The sun., 1919-02-20

PARIS, Feb. 19--Premier Georges
Clemenceau, characterized by Lloyd
George as Frances Grand Young
Man." was attacked to-day by an an
archist, Emile Coffin. known as
'Milou." Seven shots were fired,
three Of which struck the Premier.
One bullet lodged in the muscles Of
the shoulder, penetrating deeply, but
so far as Is at present known not In
juring the spine or penetrating to the
lungs. Two bullets bruised the right
arm and hand, while two other bullets
are reported to have passed through
the Premier's clothing.
Coffin, who was at once seized.
gave as his reason for attacking NJ.
Clemenceau that he planned to kill
the Premier because NJ. Clemenceau
was ne enemy of humanity and was
preparing for another war.
On His Way to Conference.
NJ. Clemenceau had just left his home
to drive in motor car to a conference
with Col. Edward NJ. House of the.
American peace delegation and Arthur
j. Balfour, British Secretary for For
eiGn Affairs. Though bleeding pro-
fusely NJ. Clemenceau was able to re-
turn to his home. where he reassured
the members of his household and
waved aside anxious inquirers with
1T is nothing"
Latest reports from his attendants
are to the effect that his condition was
satisfactory and that he was cheerful
throughout the day despite occasional
Ats Of coughing.
For the present it has been decided
by the surgeons that the extraction of
the bullet may not be necessary. and
arrangements have been made for the
taking of photographs Of the injured
parts.
May Not Remove Bullet.
After temporary aid had been given
NJ. Clemenceau Profs. Gossett AMI Tuf-
hastily summoned and had a hurried
consultation. They decided upon an
N-ray examination. one of ths sur
geons said that perhaps it would rot be
necessary TO remove the bullet as 10
bones were shattered and no important
blood vessel had been touched, al.
though the wound was quite deep and
bled profusely
Upon emerging from his car VI. Cle-
Ma alssn l.
his face, leaving the face smealel with
blood, and this was the reason for tho
first report that lie had been wounded
in the head
Marshal Foch arrived about 10 O'Clock
and later was joined by Marshal Petaiu
They remained for considerable period
Premier Clemenccau was quite cheer
ful. in spite OF occasional tits of cough
ing. He declared TO members of his
household that he thought he knew his
| assailant He had seen him last eve
| ming when entering his home. But the
man had SUNK away.
At police hesdqua rters the Associated
! Press was Informed that Coffin has a
| record there, with Bertillon measure
| inents. He was regarded as a mild sort
! OF anarchist, The authorities did not
believe that he would be reckless enough
| to attempt such a terrible act
| Lived In Anarchist Resort.
| Coffin lived at Mont Rouge, a suburb
/ OF Paris. in a small hotel which has
| long been under police supervision, as 1t
! is frequented by anarchists, who are
more notorious for the spreading of lit
! eraturc and for speeches than for acts
| of violence. The police refuse 10 say
! whether they believe the attack on tho
! Premier was the result of a plot or
merely an Individual act. They are work
ing however, apparently on the theory
: that II was a plot, as the little hotel
! was encirCled and thorough search of
the building is being made for incrim-
mating documents.
I According to the first examination, the
| Premiers assailant was born at Creil
| thirty-two miles north of Paris) in
1895. He IL French. He has done no
military service. having been excused
owing 20 the state OF his health. He
lived with his family at Compiegne
until they removed TO Paris. where he
! worked as a carpenter. lie declares him
self to be "a solitary and scientific an
archist."
Only a few Deputies were at the Palais
Bourbon when the report Of the at
tempt on NJ. Clemenceau reached the
y