New-York tribune., 1920-09-22
Paris Opinion
Shifts; Divided
On Millerand

Premiers, still stand with Millerand.
His election by small majority when
the national assembly meets Septem-
Der 25 is expected. The army stands
solidly in support of Millerand.
If Millerand is elected and his views
on the changes in the French constitu-
tion prevail, his presidency will mean
the remodclling Of the French govern
ment and may mark one OF the great
landmarks of French history.
PARIS, Sept. 21 (By The Associated
Press.-The resignation Of Paul Des
chanel as President of France, which
he handed to Premier Millerand at
Rambouillet last week, was read stimuli
taneously in the Senate and Chamber
OF Deputies when those bodies recon
vened to-day.
My state of health" wrote NJ. Des-
chanel, mo longer permits me to as
sumo the high functions with which
your confidence invested me upon the
occasion Of the session Of the National
Assembly on January II last.
The absolute obligation imposed
upon me to take a complete rest makes
1t my duty no longer to delay announc-
ing to you the decision l have been
coinpeiicd to reach. 1t is infinitely
painful, y and 1t is with profound heart
pss"9s ps 81 shat l renounce the noble post
Oh & which you deemed me worthy.
The duty Of the President Of ths
republic involves at all times crave
responsibilities. 1t demands activitv
and energy, free from ali weatn.sss
during the years wi When sl' v;c4or;as',, w;ea4en;ess,
france is called upon to reconstruct hsr
oonestlc resources, meanwhile asst,rinr
soroad integral application of the
a.es!y or peace so gloriously, but 30
dearly, gained. '0
Appeals for Harmony
II have persevcred even to tho ,ss+
extremity, but the hour Is coma uhan 10,
! Iall IN what | owe you in not RESIGN
ing my functions into your hands A.
the instant when I retire I dare exnrsss
she nope that the representatives Of ths
naelon, whose patriotic unity was
po"erIul ald to victory, will maintain in
peace tnelr union for the greatness and
prosperity Of this adored France ~
whose service I have devoted nv 1;fo ~
and who shall have my last thoucht
1T Will be the role and enviable priv
unege or my successor to glorify before
the world within a few davs tha o.
compllshments Of the Republic, which
atter having saved the national honcr
n1ty years, ago, has brought back under
our flag Alsace and Lorraine.
sure OF fulfilling r. most imoerioua
as well as the cruelest Of duties, I aub,
mt upon the desk of the Senate and
6nam6er 1 OF Deputies my resignation as
PRESIDENT Of the Republic"
, Alter: NJ. Dcschanel's message had
peen PEE read, Raoul Pcret, President of
eee chamber, gave voice to the regret
OF that body and of the country that
1he PRESIDENT had been obliged to re-
linqulsh his office, and extended to him
the cordial we'll wishes of his former
colleagues. Premier Millerand added
his tribute on behalf OF the govern
ment.
Bourgeois Praises President
In the Senate Leon Bourgeois. its
President, read the resignation mes.
sage and eulogized NJ. Deschanel. whose
resignation, the speaker remarked. p;as
inspired by lofty sentiment OF duty,
and ha expressed the wish that the 70,
tirIng President would soon recover
the strength necessary to enable him
again to render service to his country.
M. IHopitcau, the Minister of Justice.
spoke similarly in the name OF the
government
The leaders Of the political groups IN
evening to hold joint meeting on SEN.
tembcr p in the Senate to designate a
candidate for the Presidency.
According to the newspapers, Mile
rand, If he is elected, will attempt
revision of the constitution to give
greater stability to the government
and enlarge the electoral college which