The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-02-19

when the great war began. He had
served in the Chamber Of Deputies
since 1876, had figured in many bitter
controversies. fought no less than six
or seven duels, written a number of
medical, sociological and economic
books and composed two comedies.
AS the editor Of L'HOMME LIBRE,
his pen vas nlighteier than the sharp
est sword in France. He was keen,
cutting, and analytical, q surgeon with
words as mis- knife, and he spared
neither friend or foe when he though
Frances interest were at stake. The
height Of his abition seemed to have
been reached on October 81, 1906,
When President Fallieres asked him
to form Cabinet and he became the
Premier Of France, serving in that
capacity until July 20. 1909, when he
was succeeded by Articles BRAND.
"The Tiger resumed editorial work
when he laid down the cares OF State
to figure in scores Of national con-
tests. He was an anti Clerical and
fought for separation OF church and
state. Although a Socialist he opposed
the electrical reform bill in 1912 and o
year later led the fight which resulted
in the downfall Of the BRAND ministry.
The start Of the war in 1914 gave
.Clemencsa, an opportunity to display
his ability as a free lance in attacking
corrouption and inefficiency. He
was unsparing In his denunciations OF
military blGnderers. So rabidly anti
administration did his articles be
come that L'IlOMMB LlBRE was, OH
one occasion, suppressed. The paper
was being printed in Paris. A few
days later. 1t appeared in Bordeaux I'm
der the name OF LHOMME ENCHA
me. Clemenceau refused to be silene
ed. When the Bolo .Pasha and Gaillau1
revelations broke Frances spell OF
laissez faire, IL was Clemenceau who
was credited with bringing the e2,'
posures about.
All Of which adventures were dally
forcing tile former Premier again 10
the front. At 76 years of age ,he was
said to be IA vigorous as man OF oV
All France condemned or praised him.
His structures on the poor sanitary ar
rangemeuls Of the French army, the
food and other things made him below
ed by the soldiers. So 1t was with no
surprise that President Potncare on
November IL, 1917, summoned him 70
form lew cabinet and once again as
Premier to steer the helm Of state.
Bolo Pasha's execution as traitor to
France was one of his first triumphs
in office and the confidence OF the
people in their government was restor-
ed.
Clemenceau's speech in the Cham
Der Of Deputies in July 1917 marked
his re-entrance into French politics.
He there Dramatically dedicated him
self to the most vigorous prosecution
Of the war. How well he fulfilled this
pledge is shown by the fact that, de-
spite the an3lous cares Of office and
his advanced years he made frequent
and, in so,ue weeks, daily visits to the
firing line to confer with commanders
and admon!sh and cheer his fighting
soldiers. On one occasion in Picardy,
he narrowly escaped being captured by
the Germans. On another he Just
missed death by shell fire.
Throughout his second premiership
.Clemence.u seemed to lose all sense
of partisanship. He thought only Of
victory. French veterans called him
their Confidence barometer" for, no
matter how depressing the outlook the
Premier never lost heart. He hold
however. no spirit Of rancor toward
his barbarous foe. on one occasion
he characterized the German air raids
over London as .'the work OF devils.
but declared ha was not in favor Of
reprisals by the same means. At an.
other time, while viewing the burning
OF st. Quentin, he said: ::.::.Allied vic.
tory will mean the liberation of ciyi.
lization nMd not revenge He con-
graduated the American forces for
their brilliant fighting In wiping out
the st. Mihiel salient which had been
q thorn IN the Allies flesh since the.
beginning of the struggles. Later he
decorated General Pershing with the
Grand Cross Of the Legion Of Honor.
He was always strongly for unity
among the Allies and in the Supreme
War Couaci. al Versailles, at which he
presided, and expressed his satisfac-
ton with the acts Of his colleagues,
notably Premier Lloyd George Of
Great Britain and President Wilson.