DEATH OF JOFFRE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11405, 5 January 1931, Page 5

DEATH OF JOFFRE

END COMES PEACEFULLY

DYING MARSHAL’S LAST HOURS

STATE FUNERAL EXPECTED

(IJ.P.Ai. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Jan. 4, 5,5 p.m.) PARIS, Jan. 3.

According to medical opinion, Marshal J off re may be said to have passed from the World, as all senses and organs other than bis indomitable heart, have- ceased, to function. Teetotalers -a-ro comforted by the theory of Prbfessor- Leriiche', chief consultant, that the heart’s strength is due to the fact that the Marshal had not touched alcohol in any form foi: thirty yealrs. (Special.) » (Received Jan. 4. 5.5 p.m.) 1 , PARIS, Jan. 3, The death is -announced of Marshal Joffre.

(UP.A. by Elec. .Tel. Copyright) (Received Jan. 4, 7.1.0 P- m )- LONDON, Jan. 3.

A. weakening pulse at daybreak indicated that Marshal Joffre’s end was imminent. His wife and daughter and son-in-law gathered at the bedside at 7.30, and the chaplain administered the final absolution. Marshal Joffre lay for lioulrs motionless and unconscious and expired at 8,.23.

Within, half an hour the Premier, IM. Steeg, entered the room alone, and saluted the Marshal. The announcement of his death fs signed by Marshal Jo fire’s physicians. It is expected he will be accorded a State funeral. The interment will take place at Les Tnvalides. DEEP EMOTION AT MARSHAL'S BIRTHPLACE “MARINES’ UNDYING GRATITUDE” fU.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Jan. 4, 7.10 p.m.) PARIS, Jan. 3. Deep emotion was manifested at Riveccaltes, Marshal Joffre’s birthplace, where work is at a standstill. Hundreds of residents are hanging out crepe-draped flags, the most tig nificant note throughout Franc-e. of mourning observance. The Prefect and the PresidentGeneral of the Council of the Marine Department telegraphed the widow as follows: “We aro saluting Joffre'’s memory as a token of Marne’s undying gratitude.” (. KING’S SYMPATHY TREASURED MEMORIES OF MEETINGS ON WAR FRONT TRIBUTES FROM BRITAIN'S LEADERS (T 7 P.A. by Elec. Tel. ConrririiO (Received Jan. 4, 7.10 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 3. King George sent the following message to M. Doumergue, the French President: “I join my people in their expression of heartfelt sympathy with you and the French nation. The sad news will arouse feelings of sorrow, especially in those countries which in 1914 were allied to France. I treasure the memory of my meetings with Marshal Joffre on the occasion of my several visits to the Front. Please convey to Madame Joffre and the relatives ray sympathy.”

Nation-wide tributes include those from the Prime Minister, Lord Mayor, Air Force and Army chiefs and Lord Jellieoe. (TJ.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Jan. 4, 7.30 p.m.,) PARIS, Jan, 3.

Condolences in connection with Joffre’s death were received from British, .Spanish, and Belgian Majesties, Afr MacDonald, Air Baldwin, the Admiralty, Air Ministry, Air Force. General Staff, and the Lord Alayor. The British representatives at the funeral will be Lord Tyrrell, representing the King; Lord Allenby, the British Army; Sir George Alilne, the Army Council; Admirals Lester, Wemyess andDreyer the -Navy; Lord Trenchard, and Sir John Salmond. and Captain Brooke Popham, the Air Force. There will also be representatives of the Guards Brigade and the Air Force.

■STERN SERENITY IN DEATH

BODY IN SPARSELY-FURNISHED ROOM

(TJ.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Jan, 4, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, Jan. 3

The stricken soldier of a victorious army, conquerer of the Marne, ,defeated in his last battle,. lies on an iron bedstead in a sparsely-fur-ished room. The body is shrunken and tbq pallor of the face is accentuated by his white moustache. It seems as if carved in marble, intensifying the aspect of ste.m serenity. His emaciated hands are-crossed on his chest. There is a 1 silvoir crucifix ovqr the bedstead. “JOFFRE! SAVED FRANCE” MESSAGE TO THE ARMY GT.P:A V by Eleo. Tel. Copyright; (Received Jan. 4, 5.5 p-m.) , . PARIS, Jan. 3. M. ‘Barthou, who delivers the sole funeral oration on the 7th, sent a du jour to .the Army anmounding the death. It said: — “Joffre saved France, His Marne effort broke all the efforts of the • enemy. His strength df soul, indomitable energy and continuous service ensured final .victory.” This reached the farthest outposts of -the army,- even the deserts of Sahara and. the jungles of Indo-China. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. nr T» A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Jan. 5, 1 a.m.) J, . ■ PARIS, Jan. 4. . Af‘. Doumergue/ replied ‘to King'. George that the'death of Ala.rshal

Joflje capnot fajl to revive among all Frenchmen a- remembrance of .the brotherhood .in arms which united the two countries in the tragic days of the War.\ . PARIS, Jan. 4. The body* of Joffre is being removed this evening from the nursing home to the. chapel of the militarry school, " where it will lie in state until Tuesday ovening, when it. will lie taken to 'Notre Dame, pausing en route at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier while buglers sound the .‘-‘Last Post.” - 1 There will bo ' a .service at the Notre Dame on Wednesday morning, 1 followed ,'hy a' proefessipn to the Invalided'arid M.‘ Bathou’s 'oration. The coffin .remains ,in the crypt until burial at the marshal’s country home; near; Thicket, . where he used to (rest after gardening. . ' . . >