Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-03-29

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laux poured into the body Of Editor Gas
ton Calmette. have started J disturbance
that may turn France upside down.
The situation in Paris appears to possess the
same elements that have produced six reVoiu-
tions within one hundred and thirty years. and
caused the streets Of the volatile capital 10
swim with blood every time.
Castor Calmette, the editor Of the Figaro,
began bitter campaign on behalf OF the con-
sentative classes Of France -.gainst the radical
socialist Minister Of Finance, Joseph Caillaux.
Suddenly by an unexpected turn, what hao
been an acrimonious political fight changed
into a whirlwind OF the deepest human pas
sions.
An examination Of the Figaro reveals some
Of the causes that led -aadame Caillaux to
shoot CASTOR Nalmette For over three
;-9onths, that is, since December IL when the
resent French Government took office, the
Figaro has conducted an uninterrupted attack
on Minister Caillaux of unparalleled bitterness.
The newspaper has accused him of being
liar, turncoat. of aiding all kinds of criminal
and corrupt financial schemes, and OF using his
official information for the benefit Of his stock
exchange friends.
The Figaro is the leading organ Of the
wealthy. conservative and fashionable classes
of France
consequence Of his wife's act. the most aggres-
sve and capable member. Of the new cabinet,
headed by. M. Castor Doumergue. He was the
Lloyd-George Of France. The chief feature Of
his political programme was an income tax
law, which was bitterly resented by the. con-
servative classes OF France Hence the oppo-
sition of Figaro.
For three months the Figaro published ON an
average three articles a day against M Call
laux, the principal one by the editor, CASTOR
Calmette, and the others by his ablest assist
ants. This made about go articles in all In
addition there appeared every other day
merciless cartoon against Cailaux, exposing
his corruption and dishonesty. These were
usually by Forain, the cleverest and most scath-
ing caricaturist in France.
The articles sought not only to show th4t
Caillaux was thoroughly corrupt and dishonest
in all his political affairs, but that he was ut
terly insincere In his advocacy of Ms pet
scheme, the income tax. The culmjnation Of
this line OF attack came with letter by NJ.
Caillaux which the newspaper published on
March 10.
The letter was written from the Senate The
name of the person to whom 1t was addressed
is not published, but the 'tutoiement'' the
thee and thou" style used in the letter, shows
that it was written to very intimate friend.
It reads:
Although wanted to do so very much, it
was impossible for me to write to you yester-
day. / was compelled to attend two meetings
of the Chamber-in the morning from 10 o'clock
to noon, and in the afternoon from o'clock to
O'Clock.
Il was very tired, but won a great success by
demolshing the income tax project, while ap-
pearing to defend 1t. l received applause from
the Right and Centre (the Royalist and Con-
servative sections Of the Chamber) without too
greatly displeasing the Left (the Radical and
Socialist sections). l succeeded in giving a
turn to the helm In the direction we needed
"The meeting Of the Chamber this morning
did not end till 12:45.
= am harassed, at the end Of my strength.
and almost sick, but shall have rendered a
great service to the country. THY JO."
It was the publication OF this letter which
led Madame Caillaux to kill Editor Calmette
1t was said that the letter was addressed to her
when she was still 1.-The wife OF Leon Claretie a
distinguished writer who contributed to the
Figaro.