FRENCH PRESIDENCY.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1635, 30 December 1912, Page 5

FRENCH PRESIDENCY.

CANDIDATES: MESSIEURSPOINICARE AND RIBOT. BOTH LAWYER STATESMI3N, By Teloirraph.—Preaa Association—Ocoiyrieht Paris, December 27. MM. Poinoare and Eibot are candidates for the Presidency. "AN OPEN AND SPORTING EVENT." An interesting article on the prospects of tho French Presidential elecuon was published in the "Figaro" recently from the pen of M. Galviel Hanotaux, the wellknown French publicist. M. Hanotaux deplored the prospect that the nJew President will proDably be elected on the proportional representation issue, on /Which French politicians are. much divided, instead of on national grounds. . First he gave the name of M. Bourgeois, whose candidature, if not certain, was probable. M, Bourgeois would no doubfc make an admirable President. In his. long and honourable career he has filled many important posts with adequacy and dignity; but that pestilent proportional representation issue steps in. As a member' of the Poincare Cabinet' and a supporter of proportional representation ho has alienated many of his edd friends. Then there is the present Prime Minister, M. Raymond Poinc-tre. Nothing to be said against his candidature, much in its favour; but again paroportional representation divides the rrmks of his possible supporters—a Nessus 6hirt, M. Hanotaux calls it. • Of late the Senate has had a monopoly of Presidents. Both M. Loubet and M, Fallieres were Presidents of the Senate before they reached the Elysee. According to this precedent, M. Antonin Dubost, the actual President of tbe Senate, is indicated. "Yes, but won't the Chamber of Deputies claim its turn?" asks M. Hanotaux. ■It has a very strong candidate —a few months ago, at least a strong favourite—in M. Deschanel, who would look and act the part magnificently. Here affain the representation ques-. tion rears its spectral head. Last of M. Hanotaux's "selections" is M. Eibot, who commands the respect, and veneration both of his colleagues and his country. His chances, too, may be compromised by the proportional representation, which is the stiff est fence in the', race for the Presidency. Never was the election so open and so. "sporting" an event.