Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-01-17

Versailles, France, Jan. 17.-Senators
and deputies of France arrived thruout
the forenoon today to take part in the
election Of a new president. President
Fallieres' seven-year term expires on
Feb. 1S.
Nominally ss7 representatives Of the
people were entitled to vote today In
the national assembly convened in the
ancient residence Of the kings of France.
These electors included 597 deputies
and 500 senators, but the number was
sreduceds owing 10 vacancies caused by
-de1sns and resignations or by illness.
Large crowds OF people who had come
from the capitol to watch the arrival
sof the politicians and statesmen dis.
turbed the repose Of the quiet little
suburban town. AS favorite repre-
sentatives. appeared they were greeted
with cheers.
Most of the senators and deputies
came from Paris on special trains and
a few arrived in motor cars or carri-
ages. With them came some 1900 rela-
tiyes and friends and persons notable
in society.
Premier RAYMOND Poincare and the
members Of his cabinet arrived to-
gether some hours before voting began.
Jules PANS, minister Of agriculture,
was not among them. He had sent to
the premier note containing his res
ignation from the cabinet and notifca-
ton that he had accepted the candi-
dacy for the presidency of the republic.
Three Ballots Decide.
Premier Poincare designated Fer
dinand David, at present minister OF
commerce, to take over also the port
folio Of agriculture.
For several months preparations
have been under way for the sitting OF
the national assembly. Altho there Is
permanent force of men at the palace
whose business is to keep the building
in readiness. much had been left to
be completed at the last moment.
It was thought, owing to the null
tiplicity of the number of candidates
mentioned, that several ballots would
be necessary. If three ballots are cast
without result the candidate then hold
ing the highest number OF votes Is
then declared president.
OF the nine elections for presidency.
seven have been decided on the first
ballot. Only at the elections of Sadt-
Carnot, in 1887, and Of Felix Faure. In
1895. were two ballots necessary.
PoonearO Leads.
Each ballot occupied almost three
hours, as the deputies and senator's are
called upon separately in Alphabetical
order to place their ballots in the urns.
The interior Of the palace. which
dates from the time Of Louis XIV, was
brilliantly decorated. The floor of the
hall was arranged with 900 chairs. No
special seats were assigned to the
members, who took their places in ac-
cordance with their political groupings.
Election Crest Social Affair.
outside the palace in the spacious
grounds there was great animation all
day, the park being filled with motor
cars and carriages while many liveried
domestics and thousands of curious
foreigners wandered about. These were
interspersed by mounted troopers for
the purpose of keeping order.
Within the palace many lively
luncheons and tea parties were, given
by the various functionaries while
some of the smaller rooms were occu-
pied by partisans of the various cam
didates discussing the tactics to be
pursued. The broad lobbies were filled
with senators and deputies and hun
drecss Of reporters for all of whom the
government provided tobacco. cigars
and cigarets.
Twelve special telegraph wires had
been laid from Versailles to Paris for
the use of officials and newspaper cor
RESPONDENTS and dozens Of special tele-
phones were Installed to insure rapid
communication.
The .buffet Of the palace was heavily
stocked with food and thousands of
bottles Of mineral water Two huge
caderons OF soup steamed constantly in
\ the palace kitchen and cups Of this
were passed about at intervals.
Crank Causes eomnotion.
=SSs5ES 80 C0mntOti0n was caused by stran8-