Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-07
FRENCH WOMEN IN POLITICS.
Charming and Vivacious, of Course,
but Not Serious Force.

Paris Correspondence London Telegraph.
We have heard a good deal of the part
members of the fair sex have been play
ing in the electioneering campaign. and
marvellous stories have been related of the
sacrifices some Of them have made to pro-
vide funds for the cause they are repre-
scented as having so much at heart. What
substantial foundation is there for all these
tales? This is question which has never
been thoroughly sifted. There are. of course
women who take an interest in politics, as
in other serious matters and who support
the party Of their choice with all the en-
ergy of which they are capable but they
may with tolerable safety be regarded as
the exception and not as the rule. Such, at
any rate is the impression which may log
ically be derived from the very significant
remarks which Nine Sarah Bernhard and
Nine. Jeanne Granier have just been max
ing on the elections. Asked for their views
on the subject by the representative of our
enterprising contemporary, the Figaro. they
united in voting them decided nuisance
Nine. Sarah Bernhard exclaimed in char
acteriStic fashion: THE elections! Why
l consider that they are rendering Paris
hideous, outwardly and morally. Horrible
placards which 1 see as I pass along are
dlshSuring all our monuments They are
eFeryWhere-on walls, on trees and board
1ngs. The streets are unSightly with their
loud colors. l got out Of my carriage as
wanted to read them. and found them. If
ance."
The battle of the posters, it may be ex-
planned, is raging with even more violence
than before. and uncomplimentary epithets
are being exchanged with more virulence
than ever. What can I say about them?
find nothing in them. We have no time to
concern ourselves with politics, of which we
never think" continued Nine. Sarah Bern
thing about this. 1 lose myself in
it. All these names mean nothing
to me. 1 do not know them. 1 have
never heard of them. There are so many
prettier and more poetic things in life"
This is neat snub for worthy candidates
who are laying the fiattering JUNCTION to
their souls that all the world is talking
about them and dilating on their talents
who would heartily indorse these senti-
ments. and who must be regretting, with a
SIGH that universal suffrage was ever in
vented. The conversation took place in the
great actress loge, and her visitor having
remarked that she seemed rather tired, she
replied with smile, 81 am always tired
and this / have always been" "The laurels
very heavy. Who knows? True happi-
ness is. perhaps, to be found in the retiring
life of women who prefer the quiet OF
home" he insinuated. THAT I cannot say
as l am perfectly and thoroughly happy"
was the spirited and joyous answer.
AS for Nine. Jeanne Graner, who was
seen in her drawing room, which was fra
grant with the odor of innumerable roses.
She cried as soon as the subject was
preached, Politics! Why. 1 have nothing
to do with and have never troubled myself
about anything OF the kind. Je men moaue
All that I ask is that no posters shall
be stuck on my door. To begin with, all
these stories bore me to death. The great
thing is that the theater should get on
This was frank exposition of opinion, in
all conscience; but she continued in tone
of disgust: '"These Sundays are gay. We
are just in front of newspaper offices, there
is a huge crowd on the boulevards, the pub
lie cannot reach the theater. SO it remains
at home. Then / have very quiet times /
lead tranquil life with my books, my
music and my friends. A number of charm
ing women come to me for advice; 1 get
interested and ii. making them sing 1 for
get that no longer do 20. My dream would
be to find girl with a true artists nature
to train and create, and to get her to revive
operetta in France. cannot believe that
operetta is dead. This art is SO beautifully
French. 1t Is impossible So next year
Then. pointing to a lovely gift, she
exclaimed: See, too, how l am spoiit
Everybody s2oils me. and my authors do
this more than all the others." Luckily by
Sunday night the elections will be over, and
all this turmoil with, them.