CHOOSING THE PRESIDENT.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 14 June 1924, Page 9

CHOOSING THE PRESIDENT.

Political Intrigue in Paris.

M. DOUMERGUE AS FAVOURITE

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright, PARIS, June 12.

A meeting of tho Lett Parties o: both Chambers held to select the candidate for to-morrow’s election oi President of the Republic, resulted: Votes. M. Painleve ...... 306 M. Doumergue ...... 149

The successful candidate must obtain an absolute majority of votes of the 872 Deputies aud Senators expected to be present.

M. Paiuleve’s supporters had reckoned he would obtain a practically unanimous endorsement, and the voting means a severe blow to his hopes, as M. Doumerque can count on the support of tho moderate elements m both Chambers, which were not represented at the meeting.

M. Doumerque, therefore, is the favourite in the race for the Presidency.

Directly the result of the voting was known, an influential deputation saw M. Doumergue and pleaded with him to give up his candidature, but MDoumergue refused, and his friends are nominating him for the Presidency. The decision is more serious, because if M. Doumergue is elected, with the help of the Right and Centre parties. M. Herriot may refuse to form a Ministry under M. Doumergue.

SWAY OF POPULAR FEELING.

CONFLICT® OF POLITICAL

INTERESTS,

By Cable—Press Association —Copyright, (Received 7.30 p.m., June 12.) PARIS, June 12.

Disliking the prospect of the President being elected with the votes from the Right Party, the Left Group requested M. Doumergue and M. Painleve to withdraw in favour of a third candidate The former refused, whereupon the Left Bloc decided solidly to support M. Painleve.