Sphinxlike

When President Coolidge returned from Marion, a host of politicians, office seekers and simple handshakers awaiting him at the capital. In the background an interested public waited to see what he would do.

What he did was to see one notable after another in private conference. What he said to them or they said to him nobody knew, except in a few instances when a drop of news leaked out from one of the visitors. The only overt act of the President's for several days was to take up work in the White House office. The White House itself, which adjoins the office, was left at the disposal of Mrs. Harding.

The President was evidently " sizing up " the situation. He is a slow decider, but a firm decider when he decides. When he will decide and act Calvin Coolidge alone knows--it may be tomorrow or a month from tomorrow. It is expected that he will carry on vigorously those of the Harding policies which are popular with the Republican Party or with the people. Those that are more dubious of favor he may treat with discretion. The change of leaders offers a graceful retreat to the Republican Party from any policy which it regards as inadvisable.

President Coolidge began by maintaining a sphinxlike silence as far as the public was concerned. To the Senators, Congressmen and others who conferred with him he seemed more inclined to listen than to speak.

The habitual prophets immediately defined his policies.

Coal. The possibility of an anthracite strike is most likely soon to engage the President's attention. John Hays Hammond, Chairman of the Coal Commission, declared that the President was at one with the Commission: "There shall be no strike."

Railways. The President is expected to veto any repeal or material modification of the present railroad act should such action pass the next Congress.

Prohibition. Governor Pinchot of Pennsylvania, who is making a vigorous attempt to aridify his State, saw Mr. Coolidge and reminded him that President Harding had planned to call a conference of Governors on enforcement. Apparently President Coolidge did not commit himself, but he is known as a Dry.

Tariff. The President was scheduled for an early conference with the Tariff Commission, and is reported to have "decided opinions" on the use of the "flexible" provisions of the law. In a general way he is, of course, a protectionist.

Soldier Bonus. Mr. Coolidge is an enigma on the bonus question. He was the first Governor to sign a State bonus bill. That fact, however, will probably not be a factor in determining his future action. There is a large chance that there will be sufficient bonus strength in the next Congress to pass a bonus bill if he should veto it.

World Court. Mr. Coolidge is not expected to take a stand for some time on President Harding's proposal that the United States enter the Permanent Court of International Justice.

Immigration. President Coolidge is expected to advance an immigration program, probably in the form of an Administration bill drawn up with Secretary of Labor Davis, who has been investigating emigration abroad.

Extra Session. The President is regarded as unfavorable to a special session of Congress. There is really only a comparatively small number of Senators and Congressmen who demand it. The " regulars " of both parties are not so inclined, and the farm bloc as a whole feels that a call for an extra session would be a denial of the efficacy of their work in the last Congress.