Journal Gazette from Mattoon, Illinois • Page 1

Long national nightmare overf IU1 Nil TAKES AS res campaigned either for the Wency or the vice presidency. I have not subscribed to any tisan platform. I am indebted to nb" man only to one woman, my dear wife, as I begin the most difficult job in the world." Ford said even though it Is late in an election year "there is no way we can go forward except together," Ford said "truth is the glue Chief Justice Warren E. Burger administered the oath of office. "Are you prepared to take the oath of office as President of the United States?" the black-robed Burger asked.

"I am, sir Ford replied. "Raise your right hand and repeat after me," Burger said. Then, a phrase at a time, he read the oath and Ford repeated the words every president since George Washington has spoken. President would be no political oration, "just a little, straight talk among friends." He said it will be the first of many. I assume the presidency under extraordinary circumstances never before experienced by America," Ford said.

"This is an hour of history that troubles our minds and hurts our hearts Never before had a president resigned; never before had an appointed vice president succeeded to office. "I am acutely aware that you amounts to a State of the Union Address to Congress Monday, Ford settled into the work of office at once, asking congressional leaders to go from. the oath-taking ceremony to meet privately with him. The East Room ceremony was nationally broadcast and televised. Ford's voice was firm, but there was a quaver when he spoke of the departed Nixon's quest for peace in the world.

7 Ford promised the nation 1 that quest will continue. and defend the Constitution of the United States." "So help me God," Ford said. "Congratulations, Mr. President," Burger said. The East Room audience applauded.

Ford shook Burger's hand, then kissed Mrs. Ford on each cheek. Then in an extraordinary hour, he delivered to the nation "not an inaugural address, not a lireside chat, not a campaign speech. Just a little straight talk among friends. I Intend it By GAYLORD 8HAW Associated Press Writer WASHIINGTON (AP) -Gerald R.

Ford became 38th President of the United States today and told the nation "our long national, nightmare is Over." "Our Constitution works," Ford said as he assumed the office of the resigned Richard M. Nixon. "Our great republic is a government of laws and not of men." At 12:03 p.m. EDT, Ford pronounced the oath of office Nix-pn was accused of violating in the Watergate scandals. r)rd-was-PrestdenriureayT" Nixon's resignation was deliv-erd at 11:35 a.m.

EDT, and with it the powers of office passed automatically to Ford, a plain man, who promised plain talk to the nation, Ford said he would ask to appear before a joint session of Congress Monday night to discuss "my views on the priority business of the nation." "As we bind up the wounds of Watergate, let us restore the Golden Rule to our political process," Ford said. He spoke, too, of Nixon, who at the moment of transition -was flying over the Midwest on the way home to California and private life. "May our former President who brought peace to millions find it for himself," Ford said. Ford said his first speech as that holds government together, and not only government but nave not elected me by your "Amenca-JMlUremain strong- rfirsti --jfc-doolenly swear that-' itself. That civilization ballots, so I ask you to confirm and united, but its strength will though strained, is unbroken at home and abroad." He prom, ised an administration of open will faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect "If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by secret promises," Ford said.

"I have not me as your president by your prayers," Ford said. While he will make what remain dedicated to the safety and sanity of the entire family of man," Ford said. ness and candor. MATTOON LLS ILLINOIS i iff FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 1974 120th YEAR 172 16 PAGES Flies to California Mxon bids sorrowful fdrewel liiilllilfc with the good of the country however our judgment might differ," Nixon a waiting helicopter for the short hop to Andrews Air Force base and the presidential plane. The flight to California would take five hours.

One last time, as he stepped into the helicopter, the resigning President waved the two-handed V-for-victory sign he had flashed so many times before from hundreds of political platforms. And at precisely 10 a.m. EDT, the helicopter rose into the misty Washington morning. His Cabinet and several hun-d administration aides heard his East Room farewell, and saw him go. His successor, Gerald R.

ferent gods but really the same God in a sense. "But I want to sayjor each and every one of you not only will we always be grateful to you, always you will be in our hearts and in our prayers. Thank you very much." The Nixon aides, many of whom had wept as did their departing leader, stood in applause. Nixon said be departed proud of the people "who have stood by us and worked for us and served this country. We want you to be proud of what you have done.

