcome Planned." Baltimore Sun. 27 September 1920.
• "Harding Given a Big Ovation." Marion Star. 28 September 1920.
• "Harding Heckled on League Issue as 20,000 Cheer." New York Times. 28 September 1920.
• "Harding's Speech in West Virginia." Indianapolis News. 28 September 1920.