The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-01-23

the opposite of the Roosevelt
 However, Blum has taken the Roosevelt administration as his pattern, refers frequently to the French New Deap', has the high- est admiration for Roosevelt, prob- ably was just as elated over Roose- velt's reelection as any New Deal democrat.
 Blum, a passionate worshiper at the altar of democracy, believes that Roosevelt's liberal policies have headed off the danger of social revolution in the United Staets and, whether or not you agree that Roosevelt has accom- plished this, many Frenchmen be- lieve Blum has achieved 1t for France.
 Leon and Franklin
 When you get away from physi- cal characteristics, 1t is @ fact that Roosevelt and Blum have many things in common.
 Both are sons of wealthy fath- CTS, were extremely well edu- cated, did not have to work for a living. Both are shrewd politi- clans, both have politically active wives, both are avid readers and devotees of art, and, finally, both have very much the same social and political outlook on life.
 Blum's father was 6 Jewish silk manufacturer, middle-class but wealthy. He gave his son an education in the most high-brow of all French schools, permitting him. during his early years, to dabble in literature, politics and art. Leon became an intellectual dilettante of the boulevards. Roosevelt, at the same period. was a smart young man just out of Harvard, making campaign speech es while wearing riding boots, for election to the New York senate.
 The disillusions of the World
 war, plus his friendship with Juarez, leader of French social- ism, caused Blum to brush away
 the day dreams. (RoOsevelt came up against the actualities of life when stricken with in- fantile paralysis.)
 Like Roosevelt, Blum held an under-secretaryship in the French war cabinet, but came far closer to the grim realities and futility of war than did his friend who held the position of assistant sec- retary of the U. 8. navy.
 It was the assassination Of Jaurez just before the Wal that launched Blum, then only a parlor pink, into politics. Much of tho cr,isading socialism of Blum's sub- sequent career has been lived to avenge the death of his martyred friend.
 Arty
 Art has played an important part in Blum,s life - in fact, love of art runs through the Blum family. His brother is director of the ballet in Monte Carlo. Blum collects old miniatures and porcelain. Roosevelt collects etchings of ships. Blum has talk en time off, after an important international conference, to visit an art gallery in London. Roose- welt has given the first govern ment aid to art in the history of the United States.
 Like Roosevelt, Blum receives his close advisers at breakfast, spends at least half an hour studying the newspapers, does not get to his office until 10:30. He goes out very little in the even- ing, works late at night on vari- ous government reports and prob- lems.
 Blum is an expert duelist, but has fought few dueb. He is too dangerous.
 Cultured
 He has written half dozen books, among them one on mar riage. He seldom takes drink, gets almost no exercise, Is not particularly robust, is now 65 years old. He has biting wit, is brilliantly devastating in parlia- mentary debate, is not nearly as good a rabble-rouser as Roose- welt.
 Ills charm. his background, his whole method of approach on life make him exactly the opposite of the bullying bruisers who dictate the fortunes of the German and Italian people. And when the inevitable clash comes between democracy and dictatorship 1t may find Blum. epitome of culture and refinement. pitted against the circus ballyhoo and crude ballyhoo and crude brutality of Hitler and Mussolini.
 Fat
 Leon Blum has got a bit fat since he became Premier of France. Also he has increased his own prestige. Even critics of the right agree that he has OFF THE RECORD
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