Semi-weekly herald., 1913-02-20
NEW FRENCH PRESI-
DENT TINAUGURATED

PARIS, Feb. 18.-Raimond Poin-
care today assumed the duties of pres
ident of the republic, while former
President Fallieres passed into pri-
vate life. The transfer of office took
place in the Elysee palace this after
noon. The ceremony did not differ
in any material feature from the pro-
gram followed at previous Inaugural
tions But, aside from the formal cer-
emony, the popularity of NJ. Poincare
was evidenced by popular rejoicings
throughout the country, the demon
strations being more general and more
enthusiastic than were ever before
known to mark the advent of new
president in France. The country
kept holiday in honor of the occa-
sion. The government offices, the
schools and many places of business
remained closed for the day.
In Paris many buildings were deco
rated with flags and bunting, while
pictures of the new president were
displayed in countless windows. AS
the hour for the ceremony approached
the streets in the vicinity of the Ely
see palace became alive with people,
The scene as the president drove
within the courtyard of the palace was
one of great animation. Several regr-
nents of infantry encircled the yard,
buglers in brilliant uniforms sounded
fanfares, colors were dipped and the
military bands played "The Mar
seillaise." Outside the crowds shout
ed Long live the president" and
Long live Poincare"
The actual ceremony of the trans
fer of office was simplicity itself and
consumed scarcely five minutes from
the beginning to the end In the Sa-
lon des Ambassadors, the largest re-
ception rooms of the Elysee, the re-
tiring president awaited the arrival
of the man who was a to succeed him
in office. President Fallieres was sur
rounded by the members of the cabi-
net, delegations representing the SEN
ate and chamber of deputies, and the
members of his military household.
President Falieres address of
greeting and the response of his sue
cessor were both brief. Both NM.
Poincare and Falliers wore evening
dress with the broad scarlet sashes of
the grand cross of the Legion of
Honor across their breasts. The pres
ence of their military staffs gave
brilliancy to the scene, the bright uni
forms affording pleasing touch of
color against the sombre background.
AT the hour of the Inauguration
every military garrison in France
thundered salute of twenty-one guns.
The soldiers were given a half-holiday
by order of the minister of war.
Following the ceremony the former
president and his family Withdrew to
their private apartment in the Rue
Francois |. President Poincare did
not remain long at the palace, return
ing to his former home, where his
wife awaited him. Just when the
President and Nine. Poincare will take
up their permanent abode at the Ely
see has not been announced. 1t is
rumored that the palace is to be reno
waited and redecorated from basement
to attic and that the new president
and his wife will remain in their pres
ent home until the work is completed.
The extensive brushing up" which
the Elysee is to undergo at the order
OF Nine. Poincare is generally under
stood to mean that the palace will
soon be the scene of social gayeties
and official entertainments such as
,ave seldom taken place within its