New-York tribune., 1920-01-18
p Paul DescI1anel
Wins French
Presidency
Ballot Gives Him 734 of
889 Ballots Cast; Ma
jority Biggest Recorded
Since Thiers's Election

VERSAILLES, Jan. II (By The Asso-
ciated Press).--Paul Deschanel was
elected President of the French Re-
public to-day by 734 votes of the 8S9
members of the National Assembly
voting. His majority was the largest
since the election of Louis Adolphe
! Theirs, the first President after the
fall of the empire, who was chosen
unanimously. The total membership of
the Assembly is $40
The result had been certain since
the caucus OF yesterday, at which M.
Deschanel was chosen the candidate
OF the Senate and Chamber of Depu-
ties, comprising all the various parties
Ihe election took on, besides holiday
character, the atmosphere OF pa-
trotic manifestation
The feeling among the Senators and
Deputies was that after the retirement
Of Premier Clemenceau from the con-
test, to whom the National Assembly
was disposed to give evidence OF the
nations gratitude, it was fitting that
the new President should come into
power with a vote that would give him
the necessary authority to speak i'm
prcssively for France. The general
sentiment is that while NJ Deschanel
has not won the Presidency by such
outstanding services as those rendered
by Premier Clemenceau, he is man
admirably adopted for the position.
which, requires careful tact, and is,
above all, safe man.
Outburst Follows Vote
The prOce ediNps as prOyidcd hv thA
Constitution, were formal, giving little
occasion for enthusiasm. When the
vote Nas announced, however, the me
bers of Parliament on the floor and
the visitors in the gallery joined in a
great outburst Of acclamarion, while
former Premier BRAND, who is gener-
ally credited with q large share in
the election Of M. Deschancl, declared
to group Of friends, France and the
republic continue"
Nine. Deschanel and her children
witnessed the demonstration from the
gallery and returned to Paris with the
eIdcnt-clect in a motor car. On
the return NJ. Deschanel was followed
by long cortegc Of parliamentarians
The procession was watched by thou
sands along the route through the Park
OF st. Cloud and the Bois du Boulogne,
who cheered each car, crying, Long
republic!"
After the balloting Leon Bourgeois,
presi dent of the National Assembly, an
nounced only the vote for M. Deschanel
complying with the request of the
others who received votes not to in
clude them in the minutes. NJ. Bour-
geois made an address of congratuls-
tion to the President elect, pledging
him the support of France. He men
toned NJ. Deschanel's public services
particularly during the war. and "dur-
ing g life of admirable uprightness
consecrated, like your fathers, to the
cult Of liberty"
Promises to Uphold Constitution
M. Deschanel replied: '"The Nationa!
Assembly, in calling to the Presidency
Of the republic the president of the
Chamber of Deputies, wished to mark
it's profound attachment for those par
liamentary institutions which in the
greatest drama of history showed again
their suppleness and their strength
AS faithful guardian of the law !
will seek to apply the constitution in
letter and in spirit, to solidify and per-
feet, in close accord with the nation S
representatives, these free institutions
"Our hopes of 1913 were not entirely
realized, and it is necessary to-day to
conquer the difficulties that press upon
US by strict application Of the Treaty
of Versailles, by the development OF
our alliances and friendships and by
the union Of all the French. That in
comparable people whose heroism and
sacrifice saved the world will surmount
all obstacles upon condition that they
be kept thoroughly conversant with al
fairs and are told the truth.
~ salute my illustrious predecessors
among them NJ. Poincnr6, who in the
formidable war represented France
with such dignity and nobility.
salute also the great Frcnchman who
contributed so much to the victory BY
gathering together all the national en-.
orgies through magnificent effort.
express the wish that the houses oil
Parliament will consecratc by solemn
homage the immortal services he has
rendered the country.
81 address to the mcmbcrs Of the Ma
tional Assembly an expression Of un.
spcakabe gratitude. bring to France
and to the republic all my devotion ant
all my heart"
Dcschancl Gives Reception
M. Dcschane, with military cscor,
that presented arms, received the minis
ters, parlamcntarians and parliament
ary newspaper men, who were formal,