Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-07-07
ELoQUENcE REVIVED

SIoNlaNEoUS eloquence, inspired Dy
~ irresistible emotion, Is rare in modern
legislative assemblies. With all their
alleged fondness for theatricism. even the
French have been often Of late years pow
erless to dispcl the clouds of dullness which
settle upon Parliaments. Aside from its
historical and political significance, there
were extraordinarily stirring artistic values
in the passionate convictions so unexpect-
edly expressed by Rene Viviani in the
Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday.
The ex-Premier is of high repute as a
prncticed and formal orator. But he is an
adroit statesman, rs his conduct on more
than one important mission to the United
States has demonstrated. and Of late years
he has reserved his skill in peroration for
consciously staged occasions.
No preparation, however, was discernible
in NJ. Viviani's outburst before the Depu-
ties, apathetic before an earnestly delivered
attack on bourgeois government in general
and the French Administration in particu-
lar, voiced by IN aspiring young Com
munist, Valiant .Couturier.
Among other things, the roots Of the war
were under examination. Much Of the dia
tribe was of familiar pattern and the
lethargy Of the listeners was apparently un-
disturbed until the survey Of the speaker
included a criticism Of the governmental
policy involved in NJ. Poincare's visit to
Russia in the epochal July of 1914. Then
in twinkling the magic spark Of person
ality illumlned the entire Chamber.
IF any Frenchman was responsible for
what happened in 1914" interrupted NJ.
Viviani in tone of ominous calm at was
I. I was the responsible head Of the Gov
crnment. 1t is from me and not from NJ.
Poincare that the explanations should be
demanded. 1t was l." he continued, who
gave the order to mobilize. 1t was who
ordered the withdrawal ten miles from the
frontier, 80 as to avoid rs long as possible
any chance Of conflict. II for what hap
pened during those days my Government IS
reproachable, then it is to me that those
reproaches should be addressed"
But it was manifestly unnecessary to In
crease the pressure of criticism. Niviani
forestalled 1t with his courageous confess
sion Of responsibility. with his mastery ex-
hibition of fact and with display of NOV
ing eloquence and ardent sincerity which
recalls a vanished parliamentary era. There
were embraces and even kisses at the finale,
which became what is familiarly known as
"a typically French scene
Other countries, other customs. How NJ.
Viviani's deeply touched audience behaved
after he had revealed himself and released
food of genuine emotion withheld for
eight years Is historically of less consequence
than his marshaling Of facts his chronicle of
actualitics, which the postwar world is in
creasingly inclined to ignore.
Origins of the conflict can be traced back
to the fall OF man. More proximate causes
were unquestionably imperialistc and eco
nomc conditions, habits Of thought. national
rivalries, social customs, educational stand
ards, n multitude of complex and overlap
ping motives which the philosopher will long
find field for exploration.
But Of the reluctance of France to pro
woke the conflict by capitalizing the
European crisis that had arisen over Serbia
there can be little question. NJ. Viviani
need not fear the consequences Of avowal.
His course In the immediate war prelude
was clearly pacificatory and In the noblest
degree patriotic. His exhibition Of the
truth is particularly stimulating at time
when the brevity of the popular memory is
beclouding once startling realities. II Ia
hinted that his unforeseen recovery" may
presage revived political ambitions. Time
will demonstrate the truth or fallacy OF
that conjecture.
1t Is vividly certain, however, that he did
revive, II merely transiently, the pulse
quickening art of parliamentary eloquencc.
The thrill of his dramatic intrusion even
carries In translation and across the seas.