Grant Out-Coolidged Coolidge in Taciturnity According to Magenta's Account of His Concord Appearance in 1875

Americans of 1925 are prone to think of Calvin Coolidge as unique among presidents for his taciturnity. That such is far from the case, however, is clear from an account of half a century ago in the Magenta, as the CRIMSON was called in its infant years, describing the Lexington and Concord centennial celebration of April 19, 1875. Only a Harvard cheer, "given by a party of undergraduates with great effect considering," was able to evoke from President Grant even "a faint motion of the risible muscles" on that historic occasion. If, as rumor has it, President Coolidge visits Cambridge next June, there will be ample opportunity to discover whether "a regular cheer for the President" will have the same effect on him.

"All went well at Lexington," the CRIMSON's predecessor relates, "but the President and the northwest wind--the latter failing to please because it did blow, and the former because he didn't--but both seem to be unaccountable to any human authority. . . . Our nation's President carried off his one great role of sphinx-like and dignified silence with great effect. We believe that he was not observed to smile during the whole course of the day, except, indeed, when a Harvard cheer saluted him, given by a party of undergraduates with great effect considering. He then gracefully removed his plug, and a faint motion of the risible muscles was evident. His composure seems the more remarkable when we consider the ominous incident of his having tumbled through the platform at Concord."

If history persists in its little habit of repeating itself, the above might well be taken as a prophecy of what will happen when Calvin Coolidge appears in the Yard although it is understood that the University authorities will take every precaution to prevent the repetition of the "ominous incident" that occurred at Concord.

"The dinner and ball," continues the account, "were as successful as could be expected. The crowd was remarkably orderly and good natured a consumation which was doubtless due to the wise action of the authorities in prohibiting rigorously the sale of all intoxicating drinks. The towns-people, however, were most hospitable, and did not withhold the refreshing cup from the weary pilgrim. Our most earnest thanks are due the reception committee of Lexington for the cordial welcome we received at their hands."