THE “GRAND YOUNG MAN OF FRANCE.”

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16501, 31 July 1919, Page 6

THE “GRAND YOUNG MAN OF FRANCE.”

LLOYD GEORGE'S NAAIE FOR CLEAIENCEAU, A FLATTERING TRIBUTE. Thu “Grand Young Alan of France'’ was the designation given to AI. Clemenccau by Air. Lloyd George at the opening of the Peace Conference, in seconding President Wilson's motion Unit Al. Cloineneeau be elected chairman. A vivid picture of the aged Premier was painted in that tribute, which summed up the characteristics of the man as known to ids associates. Air. Lloyd George said; “I count it not merely a pleasure, but a great privilege, that 1 should be expected on behalf of the Brilish Empire delegates to support the motion of President AVilson. I do so for the reason which ho has so eloquently given expression to—as a tribute to the man. AATicn I was a schoolboy, AI. Cieraenceau was in politics in his native. land, and his fame had extended far bevond the bounds of France. ■•AVere it not for the undoubted fact, Air. President,! should have treated as a legend the common report of your years. I have attended many conferences with AL Clemeneeau, and in them all the. most vigorous, most enduring, and the most youthful fi/rurc there has been that of AL Clemen* Tcaii. He has had the youthfulncss, he has had the hopefulness, and the fearlessness of youth. Heis. indeed, tiie Grand A'oung Alan of Franco, and I am proud to stand here to .propose that, he should take the. chair in this "rent cottforenco that is to settle the peace of the world. “1 know of none better quahuea than or as well qualified as Al. Clemeneeau to occupy (his chair. Although there will be delays, and inevitable delays, m the signing of the peace. I will guarantee from uiv knowledge of AI. Glomenceau that there will be no waste, ot time, and that is important. “During the dark days we have passed through, liis unfailing courage, his untiring energy. Jus inspiration, have helped the Allies through to triumph, and 1 know of no one to whom that vicicrv is more attributable than the man who sits in. this chair. In his own person, more than any living man, ho represents tlio heroism, ho represents the genius of the indomitable people of his land.” In proposing AI. Clemeneeau tor chairman, President AVilson said, in part;— , r “I would do this as a matter ot custom. I would do this as a tribute to the French Republic. But I wish to do it as something more than that. I wish to do it as a tribute to the honour France, because we can honour iier in the person of so distinguished a servant. AVo. have all felt in out anticipation in the struggles of this war a fine steadfastness which characterised the leadership of the French in the hands of AT. Clemenbeau. AA'e have learned to admire him and those of us who have been associated with him have acquired genuine affection foi him.