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Hokitika Guardian, 23 January 1920, Page 2

Tiie political fall of M. Clemenceau the strong man of France, appears ti have been the result of the intrigue whfeli prevades French politics so gen erally. The political leaders of France in the first stages of the war were en. gaged in a sort of musical chairs, and stability did not corns til) Clemenccaii, known as the “Tiger,” took the reins He has been in French politics for well nigh fifty years, and one sleet’,in •biography says he has been “ battling in the making and unmaking of Ministries.” In his turn he lias fallen a yfcfiwi to a ,I'ival “ battler.” He is a remarkabio IiUUI for his years, his age now being about 7.8. ft would indeed have been a graceful acf to have jiJlq.w--ed him take the Presidency in recognition of his splendid leadership as Preier during the trying stages of the war, and tlie war’s aftermath. Ho occupied the Premiership in pre-war days, his former Ministry having fallen in 1909 as a result of a sharp verbal duel between himself and M. Delcasse, an-

other stormy petrel in French politics Clcmeneeati. was the defender of Dreyfus, in his great trial, and the Separation BIN largely his work. His biographer says •“ he Wiis a doctor by education, but a politician by ejioice.” (Likewise he was a, born .pyator, a keen idWJ'iialist, and a swordsman of note. CJemcucetiu wiil stand out as ono of the 1 most remarkable figures of France in it,he winning of the war. He is a man of strong personality, and once in power as Premier, lie’-seemed to impress his personality upon all. He appeared to act iu close consort with the other big figures constituting the Allied chieftains. Hjs latest act appears to have beep the preparation of the memorandum under which the Dutch Government was asked to deliver up the ox- j Kaiser for trial. M. Clemonceau must •

be very popular with the people. The gift of the Presidency was not by the vote of the people, but by the deputies, and among them the intriguers liave work ed' successfully. The nation, however, will honour this remarkable grand old man who is sure to be established in the minds of the people as a very popular idol of the nation during its most stressful days.

It seems to be matter for regret on the face of things that the Prime Minister cannot find it convenient to visit Westport in particular at the present juncture, in regard to the Dominion coal shortage. With reports current of industrial trouble brewing, and with the plain fact that there is a very serious shortage of fuel, combined with the reports that the “go-slow” policy is being intensified rather than otherwise, it seems of imperative importance that the head of the Government should get to the heart of things industrially. A personal visit to a coal producing centre would ;bo the best means of learning all about the conditions of production, and for gleaning this knowledge at first hand, Mr Massey could not do better than proceed to the Westport, district at the earliest possible moment. It is noticed that Mr Massey was able to go down to Christchurch to discuss wheat prices with the farmers. Wheat-grow-ing, of course, is very essential, but coal comes even before wheat, and Mr Massey might have strained a point to respond to the very pressing invitation' from Westport. All parts of the Dominion are affected by the want of coal, which is the motive-power of all essential industries, is required for transport, and is indispensible for lighting and heating. A coal famine affects every family in the land in more ways than one, and is the essential commodity to secure comfortable social conditions. Of course, Mr Massey might not be able to alter the “ go-slow ” tactics by such' a visit, but the facts ho would glean would put him in a position to offer some reasonable advice to the parties concerned on aspects, the adjustment of which might lead to a better understanding between the mineowner and the mine-worker. With the present breach between the opposing parties it seems clear that any intermediary to exercise any influence of value must have the most intimate knowledge of the position, and deal with the issues with, a thorough understanding of the merits of the case. Mr Massey will miss being in this strong position if he avoids visiting Westport just now.