New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-08-19
CLEMENCEA and GAMBETT4.

CLEMENCEAU And GAMBETTA
The mOnOtony of dull and spiritless cleo
toral canvass in France has been varied by two
enlivening incidents. The Premier, having alb
Dictated a political leader and volunteering
to act in future as lieutenant to NJ. Gam
beta, has disclaimed any intentions of intlu-
enclng the constituencies through official can
didatures. The Minister of the Interior has
addressed circular to the projects and sub
projects cautiOning them against interfering
with the political action of the electors and
his colleagues in the Cabinet have given to
Their subordinates strict injunctons not to
prlng any official pressure to bear upon the
constituencies. In one district at least, the
Ministry have not been taken at their word
An official of the Interior Department having
presented himself to the electors of Aries. the
cry of "of.icial candidature" has been raised
and the Radicals have teegraphed in hot haste
to M Clemanceau, the leader Of the Extreme
Left, entreating him to abandon the district
where he is certain of an election and to
contest district where there is So
called Government candidate to be repulsed.
Accordingly the eloquent physician leaves his
patients and constituents in MOntmartre free
to vote for another Radical, and sends this
bulletin to Aries: "Citizens: You say that you
require my name to oppose an official candi-
date | give it you. Vive la Republique !"
Retiring from the recent session of the Depu-
ties flushed with success that well nigh up-
set the Ministry, M. Clcmenceau now occupies
a commanding position the leader of that
advanced Republcanisrn which has outstrpped
Opportunism.
The second incident has occurred at Belle
vile, once known as the Mount Aventine of
tha .;nI
beta. For twelve years, since his brilliant de-
fence of Delescluze sent thrill from one end
of France to the other he has taken part in
all the great discussions of the day, and when
ever general election has been ordered
he has faced his constituents with the
consciousness that his popularity gave him
an cvermastering influence over them. MANY
of his greatest oratons have been de-
livered at Beleville. 1t was there that
he heralded the advent of the Nouveiles
Couches Sociales. 1t was there that ne gave
warning that it was the social question that
was frightening the bourgeosie and that the
sources of morbid apprehension must be re-
moved. Ii was there that he preached the new
political gospel of Opportunism. Always had
he been listened to with rapt attention and
enthusiastic admiration. Yet on Tuesday last.
when he appeared before vast concourse of
citizens on the eve of the general elections To
review the work of the last Legislature and To
unfold an enlightened policy for the new Cham
her, he was not suffered to speak. contact
body OF turbulent Radicals made such an I'D
rear that his powerful voice was mufed and
the political demonstration brought to an end
lie could console himself with the reflection
that thousands were with him and only a few
hundreds against him. Yet the incident must
have left n painful impression upon his mind.
Which of the Gracchi could conceal his nm
easiness when the outer ranks of the ponplar
audiences they were wont to sway with their
eloquence ceased to listen and created :,
tumult
The insult offered to NJ. Garnbetta at Belle
VILE may revive his popularity there and
strengthen his position in the next Chamber
The hirelings and fanatics who denied him fine
very privileges of free speech and free a.
semblage for which they are themselves always
clamoring, were branded 10y him in vehement
reproaches, and great reaction in his favor
may be witnessed next Sunday. If his election
by an overwhelming vote follows this scene of
radical excess and turbulence, he will again
tower above his associates as the chamoion of
social ORDER, tramphng under foot the blazing
emoers OF revolutionary violence. A political
", WI VIC oCper manu-, may prove an ire
treVable disaster. Mr.. Gladstone retained his
prestige after his defeats at Oxford and South-
west Lancashire, but NJ. Gambetta's reputati,n
would be crippled by crushing reverse at
Belleville 80 soon after the collapse of the
scrutin de liste under which he might have
been made grand elector from the most in
fluential and populous departments in France
With the jeers and Kisses of the mob which
silenced him still ringing in his ears, he repre-
sents to-day Republication which is at once
conservative and liberal. His rival at Aries
may be promoted to become the hero of Paris.
but, unless his luck turns against him, M. Gam
BETA will remain the hero of France.