"Always remember, others may hate you but those who At the end of his presidency, as he was at its start 2,027 days ago, Nixon was hopeful that peace will be his legacy. "When I first took the oath of office as President 5 years ago, I made this sacred commitment: 'to consecrate my office, my energies and all the wisdom I can summon to the cause of peace among nations," he said. "I have done my very best in all the days since to be true to that pledge." By HARRY F. ROSENTHAL Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) A tearful Richard M. Nixon performed the final acts of his devastated presidency today, bidding sorrowful farewell to his Cabinet and aides, telling them that only a man in the deepest valley can know "how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain." Then at 10:16 a.m., he flew, off to San Clemente, in the "Spirit of 76," the presidential aircraft that had taken him to so many memorable events in his 5 year His wife, daughter Tricia and her husband Ed Cox were with them as they left for a home House" no more.

The younger daughter, Julie and her husband David Eisenhower stayed behind to help pack the family's belongings. The Nixons had trod a red carpet from the White house to Members of his shattered administration were there, too: Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger, Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger, his Watergate lawyer James D. St. Clair.

He told the nation Thursday night his resigning was an act personally abhorrent because "I am not a quitter," but a decision mandated by the national interest. Nixon acknowledged his base of support was gone, a casualty of scandal. "I would have preferred to carry through to the finish whatever the personal agony it would have involved my family unanimously urged me to. do he the interests of "the1. -nation jfiust; always come 'before any personal considerations." The farewell address to the nation; 16 minutes long, was devoid of bitterness or recriminations.

"All of us, in the final analysis, have been concerned Nixon began his speech by noting it was the 37th time he had addressedjhe. country.irom Ford, watched the takeoff. hate you don't win, unless the Oval Office on some mat Nixon's -White House I hate themj and (hen you de ter that I believe affected the words: stroy yourself." national interest." He was in control, speaking Wit slowly, with his voice appearing to quaver only once. "This. house has a great heart and the heart comes from those who serve," Nixon told his associates.

With hint were Mrs. Nixon, their daughters Julie and Tricia and their husbands. "And so we leave in high hopes, in good spirits and in deep-humility and with very much gratefulness in our hearts. We come from many faiths, we pray perhaps to dif "Throughout the long and dif ficult period of Watergate. have felt It was my duty to per.

severe, to make every possible Sidewalk comments President Gerald R. Ford effort to complete the term of office to which you elected me. he said. "I have never been' a quitter Nixon's move right opinion here Grand Rapids reaction Emotions mixed To leave office before my term is completed is abhorrent to every instinct in my body. But as President I must put the interest of America first.

America needs a full-time President and a full-time Congress. "To continue to fight through the months ahead for my personal vindication would almost totally absorb the time and attention of both the President and the Congress in a period when our entire focus, should be on the great issues of peace abroad and prosperity without inflation at home." Then the nation's 37th chief executive made the announcement that had been forecast in the capital for days: "I shall resign the presidency effective at noon tomorrow. Vice President Ford will be sworn in as" President at that hour in this office." By HARRY REYNOLDS JG Staff Writer A smile and a little sadness. That was the reaction today of Mrs. Joyce Kimball of Grand Rapids, to the news that Gerald R.

Ford will become the nation's 38th President. Mrs. Kimball is the wife of Jerry Kimball, formerly of Charleston. Kimball is the brother of Journal Gazette Sports Editor James Kimball. Mrs.

Kimball and her family have lived in Grand Rapids for nine years. Ford is from Grand Rapids. "I think it is kind of nice that he (Ford) is from our President had covered up the Watergate affair for two years surprised Mrs. Kimball. She said up until that time she felt that Nixon was not involved in the coverup.

