Show THE PREMIER OF FRANCE ar ma urlce who has succeeded M combes in the french premiership ier ship has had an interesting career ana will certainly toe an interesting international ter figure aa long as he holds his present exalted office born sixty three years ago he began life as a barrister he preferred however to turn his attention to business and entered accordingly a wholesale grocery establishment at marseilles as bookkeeper from which position be soon rose to become one of the leading members of the firm at the same time he displayed his interest in politics writing for cuch democratic organs as tiro heuple and the egalite and was one of tho promoters ot Gam bettas candidature at marseilles then came the war and M was sent to represent marseilles in the national assembly at versailles which time forward although with many ups and downs he steadily grew in influence until in 1887 be became president of the council yet at one time it seemed as if his career would come to an untimely end whilst secretary of the chamber some very serious accusations were brought against him he was tried at his own request and was acquitted though scarcely cleared in the eyes of the general public until three years subsequently when tho false foundation of the charges against him was discovered by the police later ho was mixed up in the melancholy panama scandals and had to re eign hla position as minister of finance though he declare that lie had only done any statesman worthy of the name would have done by obtaining assistance when theor binary resources ot the secret service fund has been exhausted and more money was needed to carry on the campaign against the conspiracy he came back to office again however under II 11 combes as minister ol 01 finance in which position he showed rare capacity now M combes Is under him aa president of the republican group in all probability he will carry out the wishes 0 his late leader in regard to the cabinets policy and ere loggi church and state will bo absolutely distinct and separate in france |