OUR PARIS LETTER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17230, 22 December 1923, Page 8

OUR PARIS LETTER.

NEWS, VIEWS AND NOTES. PARIS, November 1. One of the great sensations of the week in Pfcris has been the theft bf two priceless Gobelin tapestries from the Palace of Versailles. What seems particularly to strike the imagination of the Parisian is the extraordinary dexterity with which the theft was committed. There is undisguised admiration in the manner in which he assures you, with excited gestures, that the rascals knew exactly how the tapestries were attached to the wall! But very rare indeed is any lament for the loss to Art. It would appear that the deteotive instinct is much more highly developed than the artistic instinct in the Parisian bourgeoisie. THE TAX BOGEY. Indubitably, however, there is one art that makes the big noiso and attracts the sympathy and support of the public. It is the art of the cinema ; and the occasion of its present strenuous activity is the International Congress of Exhibitors. In particular and at the moment the agitating question is the diminution or abolition of those taxes which, according to the interested parties, completely paralyse this great industry. For one must note that it is as an industry that the cinema seeks to win public sympathy. It represents itself as the most powerful of international languages, capable of disseminating to infinitude all manner of essential information for the development of civilisation. Is it not that it makes known the commercial resources of the different countries ; their historic monuments; the customs and mentalities of the peoples of the whole wide earth? All of which is justifiable argument. We have long known that the cinema might be made the most marvellous instrument of international propaganda. But is it really the tax bogey that prevents the realisation of this dream ? MORE ANTI-MILITARISM, Anti-militarist activities continue, but are scarcely likely to make much headway in face of the evident determination on the part of the authorities to put an end to “ this stupid nonsense ” with the briefest possible delay. With Monsieur Henri Barbusse, of “ Le Feu” and “ Clarte ” fame, is now pilloriod M. Vandeputte, the Director of Gustave Herve’s old paper, “ Humanite,” who published the Barbusse discourse at the congress of the International Association of Old Combattants at Berlin. In the circles of the philosophers and “ advanced ” writers generally feeling runs somewhat high. Is it not curiously characteristic of the present attitude of France, they exclaim, that she should deem it necessary to pursue a man whose pacifist propaganda is essentially international, and is in no sense directed against the weakening of one country for the profit of another? In spite of all, France rests passionately attached to the old device: “Si vis pacem, para bellum !” PLACE AUX DAMES. Women of fashion all the world over love and venerate this Paris! Is it nob here tffat are born, from time to time, in a manner more or less mysterious, the all-puissant decrees of La Mode? Is it not here that must be sought the subtle “ je ne sals quoi” so difficult to define, but that alone can impart to the natural grace of the loveliest fair lady the cachet that endures a season? But hitherto, even this finesse bad its brief day of triumph. Time set its inexorable limit to feminine charm. Despite the cunning artifices on Madame’s dressing-table, the powders and the porn made s and the cosmetics, there came the fatal hour when Madame gazed sadly into her mirror, and sighed: “It is the end! One must let. oneself grow old!” To-dav, Madame Ja mondaine radiates new joy. Science promises to efface this piteous scene from the life of Eve. In the wonderful future, old age will be no more inevitable. And once again it is Paris who announces this miracle! Not content to unfold the changing secrets cf the season’s elide, she is to rinveil the secret of Eternal Youth. At all events this is the dictum of Dr .Taworski. who declares after numerous experiments that it suffices to effect from time to time the transfusion of a few drops of blood from a young and healthy person. One understands that he has already treated a great number of clients,( and that the results obtained have been excellent. Needless to say, however, it is difficult for him to produce witnesses. These happy ladiee are a little sensitive to publicity ! They are not of the stuff that heroines of science are made of, and have no intention of telling the world—still less their intimates—that they are enjoying their second youth. THE CHAUFFEUR AUTOCRACY. Every day the traffic problem grows more and more menacing. Public opinion was strongly moved the other day when M. Vasgien, teacher of sixty-two threw himself with heroic devotion in front of a motor lorry to protect his pupils who were coming out of school. The police are realising at long last that it is time to act, and agents de police are now stationed at the doors of such schools as are situated in close proximity to the great main traffic arteries. All sorts of innovations are likewise promised for the greater security of the general public. First, there is to be a generous distribution, of a pedestrians’ manual which is to contain all manner of good advice for those desirous of meeting death other than at the cross roads of the capital. It is further announced that Paris is to adopt the American system of directing and controlling traffic by means of electric signals. AU of which is “ bel et bon,” says the Parisian, but who is going to inoculate the Parisian chauffeur with the serum of discipline? LA FLAMME DU SOUVENIR. It is now definitely decided that the Flame of Remembrance is to be kept burning night and day on the tomb of the Unknown Warrior. French sentiment opposes electricity, and natural oil will probably be used ; the fine little ceremony of replenishing the lamp to be fulfilled by parties of ex-service men. On Armistice Day the Flame of Remembrance will be kindled for the first time at nightfall, by the Minister of War and Pensions, M. Magjnot. Ceremonial during the day will be much as in preceding years. There will be the bearing of immortal colours, by officers of regiments disbanded after tho war, from the Tnvalides t-o the Arc de Triomphe. where the Unknown Warrior will receive the homage of France represented by the President, of the Republic, the Premier, the members of the Government, the Marshals of France, the Allied officers, deputations of disabled soldiers, and the mute pilgrimage of women widowed by the war. It is the President who in the name of Franc© will place the nation’s wreath upon the tomb, first passing along the line of the guard of honour to salute the colours. When the flowers of France have been laid on her most honoured grave, one minute's silence will unite’ the whole capital to the watchers at the tomb. FAR COUP EUR."