A DESPICABLE CRIME.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18631, 9 May 1932, Page 6

A DESPICABLE CRIME.

A more despicable drlme than- the assassination of the President of France it would be difficult to conceive. It is not as though M. Doumer was by nature a tyrant Who . had -aicted accordingly as a despotio dictator, although the mui'der-would 'have been just as inexcusable had such been the case. Violence to the individual or to the community is to be deprecated the world over. But the faot that he was a friend of the people, a man who always placed France and her citizens before self, only accentuates the dastardliness of the deed. Added to that the democratic laws of the Republic make impossible the usurption of any dictatorial powers. His very nature was exemplified by the action which lead to his death. Warned against attending the exhibition he did so, doing what he conceived to be his duty as head of the State. It is difficult to understand under the Circumstances what motive was behind the crime. Had the assassin been suffering from some imaginary grievance which had preyed on an unbalanced mind it could -have been understood, although not condoned. However, in this case there were mo-st certainly no extenuating circumstancs. A good man met his death at the- hands of a foul one. If the crime accomplishes anything it will be the strengthening of that spirit, -of Chaui’anism and suspicion of the foreigner in France which is such a regrettable bar to disarmament and the consequent advance of civilisation.