The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-10
CLEMENCEAU VISIT /
PERSONAL VICTORY.
OP |N|ON At CAPITAL
Another Idea Prevails as to
Purpose of French States
man in Coming to
America
WASHINGTON BUREAU !
THE AGE-HERALD
NEaahinRfnn ID. @. Dec. o

Georges Clemenceau scored per-
stnal triumph in the United States.
according to general opinion in
Washington, and general opinion
does not deny that he served his
cause" we'll.
In the beginning, the idea prevailed
among certain republican senators
and certain republican newspapers
that the purpose of Clemenceau in
coming to this country was to- enlist
United States troops in another in
vasion of Europe. 1t is now generally
held probable that Clemenceau came
to impress on the United States the
fact that if France is at all militaris-
tic it is because it is afraid of it's
presently sleeping enemies, Germany,
Russia and Turkey; and that 1t must
be insistent that Germany carry OUT
the Versailles agreement to the let
ter fer reasons of self-protection.
When Clemenceau declared that
he would rather have the promise
of assistance by the United States or
Great Britain than a League of Ma
tions 100 per cent effective. 1t was
thought by Washington observers
that he intimated France would
change its policy towards Germany
If such promise of assistance were
given.
Strong with People
When Clemenceau reached Wash
ington, the people, despite their
knowledge that several senator's
had criticised him, applauded his
every appearance. He was graciously
received by the President and for
mer President Wilson, though no one
was appraised even in part of what
the host and guest talked about, on
either occasion.
The French statesman became very
popular while here. He visited the
memorial in honor of Lincoln and
the tomb of Washington; and the
zoo. And at the zoo he refused
to even glance at the royal Bengal
tiger, this greatly tc the disappoint-
ment of attentive photographers.
Before the Southern Society of
Washington, Clemenceau was at his
best. His mention OF the League of
Nations and of Wilson was bolster
ously applauded. And with tho
seutherners, 1t was evident that the
cause of France received more SYM
pathetic attention than with others
the visitor addressed while here. Gle
menceau was greatly amused with
the introduction of him by Governor
L Iilhl6 VI Wiz lnld. I1C NAuShtCo
when he was referred to as the
Tiger" And when the oratorical
executive of Virginia declared that
France had added to the cCnstella-
ton of Washington, Lafayette and
Wilson by immortalizing the former
premier that individual actually
laughed aloud.
Before the Press
But the most interesting appear
ance of Clemenceau while in WASH
ington was before a body of Wash
ington &C respondents, 10 strong, at
the home of Henry White, former
minister to France.
The Frenchman, heavy. short,
bald, old man, was Immediately
attired in full evening dress and
brown channels gloves. He advanced
to the front of his guests. Leaning
forward without smiling, he said
something in French.
Then waving his hand, he turned
as if te' go. Farewell" said he,
that is ALL"
But it wasn't. The correspondents
objected and Clemenceau returned.
He leaned far over table to hear
questions propounded. and answered
each one in very good English though
with a strong French accent. When
someone inquired as to what he had
said to President Harding, he re-
Piled:
why, said, Good morning, Mr..
President. How are your" and he re-
piled, L am feeling very we'll, thank
you.
What Was Said
Someone asked Clemenceau II he
had said to the President just what
he had elsewhere said. His surprise
was obviously painful.
Il could not have expressed any
other view, you may be sure"
During the interview, the audience
roc IN frequently rang with laughter
in which Clemenceau Joined. Finally.
leaning on the arm of an attendant,
he retired, climbing the stairs. Corre-
spondents applauded him. The only
thing that he said might have been
meaningless:
II merely came, perhaps. to give
a different viewpoint. I tell you
leave you to talk it over among
yourselves after l am gene. My mis-
sion Is almost ended"