Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-04-05
TOLD OF PRESIDENT FAuRE.
The Head OF the French Republic In {
Of

The Head OF the French Republic In the
Days of the Commune.
M. Faure, the president Of the French
republic, is well known by prominent
French American resident of New Or
leans, who was with NJ Faure during
the French commune. He describes the
new president as man of personal mag
netism, of splendid executive ability and
unquestioned bravery and firmness.
Faure began business as a small COM
mission merchant in hides, wool, etc.,
at Havre years ago. From that, by en-
ergy, economy and thrift, he prospered,
and his business increased until he was
one Of the most extensive commission
merchants in that city. He became also
one OF the most prominent men oil the
city politically, and just before the
Franco German war he was made first
"adjoint'' to the mayor Of the city and
was staff officer Of the army, although
his duties did not require his presence
on the battlefield He took all active in
terest, of course, in the war, and 1t was
owing to his efforts that the commissary
department Of the French soldiery was
kept we'll supplied. He was also close
adviser of the officials of Havre and in
every manner demonstrated great execu-
tive talent and born leadership.
1t was in 1871, during the French
commune, however, that his personal
bravery and ability to confront desperate
emergencies were tested. While acting
in the capacity Of "adjoint" Or adviser
of the mayor at Havre, a request was
made of him from the mayor OF Paris
for firemen and engines. The city OF
Paris was in flames from one end to the
other, and aid was being asked every
where in engines and fremen. Faure
at once called for volunteers and urged
upon them the necessity Of responding
to the call He thus raised company
of fremen to go to Paris and fight the
fires that were raging everywhere.
Faure showed his courage and won the
hearts of the fremen and people by go
Ing with the volunteers as their leader.
With all the engines the city could spare
they fastened to Paris, and for three
days, without rest or scarcely anything
to eat fought the flames.
Faure did the duties of fireman, and
OH one occasion, when one Of the men
was asleep from fatigue, rather than
awaken him took his place and did his
work. He was in dozen perilous posi-
tons during that three days fight with
fire, in company of his companions, and
never finched. In every instance he
proved himself to be a man Of determi-
nation and courage He was first in
every danger, and at the most critical
times he never lost his self possession
and will power, and with his volunteer
firemen be did yeoman service in trying
to save Paris from the embrace Of the
fire fend.
The people Of Havre never forgot M.
Faure's valiant service OH that occasion,
and afterward, as Republican, he was
elected to the chamber Of deputies. Ee
served with several ministers as private
secretary, and of late years has had more
important connection with that branch
of the government service. He has pros
pered in business as well as i'll political
affairs and is said to be one Of the
most popular as well as one of the ablest
statesmen of the French republic. New
Orleans Times Democrat.