OCR Text |
Show STRONG MAN OF FRANCE Raymond Poincalre, the new prime minister, Is one of the moat interesting interest-ing figures in the French republic. In him are combined all that one understands under-stands by French culture, dignity and charm of manner, added to a reputa tlon of stern integrity that is nationwide. nation-wide. This is the third time that the French Academy has supplied the third republic with a prime minister. The first was the duke of Broglie in , 1873, and the second was M. de Frey- cinet in 1890. ' Poincalre comes to power with ripe ideas on the subject of government. He once expressed the triple wish, which may be taken as the key to his attitude, that deputies would legls-l legls-l late without attempting to govern, that ministers would govern on their own responsibility and that justice should know no politics. The new premier's versatility is to a considerable degree a matter of family Influence, for his father, uncle, elder brother and cousin have all been distinguished in science and literature, and, as was said by Lavisse when I'oincaire was introduced into the academy, they might be said to constitute a little family university all by themselves. In his private and domestic life, the new premier is anything but a recluse. He has a fine house near the famous Bois de Boulogne, where he entertains largely, but his family, his friends, his books and his works of art occupy the greatest place in his affection and his attention. He does not miss many first night performances at the theater. He is fond of racing. |