Semi=weekly graphic., 1899-02-22
FORMER PRIME MINISTER IS THE NEW PRESIDENT OF
 FRENCH REPUBLIC.
WAS NOT AN ASPIRANT.
"If You Love Me I Hope You Won't Vote For Me-, He Said to
 His Friends.

Paris, Feb. 19.-The national as sembly met at Versailles at 1 o'clock yesterday. M. Loubet, president of the Senate, declared the sitting open amid applause of the Leftists, dur ing which M. Loubet proceeded with a drawing for telIers
 The voting then began with the letter D, Doussetts casting the first ballot. 1t was officially announced that M. Loubet received 483 votes against 27O votes for M. Moline. M. Loubet was then officially declared elected president Of the French re- public.
 From an early hour the stations of the railroad lines leading to Yer sailles were crowded with people gathered to witness the departure of the deputies and senators. M. DeRoolede arrived here by the Lyons railroad and was met by the members of the patriotic league. Good order prevailed at the sta- tions, where, to all appearances, there was no police precautions taken. The first train took an army of telegraphers and telephonists to Versailles, where the town was dec- orated with flags and draped with crape. Lamps were lighted and the erape yelled,
 The members of the national as. semblg. namely, senators md depu- ties. began to assemble at 10 o'clock and to select their seats. M. Loub- ct, president of the senate, presjd- ing officer, arrived in hls carriage at 1 10 o'clock. Friends surrounded him when be entered the gallery, and he said: If you love me I hope you won't vote for me.
 Soon the scene became animated, Crowds of people surrounded the door, watching the arrival of mem bers. The palace was closed to the public. Various political groups held meetings at noon and M. Coch- cry announced that M. Moline had definitely withdrew his candidacy. The Nationaists and t,-Semites decided not to vote for M. Lou0et.
 When M. Paul De Roulede's or ganized league patriots voted he attempted to speak from the tribune where the uras were placed, but M Loubet forbade him to do so, which called forth protests from the Right ists and applause from the Leftists. M. DeRoulede, however, persisted in spea ing. He was repulsed by the ushers and others who rushed up to expeI him from the tribune, which he finally left.
 M. Dumont and the Semites at temped to speak and great commo- tion followed, during which cries of down with anarchy" were raised. In the meantime voted confined and at 2;40 p. n. 5he ballot was complet- ed. While checking was progress ing the members of the assembly Left the hall and assembled in the galleries and corridors, where they discussed the chances of election. M. Moline loudly announced that he had voted for N. Loubet.
 While in the tribu Je M. DeRou. lede shouted: The president Of the republic ought to be elected by the people. I will not vote here. Then turning to M. Loubet' DeRoulede cried Do you deny what M. De Beaurepaire has writsen27 To this M. Louhet replied T am not called to answer you. M. De Rouleee re torted: I know what you are.
 Apart from the De R0ulede irci- dent the voting passed off quietly the members returned to their seats after voting and chatted on tbe events of the day. The progressists insisted on voting for M. Moline, al though he had withdrawn in favor of M. Loubet, which explains the votes cast for him.