Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-01-17
FRENCH ELECT
DESCHANEL AS
NEW PRESIDENT
Retirement of Clemenceau
Makes Race Easy for
Senate Head.
ARE BRIEF


PARIS, Jan. 17.-Paul Deschanel
veteran president of the chamber OF
deputies, and political enemy Of Pre-
mier Clemenceau, was elected presi
dent Of the French republic today
succeeding Raymond Poincare. M
Clemenceau had withdrawn his can
didacy when it became apparent that
factions of the radical and conserva.
tive parties were determined to op-
pose him and support NJ Deschanel
Deschanel received 1874 votes.
Paul Eugene Louis Deschanel is in his
sixty-fourth year and has been in pub
lie life for forty years He was elected
vice president Of the chamber Of depu-
ties in 1896 and two years later was
made president. He held the post four
years. but relinquished 1t for another
post He was again chosen president
Of the chamber IN 1902 and held the
office up to the time of hts elevation
to the presidency. He has written a
number of books on political economy.
LONG AT ODDS
WITH CLEAIENCEAU.
NJ Deschanel and NJ. Clemenceau have
been at odds over political matters for
many years. 1t was just revealed a few
days before the election that they had
fought a duel in 1894 over a newspaper
attack made by Clemenceau following an
incident in the chamber. NJ. Deschanel
was slightly wounded.
The French president is elected for a
term of seven years. 1t is a national ira
dition that he does not succeed himself.
Voting began shortly after 10 o'clock.
Following withdrawal Of Premier Glenn
enceau, even the most experienced poll
ticians admitted anything may happen
Several strong candidates were expected
to come forward when the two bodies
convene in the small royal theater inside
the Versailles palace. NJ. Pans, home
minister, was considered one OF the
strongest of the dark horses" Clemen-
ceau was in consultation with him last
night
BRAND RESPONSIBLE
FOR CLEMENCEAU'S STEP.
The retirement Of Clemenceau, who an
nounced he would not serve even If
elected, was interpreted as a victory for
former Premier BRAND. who managed
DeschaneTs candidacy. In event Des-
chanel is elected, It was considered likely
he Will appoint BRAND premier
The royal theater was crowded when
the voting began. It seats only $50,
while the joint membership Of the senate
and chamber is $40. Chairs were placed
in the aisles
The balcony, which seats 80, was re-
served for the diplomatic corps and high
state officials
Leon Bourgeois. president Of the sen
ate, presided at the voting. Preceded
by uniformed ushers and surrounded by
high chamber and senate officials, he
entered the thcater and took his seat in
the center OF the stage. where he read
the presidential decree, convoking the as
sembly.
BALLOTING INVOLVES
FORMAL PROCEDURE.
When the roll call began each sena-
tor and deputy proceeded toward the
stage as his name Is called and receive
a small rosewood ball. He mounted the
stage, voted and the descended, return
ing the ball when the voting is finished,
The number OF balls given out must
correspond to the number Of votes cast.
Every bail must be returned and the
total number checked against the num-
Der given out
Following the election, the successor
Of President Poincare received congratu-
lations and was then escorted through
lanes Of troops to waiting automobile,
which carried him to Paris.
Tomorrow the newly elected president
will call~upon President Polncare, who
later will return the call. The new pres
ident will take up his duties Feb. Is.
DraT afav. Tnv, h. !,
will retire entirely from politics, devot-
ing his time to writing his memoirs.
THOUSANDS OF TROOPS
SURROUND PALACE.
In anticipation Of the crush about the
Versailles palace thousands of troops and
police were on guard around the build
ing holding back the crowds. 1t was
a motley assemblage with prominent per
sonages rubbing elbows with obscure
chauffeurs. The tiny restaurant near the
palace was crowded nearly all day, while
many persons who were unable to gain
admittance ate lunches of sandwiches in
the streets.
Thoroughfares leading to the palace
were lined with limousines. Society
made holiday of the occasion and scores
of prominent men and women made the
pilgrimage to Versailles for the cere-
mony.
SOCIALIST CAUCUS
ELECTS DESCHANEL.
The socialists held caucus before the
balloting began and decided to support
NJ Deschanel Premier Clemenceau had
represented one faction or another of
the socialist party throughout all the
latter years of his public life
NJ. Deschanel attended the meeting Of
the national assembly hnt raft1cad m
cast a vote. M. Clemenceau was absent.
The count Of the ballots began at 10
minutes after 3 o'clock.