New-York tribune., 1920-02-19
Paris Applauds
Deschanel as
New resident
Formal Transfer of Office
Is Made a Festival bv
Springlike Weather and
Ceremony Is Impressive
Broad Amnesty Promised
Only Persons Convicted of
Treason To Be Excepted +:
No Changes i'll Cabinet

PARIS, Feb. 1s.-Paul Deschanel be-
came the tenth President of the French
Republic to-day, succeeding Raymond
Poincare. The formal transfer of
power toek place at the Elysee Place.
Premier Millerand offered President
Deschaael the resignation of the
Cabinet, as is customary upon the ac-
cession of new President, but the
President asked the Premier to re-
main in Office. For that reason the
Presidential change had no effect on
the Cabinet.
Although is was reported that M.
Poincare might be named to succeed
Charles {. A. Jonnart as president of
the French delegation on the Repara-
tions Commission, newspapers express
the opinion that Paul Dutasta, secre-
tary of the peace conference, would be
appointed.
Sweeping Amnesty Promised
The new President soon will an
nounce sweeping grant Of amnesty.
Civil and military prisoners will be
included. persons convicted of treason
being the only exceptions.
The ceremony attending the trans
fer of power was favored by brilliant,
spring-hke weather, and Paris whole
heartedly improved the occasion to pay
homage to both the incoming and out
going executives, between whom to all
appearances the honors were impair
italy divided.
With the arrival of NJ. Deschanel at
the Elysee the formal transfer took
place. On the conclusion of the for
mality President Deschanel and NJ.
Poincare with their escort, were driven
through the crowded streets to the City
Hall, where they were received by the
president Of the Municipal Council, the
prefect of the Department of TIE
Seine and the president of the Cen
eral Council. Greetings were extended
TO the President and to the retiring
Executive, and a formal reception fol,
lowed IN which Paris society was lib
orally represented. The band PLAYED
several American airs.
Poincare Praises Successor
There was a felicitous exchange he
tween NJ. Deschanel and the retiring
PreSident.s NJ. Poincare. greeting his
successor. said the Presidency could not
be lntrusted to q better man than he
who had held such q brilliant place in
the Parliament and who we'll knew how
10 I'LL the role of an impartial umpire
and adviser The new President, said
NJ. Poincare. would be able to RELY on
the cooperation Of all Frenchmen, and
he expressed confidence that the strik-
ing personal merits of NJ Deschanel
and his ardent patriotism would inspire
the country.
President Deschanel, in replying,
thanked the retiring President, remark
ing that in order to fulfill his duty he
would have only 10 follow the worthy
example of his predecessor, who had
represented France with admirable pa
triotism during the tragic times of the
last few years. He added that, relying
upon the confidence Of the two Houses
Of Parliament, he would work with all
his heart for the rule Of law and the
glory OF the French Republic.
IN carrying out otner preliminary
details of the program, Premier Mile
rand. shortly before the hour set for
The ceremony, drove to the Palais Bour-
bon, where, as president of the Cham
ber, Nj. Deschanel has maintained his
residence, and called for the President
elect. Entering state carriage and
escorted by a regiment of Cuirassiers
and preceded by fiagbearer, they
drove TO the palace.