THE STRONG, SILENT MAN

More than one tradition was broken by President Coolidge's radio speech of last Saturday Aside from spoiling his affectionate nickname of "strong, silent, Cal," he has enlarged the sources from which quotations may be drawn by adding Lewis Carroll to the Bible and Shakespeare. Since his speech, more- over, the Democrats and Progressives are no longer in the dark as to his strength. Previously unknown, it is now being estimated from the force of his long boarded, but now freely given entrance. His reserve was the fountain-head of his strength, confirming his supporters in the conviction that he saw all that was going on, and could, if he would, confound his opponents by telling them a thing or two. He did.

But two contributing circumstances were necessary to draw him out. For one, Senator Wheeler has been making political capital out of his silence. One of the Senator's most telling effects has been to push an empty chair to the front of the platform and call for "strong and cautious" Coolidge. Then turning dramatically toward the empty seat he has fired his questions at the administration. After pausing for an answer, the Senator next remarks. "The usual silence emanates from the strong, calm, cautious man in the White House." Effect? Why, it brought down the house. And besides this, Mr. Dawes has been calling everybody "plutogogs" and losing votes. So that, all in all, it was more than human nature could stand to remain silent longer.

So the President broke silence, Saturday in a radio speech broadcasted to the four corners of the land so that all might know the truth. Without mincing matters, and regardless of anybody's feelings, he came right out and said: "The government prefers to let business go its own way, so long as that is the right way." And he didn't stop with more assertion. He backed up what he said with proof. Those who didn't believe him could go to "Alice in Wonderland". He made specific references, which really proved that the book in question was "Alice Through the Looking Glass". The Democrats will doubtless make much of his slip. But anyone can see that this is beside the point.

The result of this public expression by Mr. Coolidge was as astounding as those who banked on his silence knew it would be when he broke it. The Democrats have no comeback, and Senator Whealer's trick is ruined. But since Saturday, his opponents have been telling the fable of the lad who held his tongue but people found him out anyway.