The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-01-17
DESCHANEL ELECTED
FRENCH PRESIDENT
Political Enemy Of Premier
CIemenceau Made Head
of Republic.
TIGER WlTHDRAWS NAME
(By NEWTON c. PARKE.)

Paris, Jan. III. N. S. --
Paul Deschanel, veteran presi-
dent of the chamber of deputies
and political enemy of Premier
Clemenceau, was elected prcsi-
dent of the French rebublic to-
day, succeeding Raymond Poin-
care. M. Clemenceau had with
drawn his candidacy when it be-
came apparent that factions of
the radical and conservative
parties were determined to OPP
pose him and support M. Des-s
chanel.
Dark Horse" Rumor.
After the ballotlng got under way
1t was reported that M. Deschanef
would withdraw unless he was
elected on the first ballot. Alexandra
Millerand, former minister of war.
was mentioned as a dark horse"
AS the balloting proceeded the sup
porters OF M. Deschanel claimed vic-
tory with more than ZOO votes to
spare. The ceremony was very quiet.
There were more than 900 presiden-
tial lectors. about 800 senators and
02i members OF the chamber Of
deputies.
The session was called to order by
Leon Bourgeois, president OF the az
sembly,
Spectators Held Back.
In anticipation OF the crush about
the Versailles palace thousands or
troops and policemen were ON guard
around the building holding back the
crowds. II was q motley assembly,
with prominent personages rubbing
elbows with obscure chauffeurs. The
tiny restaurant near the palace was
| crowded nearly all day. while many
persons who were unable TO gain ad-
mittance ate lunches OF sandwiches
! In the streets.
Thoroughfares leading to the pail
ace were lined with lmousines. So
ciety made n holiday of the occasion
aud scores of prominent men and
women made the pilgrimage TO Vef-
sailles for the ceremony.
The hall In which the election waa
held was a theater in the days OF
Louis XIV, The proceedings followed
the constitutional program with the
senator's voting first and the mem-
bers OF the chamber of deputies fol-
| lowing them.
As each voters name was called he
assembled the platform nj the end of
the hall and cast his ballot. receiv-
ing from the secretary small
wooden BAN which served as a s're-
ceipt'' for his vote. This was TO pre-
vent duplication OF votes.
In His 61th Year.
Paul Eugene Louis Deschanel is In
his cath year and has been in public
| life for forty years, He was elected
vice. president OF the chamber of dep
uties in 1896 and two years later was
made president, He held the post
four years. but relinquishad II for
another post. He was again chosen
president OF the chamber In 1919 and
held the office up TO the time OF his
elevation 10 tho presidency. He has
written number OF books on polit-
lcnl economy. NJ. Deschanel and M.
Clomenceau have been az odds over
political matters for many years. IL
was Just revealed few days before
the election that they had fought a
duel in 1894 over a newspaper at
tack made by Clemeneeau following
an incident in the chamber. nj.
Doschnnei was slightly wounded.
The French president is elected for
n term OF seven years. IL Is na-
tional tradition that he does not sue
coed himself.
The vote was 7s4 for NJ Deschanel
out OF a total OF $50 votes cast.
Premier Lloyd George, OF Great
Britain, came to Versailles for the
ceremony. As each members name
was called he walked forward TO the
presidential platform, mounted the
stops and received from one usher
small white ball about the size OF an
ordinary marble. lie then advanced
10 tho voting receptRcble, which
looked much like an American ballot
5ox, dropped his ballot into the
wooden slot and then handed his ball
TO another usher. who kept tally of
| the members voting.