New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1919-02-20
Wounded in Shoulder
and Arm; Was on His
Way to Meet Col. House
Assassin Is Badly
Beaten by Crowd
Premier Vas Humanisy's
Enemy; Planned . New
War; Asserts Assailant

PARIS, Feb. 19-(By The Associated
Press) Premier Georges Clemenceau.
characterized by Lloyd George as
Frances grand young man." was at
tackled to-day by an anarchist, Emile
Coffin, known as "Milou"
Seven shoss were fred. three %
which struck the Premier. One bulles
lodged in the muscles Of the shoulder
penetrating deeply, but, so far as is at
present known, not injuring the spine
or penetrating the lungs. Two bullets
bruised the right arm and hand, while
two other bullets are reported to have
passed through the Premier's clothing.
At the time of his attempted assassi-
nation NJ. Clemenceau had just lcfc
his home to drive in a motor car to 4
conference with Colonel Edw I'd N.
House, of the American peace delega-
ton, and Arthur ]. Balfour. British
Secretary for Foreign Affairs Though
bleeding profuseIy, NJ. Clcmenceau was
able to return TO his home, where he
treasured the members Of his house
hold and waved aside anxious inquircrs
with
1T is nothing
Has Coughing Spells
Latest reports from his attendants
are to the effect that his condition was
satisfactory and that he was cheerful
throughout the day. despite occasional
fits of coughing
After temporary aid had been given
NJ Clemenceau, Professors Gosset and
Tuffier. of the University of Paris
were hastily summoned and had hur-
ried consultation. They decided upon
an X-ray examination.
One of the surgeons said that per-
haps it would not be necessary to re
move the bullet. as no bones were shat
tered and 10 important blood vessci
had been touched, although the wound
was quite deep and bled profusely.
Assailant a Frenchman
Coffin. whom the police believe 70
be somewhat harmless person. asso-
ciating with anarchists and aiding in
their propaganda. declared that he had
planned to Kill the Premier because
NJ. Clemenceau was the enemy o.
humanity and was preparing for an
other war
Premier Clemencesu declared ~
members of his household THAI he
thought he knew his assailant. He had
seen him last evening when entering
his home, but the man had skunk away.
According to the first examination
the Premier's assailant, Coffin, was
born at Creil, thirty-two miles north
Of Paris, in 1896. He is French. He
has done 10 military service, having
been excused owing to the state of his
health. He lived with his family at
Compiegne until they removed to Paris.
where he worked as carpenter
Coffin declares himself to be "a SOL
ltary and scientific anarchist"
Tells How He Shot Premier
Describing his attack on the Premier.
Coffin said:
When I reached Clemenccau's
mouse | saw it was guarded, and so
decided 10 make an attempt further
on, at the corner of the Rue Frank
I'm and the Boulevard Dclcssert.
There mid, awaiting the automo
bile. When | saw the car advanced
and fired sideways. the first bullet
piercing two windows. Then as the
car continued TO advance ! ran after
IT and continued firing until my re-
VolVer was exhausted Most of the
bullets hit the car. 1t seems TO ME
that 1t was the last. or last but one.
which hit the Premier.
About seven months ago I
thought of killing Clemenceau as
the greatest enemy of humanity.
determined TO carry out this project
few days ago. and for this purpose
went to the Rue Franklin to sec how
could attack the Premier with the
least possible risk had taken care
10 find out his habits and identify
his house. which seemed very simple
for such personality, and very
ugly
Coffin boasts of having read many