M. BOND'S TRIUMPH

Grey River Argus, 1 November 1916, Page 3

M. BOND'S TRIUMPH

THRILLING REPLY TO PACIFIST A delicate question was raised in the Chamber pf Deputies at Paris on September 19th by M. Roux-Costadau, who asked Premier Briand to see to it there was not only unity of action on all fronts by the Allies,, but also proportionate effectives. Protests were made from various parts of the Chamber against any discussion of the proportionate number of troops engaged frpm the different Entente countries. M. Roux-Costadau, nevertheless, persisted, saying that France could not expect to give the blood of all her children, and that the Allies should make the necessary, r sacrifices. \ v ./ Premier Briand, in reply, objected to the question, and declared that it was unjust to throw doubt on the efforts of the Allies in such a sacred cause. England, " he said, had never said "No" to any demand for aid. Italy had made the , utmost efforts she ppssibly could, considering the difficulties of the mountainous theatres of war in which shewas operating Russia had sent to France her soldiers from across the world. "To-morrow," continued . the Premier, "you will see this joint action expanding still more" Replying to [another speaker, M. Brizon," representing the Allier Department, in the old province of Bpur bonnais, who attempted to calculate the economic value of the men who had fallen in the war, Premier Briand said; "M. Brizon has suggested that it is possible for the President pf the Council to bring the war "to an end. That is the idea he is trying to propagate, and it is my duty to destroy this propaganda. Your country, M. Brizon, has a splendid past, which should make you love her. This country was seized by the throat after her assailant had passed over the bleeding bod'v of Belgium. To this country which has the honour to be the champion of right and which has poured its blood in . floods, you say, - 'Stop the war!. Negotiate peace !' " At this point the members of the Chamber rose cheering M. Briand and howling down M. Brizon. Resum ing. the Premier said : "You little knpw France, M. Brizon, if you think she can sell her blood. What, peace would you make for this country at this moment.. If peace were made now it would be a peace of war and a menace to future generations. ■' "The treacherous blow. Germany tried to strike failed, but would be tried afresh. For 44 years'- your country worked with a wound in her side. There already gleams on her forehead the aureole of prestige and glory. If you wish the ideas of justice to triumph, pray ardently fpr victpry. Other wise there, would -be a peace humiliating and dishonourable «jcd «uch ts <n Frenchman could desire." . The Chamber, which . was aroused to the utmost enthusiasm by the Premier's eloquence, voted that the speech should be printed and displayed on jIII public buildings, thrpughouc' France. . ' „