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Show CLEMENCEAU. XT was many years ago that some one said of the present Premier H of France that he was "the conscience of France in print." H That, we think, is the outstanding characteristic of the remarkable H man who recently, for the second time, assumed control of the French H government. But strange as it may seem, Clemenceau throughout his H tempestuous career managed to preserve his conscience without im- H pairing his courage. That is why they call him "The Tiger." Unlike H his contemporaries on both sides of the Atlantic, his conscience and courage have flamed together at fever heat, whereas they might H truthfully confess : "Our conscience does make cowards of us all." H True to his profession, the first act of the Premier when he took H office was to abolish the political censorship. He will permit everybody H to say and write whatever they please about his administration and ,'H himself personally. It is his pronounced policy to allow the French H people to indulge in honest and well-meaning criticism to their heart's H content, but he draws the line on traitors and their kind. This re- H versal of the rule has already had a splendid effect on the morale of H the citizens and promises to work wonders with those sentimental jH people. It might be well for our own authorities to watch the plan work out. It may be that some of us will yet be converted to the idea H that it pays to take the people into the confidence of their government. fl Clemenceau is a daring type of man ; also he is resourceful. He S has experienced so many ups and downs through life that it matters fl little what men say about him. He never acquired the habit of court- H ing popular favor and regards high office as pretty much of an ordi- H nary job. In many respects he reminds one of the celebrated Ulysses, H of whom it was said : "lie was a man of many devices." By that we H refer to his -extraordinary resourcefulness; but the famous Greek H was, in keeping with his day and age, inclined to bctricky, whereas H Clemenceau will not stoop to conquer. H |