The Washington herald., 1909-11-07


name some foreign potentate, and, no
matter whether they belong TO his poiiu-
cal following or not. they become ex-
tremely sensitive about his shortcomings.
which they feel are likely 10 excite
amused comment. and even ridicule. on
the part OF the visitors from abroad.
blow 10 Popularity.
Falieres. popularity received its first
serious blow when he commuted the CAPT
tai sentence Of Soleillaud into deportation
for life to Frances penal settlements in
South America Soleilland's crime OF
murder had been Of such an indescribably
atrocious character that the exercise OF
Presidential clemency in his behalf was
revolving TO the public and aroused wide
spread indignation.
Il was not. however. that Fallleres had
discovered any extenuating circumstances
in Soleilland's horrible Offense. Far from
1t. But having, as a member OF the
Chamber OF Deputies and afterward as a
senator. always championed the cause OF
abolition Of capital punishment ne felt
that he could not consistently. as Presi-
dent sign warrants sending people TO the
guillotine.
II the end. however, popular sentiment
was so strong I'm the matter that he vas
Obliged TO Yield and since the people
have impressed upon him that IL was
contrary 10 the spirit of the constitution
that ne should permit his own personal
views and prejudices 10 stand in the way
Of the execution Of the DEGREES OF The
highest courts in the land he has re-
Trained from committing any more capt
tai punishments. and the guillotine is now
working overtime. with the result thai
murders are diminishing in number % al
altogether phenomenal degree in France
state Funeral Held.
The other day. when capt Marchal ani
his three fellow-ofcers were killed in 81
shocking a fashion through the wreck and
fan OF the government airshlp Repub
lique near M0ulins. state funeral wa:
ordered by the cabinet. which took place
with the most impressive ceremony, a
Versailles, the prime minister and hi,
colleagues taking part IN all the ecclesl
astical features Of the ohsequies.
The latter were attended by the Turk
lsh generalissimo, Chefket Pasha, and b,
special representatives Of the principa
LLA 4E- cDA E-le- thu lN------L y l-e-te--
laying four magnificent wreaths Of flow
ers, with autograph cards OF sympathy
from ms imperial master, upon each o.
the collins.
But although the public looked for tn,
President. he was conspicuous by hi
absence. There was not even any mem
Der Of his household there TO represen
him nor any floral token Of SORROW fo
n IL
the performance OF their duty.
Fails to show Sympathy.
And It was recalled that Fauieres hat
manifested what appeared 20 the publi
20 be a similar indifference at the time o
the funeral OF the victims or the teribl
explosion on board the battle ship Jeni
at ToUlon, and on other similar OCCASION
when foreign rglers had gone out Of thef
way 20 show sympathy by the dispatch
/ Of special representatives and flowers.
Yet Fallieres was not altogether q
blame IN the matter. The sO-calIed pro
+ tocol-that is 20 say. the bureau at III
ministry OF foreign affairs which deter
mines all questions Of ceremonial ant
etiquette and which has managed 20 i'm
/ pose its viii upon the present occupan
[ Of the Elysee 70 a greater degree thar
upon any Of his predecessors in Office
I informed him that Il was contrary q
/ president and 20 tradition for the rule
/ OF the nation TO take any notice Of IN
! funeral OF officers Of rank so inferior a
/ those Of captain and OF lieCtenant
I \ stronger man would have sent N
/ AIollard. who is at the head OF the pro
/ tOcol department, about his business an
would have followed his own instincts 8
/ the matter, which would have brOugh
/ him nearer 10 the people. But unfortu
+ nately the President gave way. and, {
make matters worse, spent the day Of tn
| funeral i'm shooting at Rambouillet. whic
/ he left, however. a few days later TO un
1 vel the statue of a perfectly obscure an