Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 284, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 November 1920 — HARDING READY FOR RETURN TRIP [ARTICLE]

HARDING READY FOR RETURN TRIP

Starts From Ancon by Train for Cristobal Whence He 600 D WISHES TO PANAMA Exchangee Assurances of Cordiality With President of Little Republic —Receive* Protest on U. S. Land Policy In Zone. Ancon, Canal Zone, . Nov. 29.—Senator Harding devoted the last day of his visit at the Pacific terminus of the Panama canal, for the most part to recreation, although be had several more talks with Canal Zone officials. The President-elect rose early for a game of golf and later took a motor boat ride. Late in the afternoon he started by train for Cristobal, where on Sunday he will board his ship to return to the United States, sailing for Norfolk, Va. His return to Cristobal will complete a three-day visit here, in which sightseeing was combined with a practical study of problems which will confront him after he becomes chief executive at the United States. Faces Problems. Not the least of these problems are the relations the new administration will maintain with the republic of Panama, with whose president Senator Harding exchanged assurances of good will at the banquet the president gave tn bls honor. “The cordiality of your greetings and the fine spirit of your good wishes stir me deeply,” he. said, facing President Porras. “It is a fine thing for one republic to be so assured of the abiding confidence and friendship of a sister republic. “We are rather, more than friendly neighbors, quaffing the cup of most cordial association. We are spiritual partners in one of the gigantic advances of Twentieth century transportation.” The question of a proper military force for the Canal Zone has engaged Mr. Harding’s active attention, and he will be particularly interested in plans of the War department to Increase that force to a full division. Senator Harding had luncheon with Brigadier General Kennedy, commander of troops in the Canal Zone. Protest Against U. S. Land Policy. A memorial has been addressed to Mr. Harding by 250 citizens of Colon protesting against the present American land policy along the Canal Zone boundaries And declaring that the United States is trying to enlarge her territorial holdings and sphere of influence in Central America by unjustifiable methods. The document likened the methods to those employed by the Washington government In Haiti and Santo Domingo and asserted that Panama’s sovereignty was being crushed little by little. Another problem to which Mr. Harding h|s given attention Is the question of the enforcement of prohibition in the Canal Zone. '