South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-01-19
IT. IN1E1\ IN IT'D LAIN IN I9IO %%%

Copyright 1919. Mcclure Newspaper syndicate)
Nearly three years ago at the moment Of the Ger
man attack upon Nerdun London friend OF mine
furnished with letter of Introduction TO NJ
Georges Clemenceau. then holding other political
position than member Of the French senate but since
become the president OF the council the eadef OF the
French nation and the saviour alike of France and
the Allied cause. But even in the Verdun period he
was as ne has been for at least quarter OF century,
the most interesting OF French public and through
his newspaper he the single outspoken critic of
the Allies mistakes the champion vigorous and
concerted action against the common enemy.
At the moment when was in Paris mar ventUred
even TO hint that Clemenceau might succeed TO the
post then held by BRAND His and his energy
everywhere conceded. bat general lack Of
confidence growing OF the incidents in the states
mans long history Of political battle He was in that
now forgotten time lonely. II splendid figure France
was not yet face face with defeat was the case
two later; the Verdun episode which to
move Johre and bring about The ultimate fall OF
BRAND. only beginning although al
ready seeming long, had not yet come to appear in
great has been the transformation since 1916 so
complete the triumph of Cemenceau that 1 have
thought my O my interview o that time.
revealing they do the great man. already consciously
measuring himself for the which to come.
might have contemporary interest and here present
my notes made at the time but before published
for obvious To them 1 add only the further
explanation that came TO Paris from London, bring
ing letter of Introduction. which had been assured
in the British capital would open the way for
Accordingly. when / reached Paris. days later.
the necessary message. Two hours later received an
invitation call upon the senator his home No 3,
Rue Franklin. the next morning at II o'clock
WARNED OF THE TIGER"
Rue Franklin is that relatively obscure which
starts somewhat grandiosey at the Trocadero end
the Of streets which come of Pasey
the home of Benjamin Franklin. Clemenceau's house,
guarded by the inevitable courtyard and blank wall,
extends southwark the next and gives broad
opening for sunlight from the SOUTH and it in his
study, illuminated by the March which in Paris
spring, that Clemenceau received Before
/ went TO him. my French friends had warned one
is always warned of Cemenceau. He viii tell you
that The Germans still at NOyOn,' ad-
mOnition. citing the sentence that almost daily APP
peared Clemenceau's newspaper, LHomme En-
Clemenceau came To power. He will criticise Amer
lea; will say something terrible; he always does:
beware" This was an even more frequent warning.
point OF he did neither but this ancipetinS
Leading down a long and dusty hallway, an old
ushered into CIemcnceau's study, the
which had heard much. and there. seated at the
wonderful desk which Is part Of the stage properties
of political Paris. Clomenceau. For the moment
the desk more remarkable than its owner.
a circular desk. shaped like the
placement of a heavy gun with long sides stretching
backward if protect the gunner from flank fire.
from his chair to Clemen-
seemed almost like of the short howitzers
rising the DISCHARGE.
/ had expected 10 ola man. fer Sen Clemen-
ceau well past the 20 mark; instead 1
whose motions suggested the energy and force OF
so. / had expected a stern, bitter face
but instead the smiling face of who well
coined a friendly guest. The first impression of
energy, the second of courtesy.
When had sat down he retook his place at the