M. FALLIERE, THE PRESIDENT FRENCH REPUBLIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13214, 27 June 1906, Page 3 (Supplement)

M. FALLIERE, THE PRESIDENT FRENCH REPUBLIC.

M* I* ALU !! i-]s follows one of France's greatest Presidents, and it is good to knowthat both in personality and 111 policy he closely resembles M. Loubet, for whom he has the greatest respect and admiration.

Like his predecessor, M. Falliere.s is a man of the people. His grandfather was a blacksmith, and his father was magistrate's clerk in Mezin, the little Gascon village where, some sixty-four years ago, the President was born.

M. Fallieres' early years were spent under the root of his blacksmith graudsiYe, for his father, according to the patriarchal French fashion, had taken his young wife home to his parents' house, where they all lived happily together. The President -of to-day began Ins career as a barrister, gained a seat as deputy in 1876, became the Under-Secretary of State at the Home Ollico in 1880, and so gradually climbed to his present position. M. Fallieres is deeply attached to his first home, and spends part of each year there. lie is at heart a peasant still, and he is never happier than when staying 011 his little country estate-, when, dressed as a peasant, he busies himself with the cultivation of vines. Digging and pruning are a joy to himprobably an even greater jov than the book collecting which makes him haunt the Paris bookstalls—and simplicity is as much a part of his Gascon home as it is of himself.

Au amusing story is told of how. one day when he was digging, lie was addressed by a pompous person, who said: "My good man. can you tell me if M. Fallieres is at home to-day, and whether he is receiving'/'' "Oh, yes," replied the "good man;" just gr no to that door, and Jenny will let you in. He is receiving all right!" Then he slipped round by the back door, and was in time to say over Jenny's shoulder. "Here he is!'' and to enjoy a hearty laugh at his visitor's surprise. A strong resemblance to her husband, both in person and in character, is noticed in Mine. la Presidente. Tall, kindly, and genial, and the very soul of hospitality, she will play the part of hostess at the Elvsee with the same simplicity as in her village home, where she is no less popular than her famous husband. The President and his wife have an only son and daughter. The former follows his fathers profession of the law. the latter is a popular and familiar figure at the great Church of St. Sulpice. She by 110 means shares her father's views 011 religious matters, but is a devotee, and has obstinately refused to marry.