PROS AND CONS

It was at twenty past four in the afternoon that Mr. Gaston Doumergue, on Friday, became President of the Republic. However, immediately, Mr. Gaston Doumergue, without embarrassment or constraint, declared himself President.

I look at the two photographs that Le Petit Parisien gave of him yesterday, after the election. He salutes, in both photographs. And, if I dare say, he already has the presidential salute, the broad, affable, popular salute that should be the manner of a President.

Immediately after his election, Mr. Gaston Doumergue delivered a speech. This is exactly, this is absolutely the speech he was supposed to give... To all the friends who hurry, he responds with a few words that are quoted. These few sentences, too. are completely in tune with the moment. These are “presidential” words. So from 4:20 a.m. on Friday, Mr. Gaston Doumergue declared himself an accomplished President, with words, gestures and a smile.

We should not be surprised by this immediate adaptation. The little summary table that Le Petit Parisien gave of the political career of the new President explains this immediate ease... Mr. Doumergue has been either a deputy or senator for thirty years. He was Minister of the Colonies more than twenty years ago, for the first time. He served as vice president of the House. He was Minister of Commerce and Minister of Public Education. He was President of the Council, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of National Defense. He presided over the Senate...

All in all, he held all the parliamentary ranks before becoming generalissimo of the Constitution. He never left the career. He did not stop, for thirty years, practicing the same profession, the political profession. This is why, having reached the highest public office as if naturally, he immediately found himself at ease and in his place... He had learned, without suspecting it, without wanting it, to be President of the Republic...

Genius is not long patience. Genius is a feverish impatience. But the parliamentary profession should always be one of long patience. Power cannot be improvised. It must be learned especially in a democracy. Public affairs cannot be guessed and it is neither in fantasy, nor even in the coffee grounds of the sleepwalker that we can find the solution to public problems.

Like law, like medicine, a political career requires long studies and practice. Talent then operates and highlights distinguished practitioners.

We have, on the State tank, a driver who has had his driving license for thirty years and who for thirty years has always driven straight, always cautiously, always gently, always seriously. I think it's very good that way.

Maurice PRAX.