DEATH OF THE FRENCH PRESIDENT.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVII, Issue 8, 23 February 1899, Page 20

DEATH OF THE FRENCH PRESIDENT.

A Paris message, under date February 1 7, reports that President Faure had died suddenly, the cause of death being apoplexy. It was known to his medical advisers that he suffered from his heart for some time. A cablegram received later ghes particulars of the seizure. It appears that M Faure was tuken ill in his study at (> o'clock in the evening and cul'ed for assistance. He was* helped to a sofa, which was transformed into a bed. and here he died exactly at 10 o'clock. The Premier, M. Dupuy, was in attendance throughout, and announfed the tidings to the prefects. The doct rs at 8 o'clock informed his wife and daughters that his condi.ion was hopeless. M. Faure -soon after became unconscious. The sad event caused national mourning throughout France. The news created a great sensation in the Boulevards, and thtatren. Immediately following M. Faure's death. M. Dupuy, the Premiir, issued ordtrs to all departmental authorities to remain at their p ists. The correspondent of the Times, writing immediately after the event, said that M. Faure's death could not have occurred at a more dangerous time. The deceased President was born in Pans in IMI, and was a self made man. having begun life as a tanner. I1 1 was elected for Havre in 1881, and soon after joined Gambol t«i's Cabinet, filling, until his election to the presidency in 1 s '.».">, \arious pot* in the Cabinets of Jules Ferry. Tirard. and Dupuy. He was a moderate Republican. Later messages state the President was aware throughout that his case -svas hopelers. After an affectionate farewell of his family and attendants he excla'Sned ' C\*t tun.' Throughout Europe the event created great sympathy, and the Press made feeling reference to it. The Kaiser was the first to send asj in pathetic uussage. atter which followed messages from the Einperor.s of Austria and Russia, the King of Italy, the President of the Uni ed States, the Quc en of England and the Prince of Wales. Mr. John Redmond and hih followers in the House of Commons sent a me^a^e of condolence to France as the ancient ally of Ireland. In the House of Lords the Marquis of Salisbury made a sympathetic speech, and feeling reference was made in the Commons by the leaders of the Government and the Opposition. It is stated that just prior to M. Faure's death his wife sent a messenger for a priest Abbe Renaul, the prison ehnplain, found in the street, and conducted to the death chamber. The candidates for the Presidency were M. Dupuy. the Premier, who had the support of the anti-Dreyfus party . M. Louhet, Pre-i-dent of the Senate . and M. Meline. M. Dupuy retired in favour of M. Loubet, who was bUpported by the Dreyfusites. M. Loubet was elected on the fh>t billot by the ('ongre-s of the two Chamb(-rs with IMS votes against '27.) cist for M. Meline. The proceedings pissed off much quieter than was expected, as the public were lndiflorent. Little or no demonstration was made, except when, on returning to Paris from Versailles, where the election took place the Presidentelect was greeted with cries of ' Resign ' and ' Panama,' the latter

being meant as a reference to the position taken up by him in connection with the Panama scandals. The expressions of sympathy from England, Russia and Germany created a very favourable impression in Paris. The people of rhe French, provinces, although not accustomed to take such a keen interest in policies as tho.-<e of the prinoipal cities, are reported to be favourably disposed towards the new President. M. Loubet is by profession a lawyer, and has the reputation of being- well-meaning but rather weak, and is somewhat of a Socialist. It is reported that M. MeMne was not desirous of election, and that he requested his friends to abstain from voting 1 for him. On being questioned President Loubet denied that he was either for or against Dreyfus. He was for truth and jusiice. The late President was accorded a State funeral.