Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-28
spOnded to e.hriIl which passed thr0ngh

sponded to the thrill which passed through
the body itself.
The League, while cherishing the memory
OF one too early removed from the scene OF
his earthly glory, took up the flag which
Gambetta let fall, and held it aloft as he
had done. Its first concern was to encourage
by every means in its power the physical
improvement of the youth of the country.
ActiTe, out-of-door exercise helps young
men in every way. 1t makes them strong
and healthy, it enables them to throw of
mental depression, and it brings them
together in social brotherly union. The
effects of town life, enervated habits, and
over-civilization generally, have tendency
to weaken the youths of great cities. After
tie war of 1s70-1s71, an effort was made to
reform all this.
FRANCE TAKES UP THE CRY.
A systematic movement was set on foot,
which has since taken deep root in France.
Gymnastic societies sprang up in all parts
of the country, and, at the moment OF the
foundation of the League of Patriots, had
already done great good. They were de-
veloping the rising generation, and lifting
them to become soldiers in defence of their
country. Many of the boys in the lycees-
where cramming still remains supreme
were longing for the time when their studies
should be at an end, in order to take part IN
the physical contests of these societies.
Every year their numbers increased. There
were only 16 gymnastic associations in the
department OF the Seine when the League
began its propaganda in 1882; there are now
&C. Recreation grounds have been opened
everywhere. Muscular culture has, in fact,
become quite the rage; not that physical
-l,ol l1.rf nv
sical culture subordinate to the essentials of
perfect manhood Even the girls at school
now have their female professor of gymnas-
tics. If this movement continues-and the
League does all it can to promote it
France, in few years, will be able to point
with pride to race of active and manly
youths second to none among the other ma
tions of Europe.
The League was also instrumental in
bringing about those annual prize shooting
contests which now take place all over
France and even in Algeria. 1t led the
way, and the French National Rifle Asso-
citation, with its now innumerable and ex-
pert marksmen, may be considered as owing
its existence to the money and enterprise of
the League. As early as February, 1884,
the Presidents of the different French shoot
ing societies meet in the hall of the League,
in favor of shooting contest open to all
comers.
The League carried on also by other means
its good work of promoting patriotic and
military education. 1t had recourse to the
book, the song, and the newspaper. Its sole
official organ, the DrdpedH, was brimful of
essays, pictures and poems that breathed
the purest civism. 1 travelled all over
France, visiting every town and village.
After months of toll and hundreds of lect-
ures, contrived to bring about the first fete
of the Associated Gymnasts of the Seine in
1888. 1t took the League two years to con-
solidate this work.
THE RISE OF BoULANGER.
The League, twill be seen, had all along
carefully abstained from mixing up its name
in party politics. French politics have al
ways been subject to the effect of periodical
currents, and the duty of every patriot who
tries to keep aloof from parties is to recog-
nize these and turn them to the best advant-
age for the good of his country. The last of
these popular movements died out with
Gambetta, and calmness prevailed until the
advent of General Boulanger. In a very
few months, however, his star mounted the
zenith of the political horizon. His name
was on every tongue. Wherever one went
the cry of "Vive BoulangerT' predominated.
Mobs at political meetings, boys and girls
escaping from school, working men in wine
shops, laborers in the fields, all expressed
their feelings in acclamation of the popular
favorite.
And what was the meaning of this univer-
sal cry? 1t was the protest of the multi
tude against the emo progress" party of the
Chambers, yell of indignation at official
corruption, the death knell of dealers in
decorations, the shibboleth of reform and
political honesty. Those in power had dis
gusted the country with Parliamentary
Government. The Government had shown
its impotence at home, its efacement
abroad. 1t had ruined and disorganized
the country. Its sole preoccupation had
been religious persecution. General Bou-
| LANCER was only popular because the Parlla-
ment was unpopular. The popularity he
had gained ought to have been its own. A
/ reform policy could alone put an end TO the
disturbed state of the country. The Gov.
| eminent precipitated crisis and hastened
its own downfall, In order to set aside his
| influence, which was paramount, the powers
that were sent the General to Clermont-
Ferrand, as though such a course would
have any ultimate effect on his plans. The
| fact is the Government had all along under
estimated his influence. 1t then sought tc
crush him on the puerile pretext of his in.
| fringing disciplinary regulation which, a.
everybody knows, is more honored in the
breach. than in the observance.
THE GENERAL A WORKER.
The General had won his spurs at the head
of the War Department by no vain show
He set himself to the task of eontenting the
soldier, and great generalship is closely
allied to a careful consideration of such de
tails. No other Minister Of War had raised
the morale of the troops in so short a time
He had fairly electrified the army. NJ
sooner had he made up his mind to a re-
form than he carried it out, without mo
ment's delay. And that is what soldier
| likes. And that is what the country likes
too. While he was at the head of the army
the arsenals turned out 1000 Lebel rifles q
! day, whereas the average since then has moi
exceeded 800. He was simply following ur
| defensive policy. AS he said in the Cham.
ber: ''The- Frenchman who declared wal
would be mailman; but the Frenchmeu
who did not strain every nerve to be able to
meet it would be a miscreantp His one
ruling object was to be prepared in case Of
attack, not to provoke conflict. Beyond this
he was peaceful man, as all who know him
personally are convinced. His advent to
power would not necessarily mean personal
rule. He is tried Republican.
When, therefore, in June, 1887, a few
black sheep in our midst spread the rumo1
that the League was plotting with General
Boulanger the overthrow of the Republic to
called general meeting and did all could
4 ~ II .1z1 Alr,.z -