New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-02-20
Sees Grave Political Effect
in Wounding Of Its Post
War ''Idol of the Hour
Radical Menace Realized
Tardieu Alone Mentioned as
the Probable Successor if
Premier Is Incapacitated
Menu York Tribune

SpecidI Cable Service
Copyright 1919. New York Tribune Inc)
PARIS, Feb 19.-The political effect
of the attempt on Premier Clomen-
ceaus life cannot yet be estimated,
but it would be foolish to deny that it
Is grave. There is significance in the
fact that the first reaction to the news
was the question, "Was it a French
man? ?" Then there was rumor that
it was Russian who sought to kill
the Premier, and feeling of relief
was evident But the rumor was based
solely on the fact that the would be
assassin had expressed ideas similar
to the sort now known as Bolshevik.
and when it became known that he
was, indeed, a Frenchman. every one
asked, "0f what political party?"
Everything lies in this-was there
political move behind the attempt?
Warning of Deep Danger
1t seems clear that the would-bc as
sassin is an cxcitabe individual who
was moved to his act by too much
reading of Socialist Journals and lit
erature, but having behind him no po-
litical group Nevertheless, he is
symbol and warning.
Peace has exploaed among us with
greater force than way, and has left
vapors which may be healthy for the
strong minded, but certainly intoxicate
the ill-balanccd
Franco hos no Uroato~ 0ropor+;o, - 9
Unbalanced people than the United
States, England or Italy, but France,
and particularly Paris, happens to be
the centre of the worlds action to-day.
and If any manifestations are to be
expected they are certainly likely to
come here.
The age and personality of NJ. Glenn
enceau will help to modify the effect
of an attempt which, had another man
been the subject Of it, would have been
doplorable.
Socialists Extremely Bitter
There has been opposition to him
as there is to every political leader
but the opposition to NJ. Clemenceau
has been carried to extreme bitterness
by the Socialists.
Clemenceau's power and influence in
France, however, arc enormous. First,
ne IS the great patriot whose passion
ate love for his country is undeniable.
Second, he brought to the conduct cf
the war burning energy which saved
France, and finally, his good sense, his
acid wit and his occasional and DELHI
crate roughness of phrase have butt
up q picture in the public mind de-
handing and winning affection.
NJ. Clemenceau is to France what
Roosevelt was to America Much of
the political effect of the affair will
be diluted by personal sympathy for
the splendid old t'renchman. Without
that sympathy throughout France the
attempt might have been the signal
for the unloosening of political pas
sions. Thus the situation is grave, but
there is reason to hope that all will
be we'll.
Eyes Turned on Tardieu
Who will take NJ. Clemenceau's place
while he is sick? But one man is
Gently been much in the confidence of
realization that NJ Tardieu has dis
played executive ability and vision Of
the needs of this sadly changed world
emitting him to a trial IN a high of
flee.
All depends naturally on the course
of NJ Clemenceau's illness, Of which
the reports this morning are reas-
surfing. The age of the patient gives
reason for disquiet.
In the interim | hear no mention Of
any one but Tardieu. 1t would be an
other question if the formation Of an