She said if Nixon had admitted that his aides were involved in the Watergate incident when he found 4it about it in 1972, the American people would have forgiven him. Mrs. Kimball said the late President Kennedy made a bad mistake in the Bay of Pigs incident but that he admitted his eVror immediately, "The American people forgave President Kennedy By ROSE ANN ROBERTSON JG Staff Writer The first resignation of an American President has not brought the chaos and turmoil many expected. At least not in Mattoon. In several street interviews today on the question of Richard Nixon's resignation, many people commented they really didn't know that much' about it, hadn't kept up with it, or just did not want to comment.

Apparently most of the people in Mattoon were home Thursday night, watching Nixon's address to the people. One store manager at the Cross County Mall said lllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Past, future covered in business was "dead last night." One woman, who said she had to work, "would have given anything to be home last night watching television." The majority of people the Journal Gazette spoke to thought Nixon made the right choice in resigning. Gfady Kitchens of O'Fallon said she thought the speech was "excellent." Calling herself a Nixon supporter, Mrs. Grady said she felt as if the former president "let me down." Speaking about Nixon's televised appearance this morning, she said "it was very touching. I was dropping a tear or two." Mrs.

Kitchens said she was confident that newly sworn in President Gerald R. Ford "will do a good job." A woman, who did not wish to be identified, said that she was a Nixon supporter, "in the beginning, but not at the last." "I thought he was the man for the office, but later I felt he didn't do anything for the country." She called Ford "a capable man," but added that Watergate would not be forgotten. Jim Vallance of Route 4 also -called himself a Nixon supporter, but said he was "glad Nixon did it (resigned)." Vallance said he thought Nixon's speech was "pretty good." he added that now he felt the country could forget Watergate and go on. "Never a Nixon supporter" was the way Patrice Spencer Charleston described herself. She called Nixon's resignation "a good idea.

I think it was the right thing do." Questioned on President Ford, she said she really had "no opinion," because' she did not know much about him or his career. Mrs. Spencer added that the country "cannot forget Watergate." Sharon McMorris of Toledo told the Journal she "didn't like" Nixon's speech last night. "I thought he should have stayed in office and fought." She said she was a Nixon supporter who felt he "was not guilty, but took the blame for a lot of others. He was left holding the bag." She added that she didn't know whether or not Nixon would have been impeached, but felt the process should have been carried out.

Linda Layton, also of Toledo, said she didn't feel "Nixon was anymore guilty than some others. He just got caught." She said that resignation was "the easy way out." If he would have stayed, I think he would have been impeached." Adding that she was "tired of hearing about it," she said "I hope we can forget Watergate." town," said Mrs. Kimball lllllllllllllllllllllllllllll She said she. had met Ford Jor the Bay of Pigs error," she said, Nixon's resignation. He did say," however, that he felt Ford would make a good president "I think Gerald Ford Is an ideal person to step into this situation," said Brooks.

"I think by the very manner in which he conducts hlmselfT- he instills trust toy-people," said Brooks. "I think he will have a calming effect" Brooks said he met Ford when the vice president visited Eastern Illinois University recently. "He is a man who gives out warmth," said Brooks. "He took time out to visit not only wth me, but the candidates. He, seemed to enjoy meeting with us." Republican County Board member Frank Annis of rural Mattoon said he thought Ford would be some improvement over Nixon, but added: "I don't "see there will be any real change as long as Kissinger (Henry; Kissinger, is Secretary of State)." Annis said he didn't trust Kissinger.

-Hefaid if on were guiltyi of any crimes "he would be tried just like you or I or anybody else," Democratic Chairman Joseph Connelly said he. thought Ford's relations with Congress would be better than Nixon's. He said he felt the whole. Watergate story should- be 1 brought out Into the open. ''s JG foday' once at a PTA meeting Grand Rapids.

Mrs. Kimball said she was a strong supporter of President Nixon's until Monday. That was the day the President admitted publicly that he tried to thwart a crucial phase of the FBI's investigation of the Watergate burglary. jarsu-Kimball said until-K Monday she had "really felt it was his (Nixon's) bad choice of advisers." Revelation that the Cabinet to stay The political career of Richard M. Nixon apparently came to an end at about 8:15 p.m.

