MISHAP TO FRENCH PRESIDENT

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 206, 26 May 1920, Page 7

MISHAP TO FRENCH PRESIDENT

FALL FROM A TRAIN

INJURIES NOT SERIOUS By Telegraph-Press Association-CopyrleM Paris, May 24. While proceeding .to Montbrison, to unveil a memorial to M. Raymond, Senator and aviator, M. Deschanel, while walking along a corridor, fell through an open .door, and was not missed until I the train had travelled forty miles. ' Some workmen picked up M. Deschanel, who was unconscious. When ho had recovered he said: "I am the President," but failed to convince the workmen, who thought him insane, and convoyed him to Montargis. M. Deschanel is not seriously injured, though ho is badly bruised. Madame Deschanel and M. Millerand have gone to Montargis. M. Deschanel was suffering from an attack of influenza, but ho insisted on travelling to fulfil his publio engage-ments.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RETURN TO THE ELYSEE ' ' SOME CURIOUS INCIDENTS. Paris, May 24. M. Deschanel has returned to the Elysee. His condition is not serious, though he had tho narrowest of escapes. Thero were a, number of ouriouß incidents in connection with the accident. The President went to his sleeping-car, telling his valet not to call him until the morning. Peeling' the carriage stuffy, M. Deschanel attempted to open a, window, and foil out. Fortunately tho train was slackening speed in going round' a curve. The President fell on a sandy patch, and was temporarily stunned. When he recovered he walked baTefooted.' clad in pyjamas, and with his face bleeding, until ho met a platelayer, who received the President's story with the frankest scepticism. This seemed justified, when the stationmastcr's ■telegram; sent to tho_ President's train inquiring if any accident' had taken place, wag answered by an emphatlo "No."

No one thought it worth while to look in the sleeping compartment. Fivo minutes later the valet found it empty, and there was consternation. Meanwhile the Tailway officials were worrying the subprefect of Montargis regarding an unknown individual, scantily clad, suffering from the hallucination that he was the President of the Republic The subprofect accordingly motored to the platelayers' cottage, where ho found the injured man was really head of the French Republic M. Deschanel was quietly carried to the Prefecture of Montargis, and his wounds dressed and en antitetanus injection made. It is expeoted it. Deschanel wilt completely recover in ten. days.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.