The Wanganui Chronicle. SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1938. GAMBETTA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 78, 2 April 1938, Page 8

The Wanganui Chronicle. SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1938. GAMBETTA

JLST as to-day Adolf Hitler is the soul of modern Gcmaiiy, although an Austrian, so in his time, Leon Gambetta, the son of Geoncse-Jewish parents, was the reviver and inspirer of I rance. And just as Leeky is to-day an unknown name in the world of letters, so in the world of polities the name of Gambetta is forgotten. It is not so in France, of course, for Gambetta was the father of the present Republic. It seems to be the remarkable fate of the Jewish race to provide leaders for other peoples. Joseph, in Egypt, was perhaps the first instance of this capacity to lead other races. Moses, tnc supreme politician of history, seems to have achieved more than any other captain of men in the realm of leadership, because in the space of forty years he turned a slave race into a race of warriors. This has probably never been done before

The Jews throughout their history, however, have shown an incapacity for cohesion on a national basis. This is not surprising, because for a. long time the tribal divisions remained too strong to permit of the national cohesiveness to develop. In some respects the tribal division existS to this day, breaking up the unify ol the race. 'llie clan feeling or bond, however, remains strong; and despite the denials of individual Jews, it asserts itself whenever a member of the clan meets adversity. Since the dispersal the Jew has provided many leaders, and it is significant that it is the Jew who remains strong in bis attachment io Liberalism, which is the doctrine of individual freedom, and is able to provide the spearhead for the attack upon oppression. It is probable that the oppression of the Jews which is exercised in Germany, and is now extended to Austria and to Italy, is due to an instinctive dread that this race will again produce the champions of liberty ami Liberalism. Gambetta, born n April 2, 1838, entered the French Parliament in May, 1869, but he had already established his reputation for eloquence as a fearless advocate at the Paris Bar. Farsighted, he opposed the war with Germany, but once the war was on, like Lloyd George he threw himself with energy into the work of national defence. He advised the Government to leave Paris and conduct the war from a provincial town. The advice was not taken, Paris was invested, and Gambetta escaped by the aid of a balloon. The trumpet call of his eloquence called forth new armies for the defence of France, and it is possible that he might have succeeded in relieving Paris had Uetz held out, but when Bnzaine surrendered at that fortified position the game, was up for France. However, Gambetta preserved the spirit of France in defeat, which is much more difficult than leading it in victory. Aitor the defeat it was Gambetta who proclaimed the downfall of the Third Napoleonic dynasty and the establishment of the Republic, Proclamations, however, are not sufficient to maintain political institutions such as Republics, and it was Gambetta’s genius which persuaded extreme partisans to accept a moderate Republic. Further, it was his energy which prevented the usurpation of power attempted by the clerical advisers of Mac-Mahon. On his becoming Premier of France, it was but natural for his enemies to fear that he would attempt to assume dictatorial powers, for that was their own game. He was attacked, and' that in a manner which was often grossly unjust, and his Cabinet 101 l on January 26, 1882, after having an existence of only sixty-six days. Calumny having followed him all his davs, it could not leave him at the grave. lie received a wound in the hand while handling a revolver, and from this wound he died. It was alleged that the wound was indicted by his mistress, I .conic Leon, and also that he attempted to commit suicide. Both allegations wore unsupported and it was clearly established that his death was not caused by an atfriiipf at suicide. It is significant of the change in point of view which is held in different countries at different times. G'ambetla waul d Io marry Leon, but she refused because she did not want: to compromise his political career.