Central Daylight Time Thursday when he announced bis resignation as President The entire Editorial Page of I I I A A todayVJouraahairiteIsr uiiMi liAiif rAc'n vac iiaai Couple receive? greetings from President Nixon Today, President Richard M. Nixon's last day in office, Mr. and Mrs. William Carter of 909 Moultrie received a card from the President congratulating them for their 50th wedding anniversary. The Carters celebrated their anniversary Aug.

4 with an open house for family and friends. Aug. 5 was the date of their marriage, 50 years ago. "We're very happy to get the card considering everything," Mrs. Carter said.

"It's a nicecard wishing ns a happy anniversary and many, more years of happiness together. It was very nice that he had thought of us. I hate to see" him go ont of office but it could be for the better. You never know." Mr. and Mrs.

Carter are the parents of Homer Carter, Ralph Carter and Mrs. Ruth Klous, all of Mattoon; Mrs. Ruby Essex of Buckner and George Carter of Notaze, Kan. Thev have 17 grandchildren. "I think President Nixon would have been forgiven.

But to lie for two years, that goes against the people's grain." Mrs. Kimball said she thought Nixon was "intensely personal" Thursday night when he made the televised speech announcing his resignation. "It was embarrassing," she the man, very sorry." Mrs. Kimball said that as a result of the coverup "so much tme has been spent on this stupid business-(Watergate)." She said she believed that Nixon would have beaten Sen. George McGovern, for the presidency in 1972 even if Nixon had made events surrounding Watergate public.

honestly tried to believe in the man (Nixon)," said Mrs. Kimball. She said it was important -that the people believe in their president and that therefore it was crucial that a president be honest with the people. Coles County Republican Chairman Herbert Brooks would not comment on if devoted to stories about three major phases of Nixon's career, The in-depth articles are on his career in politics, his relations with his cabinet and his dealings with Congress. An in-depth look at President Gerald R.

Ford and a review of the Watergate scandal that was Nixon's undoing' appears on page J. A study of Ford's political views through bis recent statements appears on page 12. Today's edition of the Journal Gazette is one which yon may well want to preserve so that in the future you ran refer back to It when discussing this historic day ia our nation's history. lllllllllllllllllllllllllllll mer Secretary of Defense Mel-vin R. Laird; former Atty.

Gen. Elliot L. Richardson; California Gov. Ronald Reagan; Sens. Howard H.

Baker Jr. and Bill Brock of Tennessee, Mark 0. Hatfield of Oregon. Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts, Charles H.

Percy of Illinois, Robert T. Stafford of Vermont and Robert Taft'Jr. of Ohio; and Reps. Albert H. Quie of Minnesota and John B.

Anderson of Illinois. In planning his new administration, Ford secured a promise from Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger to stay on. He had developed ties with Kissinger place primary emphasis on a smooth transition of power within the White House and government before turning to pick the man. who will be the nation's second appointed vice president Ford was the first.

Though Ford associates differ on his prospects, -former New York Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller heads an initial list of 12 vice presidential possibilities. The list is expected to grow as the new president asks the views of a broad spectrum of GOP congressmen, senators and officials. A list drawn up by Ford's staff includes Rockefeller; for By CARL P.

LEUBSDORF WASHINGTON (AP) Gerald R. Ford plans to launch the same type of broad vice presidential search that led to his own selection 10 months ago. A choice is unlikely until after the new president speaks to the nation tonight and the Congress next week. Sources close to Ford say he plans to keep the entire Nixon Cabinet and most of the top White House staff while gradually working In his own people. They will come mainly from his vice, presidential staff and a long list of former colleagues in the House.

At the outset, he plans to Today's Journal Temperature 2 p.m. 87 Yesterday's temperature High 87, Low 65 Mostly cloudy tonight with some showers and thuh-derstoms likely. Low in the mid to upper 60s. Saturday partly cloudy, chance of showers and thunderstorms. Not quite so warm.

High in the low to mid 80s, 13, 14, IS 11 4 11 1-13 hi Classified Comics Editorial Entertainment Obituaries Sports Women's early in his vice presidency. IIUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII.