, 1877-10-07
EUROPEAN GOSSIP.
LEON GAMBETTA.
f,1ris Ffg0ro {dntf Republican,.


morning at one OF the police courts OF Far1s'
II. Viyien, gentlc-spirited. nollte man, was
presiding. If he had been stern he would DOL
have listened to tie bold speech OF the then un-
known Gambetta. When his turn came to
speak. Gambetta arose I was struck oy the
largeness OF his robe. He had selected at tue
common vestiary, for 10 cents, the largest one
be could find, in order that he might hare the
froest action possible for gesturing. his long,
black hair, which had not then begun to turn
gray, hung in disorder about his broaa
shoulders. 1t was evident. that no bar
bcr had touched his head that morn
inc. His powerful neck rose out Of
shirt-col1ar which fitted so loosely that hls
breast was partly discovered Ills head was
thrown forward. His blind eye was not discern
iblc, but bis profile stood out clearly marked IN
strong lines. Wher he spoke it was like ron
of thunder. His southern accent was marked
but not tlisagreeabic. His manner was en-
phatfc, and be held ones attention. / have for
gotten what be said, but there remains the i'm.
preston of an orator filled with youthful
vehcmence, too verbose bnt sonorous, and pos"
sessed OF passionate earncstnesS. Cn taklhgg
his seal, those who would not ADMIT y 1o-oay
gave him !, coneratulatory shake OF the hand.
He did not appear astonisllcd at his reception
It was as if fortunc-tellcr had foretoid his
success. lie left the courtroom proudly con-
scious that he had made an IMPRESSION lie
took cab, doubtless his first, and drcre away.
When Gambetta entered the Assembly, in
1860, he created good deal OF curiosity. Eco
plc went to see him rs they would to see
iion-tamer, thinking he would be eaten up. Bat
they were disappolnted: tfambetta heio ms
ground. When the Empire had fallen, and
Paris was blockaded BY the rrusslans, Galnbet-
ia, as Minister Of War, escaped IRON Paris by
balloon. lie landed at fTours Shortly after
ward called upon him. He was putting up Z
T.. 1.,- II
before the war. It was about midnight when l
called. After waiting an hour in the ante
chamber I was admitted Into the presence OF
the dictator. Hc was seated IN = large easy
chair before fire, with both his legs upon tic
table. Hc received me kindly, but the only
part of the conversation that l now re-
member was the parting remark OF Gam
bctta; II go tomorrow Tor the army Of the
Loire. will meet you at bcritn-, ! saw
not ut all in accord with his offices, though it be-
spoke his humble origin. He stood waiting for
the train. One OF his secretaries WAS with him,
carrying portfolio, while servant w:ls nearby
moved off. l have known persons to become
eilly by being suddenly elevated to power, but
(iambctta seems to grow cooler in promotion as
lie rises. At this period OF Gasnhetta's hrst
elevation he die not forget bis friends Every
one who had ever took bottle Of wine or glass
Of sutla with him in the Latin Quarter when he
was small LAWYER got an office. The father Of
ono Of Ga,nbetta's friends told me one day this
ancctlOte: The dictator invited his sou to sup
With him. After the soup had been removed,
Gambctta remarked: t. lave only Sub-pre-
fcct's positionin the south to offer you" After
the second course he continued: NO; you
shall be Sub-Prcfcet at Toulou." During the
dessert he said: '1a(y friend, you shall be Pre-
tect."
To,day n. Gambetta rolls along rather than
walks. He has become fat. Ills hair is getting
gray. Lie still wears rusty hat, the only thing
that remains the same after so many yicissi-
tudes lie lives in the aristocrstic quarter,
near the Champs Elysecs, Mt s. Rue de Ia
Chausee d'lntin. lie never goes out unless
accompanied by two friends. like tho Roman
Consuls OF uld. In the streets persons often
turn to look at him; and if one bows. Gambetta
returns tho salute with air prouIer tnao Il
King. tor ne does not emile.
Gatnbctta was cut out to be the leader of his
party. He hal an influence over his followers
derived from the prestige power always gives;
and if they threaten revolt, he has the weight
constant popularity of his name to crush them |
with. ". Gambetta appears in three roles, |
all Of which contribute to his success He is
a man Of the people, Democratic Cesar, |
In the Assembly there arc two Cam
bettas. The one, awayed by his former |
habits Of life. Interrupts sthe speakers
questions them, and shows 4 fearless and rough
splFlL OF Opp0SlLiOU. lHE QLiET 1DUC1TS III jDE |
tribune when he rises to address the Deputies.
This tribune, whieh unneryes, e1cites, and
oyerawcs so many speakers, Gains, cools, and
qlicts Gambctta. There he stands, with his |
head thrown forward as usual. Lis is not the
most refined nature. His voice is more neayy /
than strong. When he is pathetic it seems
forced. His grating inveetiycs irritate rather |
tllan destroy. Sometimes he seems to lose him
self in kind of sonorous language and in 4 Gu
rious balancing Of his sentences. lie is not q
master Of irony, but is perhaps the first cortcrl-
porary orator in the Assembly. His voice re-
sounds sometimes as if it came through mask
If the ancient Roman stage. He becomes ve-
hement, and then the tribune holds a great Or
1tor. Yet lie says only what he wishes to say.
There are two natures in this speaker-onc,
that Of the cold politician; another, that of the
iery orator. The last is the obedicnt slave Of
The first. When ". Garnbctta lescends from |
he tribune, rest assured that the politician does
not regret one Of the premeditated transports
IF the orator.