Arizona republican., 1922-04-29
TRAGIC LIFE
Of EUROPEAN
POL|T|CIAN
REACHES END
Paul DeschaneI For Many
Years Foremost Figure
In French Political Life
Dies After Brief Illness
IRepubliean a. 2. Leased WIrel


PARIS, April 29.-Paul Deschanel,
former president of France died to-
day after an illness of less than a
week.
The passing of NJ. Deschanel who
for many years had been prominent
in the political life of France, caused
widespread sorrow. His friends had
hoped for his recovery until this
morning when the physicians in at
tendance announced that he could
not survive. Madame Deschanel
was at the bedside when her husband
died.
The former presidents eagerness
to be up and doing notwithstanding
his long weakened condition, played
an important part in Fastening his
death. He insisted last week on
leaving his residence before he had
completely recovered from a cold.
There was a relapse Sunday, and
double pneumonia developed on We'd
nesday.
Premier Poincare was among the
first persons TO call at the Deschanel
residence after the death of the
statesman to express the sympathy OF
the French government.
NJ. OGSCddI1Sl , .Icl1iSttlctlI 1IOii4 IA1S
presidency because of illness and his
effort to recover his position in par
lament are regarded as forming one
Of the greatest tragedies in French
public life in recent years.
The personal policy of Deschanel
in his political career. before he came
to the presidency was so to manage
his course, as not to undertake posi-
tive responsibilities which would
bring opposition to him from either
Of the important political groups.
He preferred to arrive at his aims
by conciliation or concession: by
combining adverse views under the
single formula; and by the compell-
ing attractiveness of his personal
qualities, he avoided taking political
responsibilities.
This he could not do on becoming
president. He then conceived it tc
be his duty not to sign decree or
other document without informing
himself fully as to its meaning. In
consequence, he tolled away at night
frequently until the morning hours
His wife and friends expostulated
with him but he was persistent.
Then Descfane1 began to believe
he was being spied upon and con-
spired against. He suspected not
only his political rivals, but his
friends. Then came his spectacular
fall from the window of the presi-
Dental train; his night walk along
the railroad tracks in his pajamas
and his extraordinary conversations
with railway employees he encoun-
tered, which were received by the
French public with a. curious mixture
of sympathy and derision.
After this NJ. Deschanel went into
retirement at Ramboulet. where he
had two nnisadventures, which were
regarded by many persons as at
tempts at suicide. Alexandra, Mile
rand, then premier, after consulta-
tion with persons of Importance ir
both houses of parliament and witt
Mrs. Deschanel, urged that Des.
chanel resign. This he did with grea
reluctance. Then he lived in seclu.
sion for several months.
Suddenly it was announced tina
Deschanel intended to become a can
didate for the senate and later h,
was reelected. virtually unopposed
He took his seat in the upper cham,
ber. looking frail and with restless
eyes; but there was some recover!
of his old charm of manner and grac.
of expression. On various occasions
he said,. he intended to take part il
debate on announced Interpolation!
that he purposed to the government
These intentions he never carried
out. nor did he make any speech.
The former president was really al
obscure person in place where ono
he had been one OF the foremos
figures of France.