THE FRENCH CHARACTER.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1922, Page 7

THE FRENCH CHARACTER.

An interesting sidelight is thrown upon the character of the French and their method of receiving invitations to subscribe to national loans by Mr. Stephen Graham in his latest book, “Europe—Whither Bound.” France lives by loans, and even an interest of six per cent, will not tempt the citizens to invest sufficient money to pay the Government’s way. The Government cannot raise its revenue by taxes. An Englishman slavishly pays half his income in taxes, but not a Frenchman. It is difficult to get five per cent. And there one comes suddenly upon France s greatest vice and weakness avarice. It is France’s penuriousness and meanness and her exaggerated thrift that stands most in the way of her material greatnecn now. The Government needs* 5 to spend a great deal more than it used to do before the war, must spend it, if it is to do the best for France. France has the consciousness of being the greatest power in Europe, and she has the will to play the role of the greatest Power, and she is called upon to do things in style. France is romantic in ambition, she is vivacious and happy and dignified, till she is called upon to pay anything. Then the Frenchwoman in the French nation reveals herself. The eyes become small, the lips thin, the cheeks pale, the whole being shrinks into and goes on the defensive.”