The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1899-02-17
Il CRISIS IN FRANCE.
No Better Opportunity for Coup d. etat
Since lS52

| Copyright 1899, The Associated Press)
| Paris, Feb. 16.-"President Faure died
suddenly to-day of apoplexy," says the
bulletin, but it was really of worry and
apprehension, and their effect on his
health; of intoxication of exalted situa-
ton; of imperial and royal friends. His
doctors had long noted symptoms of
general paralysis. He meant we'll, but
he did great harm to the republic, be-
cause of commonplace mentality and
| that sort of vanity which Moliere ridi-
culed in 'LeBrougeois Gentil Homme.'
Louis XIV himself, though standing on
a right divine pedestal, did not attach
nearly so much Importance to courtly
etiquette. M. Faure had no insight
into the great problems of human life,
and only saw externals. He revived,
so far as possible. the ceremonials of
Napoleon's court. Not even a deputy
or senator could speak to him without
being first spoken to. Whenever a
French diplomat, who had freshly ar
rived in Paris, came to pay his respects,
NJ Faure's first question was, What
are they doing at other courts?' 1t
was noticed last week that the whites
of his eyes were yellow, his speech was
thick, his step uncertain, his neck bent
forward and his underlip inclined to
droop. He was flfty-eight last Janu-
ary. l mentioned on Tuesday to M.
Clemenceau, who is doctor, these signs
of premature old age, and he said: "I
have also noticed them. If M. Faure is
not soon turned out of the presidency
he will die of general paralysis, the ef-
feet of Foie des grandeurs."
M. Faure alone was unaware that he
must soon resign, but no one save
Clemenceau and a few others foresaw
the fatal issue. The situation brought
on through his fault is most dangerous.
Never has there been a better opportu-
nifty for coup d'etat in France since
1862. The republic for the next forty
eight hours will be lying at the mercy
of the first man who will seize it; but
the suddenness of M. Faure's demise
prevents the enemies of the republic
concerting to strangle her Besides,
there is no man of sufficient prestige to
make coup d'etat. The generals are
disaffected, but the soldiers, though hos
tile to the Jews, would not obey if or
dered to fire on the republicans M.
Faure apparently died at the nick Of
time. The reactionist forces, under his
encouraging eye, were being gathered
to battle.
Goodness knows what he fondly i'm
agined Perhaps it was that a military
coalition would hail him as a savior. M. |
Faure went privately and Unexpectedly |
last week to the opera. Notwithstand-
ing the surprise caused by his visit, the
directors staff rushed out to receive !
him. M. Faures de-de-camp, as the |
president advanced toward the stairs, |
made 2 sign that the attendants We're !
to fall back to considerable distance |
to mark their respect. He had received |
a few days before a letter from the car
and had not yet descended from the
high horse.
At st. Petersburg he was almost
shocked to find himself a. -aa emperor
from the review without a
escort. After the car had con-
Quoted him to Peterhof M. Faure re-
marked: How lacking the Russian
court is in dignity" His best point was
genuine charity for the poor and the
suffering. There was, doubtless, parade
IN his visits to hospitals; but there was
also much kindness He gave hand
somely to the poor, though close handed
N other respects. His Thursdays were
devoted to visiting hospitals and it was
IN Thursday that he was called away. I