Page 29 Advertisement 2

New Zealand Tablet, 20 February 1919, Page 29

- CLEMENCEAU IN CHURCH PULPIT. .1. The Paris Gaulois is responsible for the statement that at a thanksgiving service held in Lille, after its restoration to' freedom, the French Premier, M. Clemenceau, made an appearance in a Catholic church. On the previous day the Premier, had personally thanked the priest of the town for his heroic conduct, and the latter had sought, as his “only reward,” that the Premier should attend the “Te Ueum” of thanksgiving. M. Clemenceau apparently not only did this, but at the end of the “Te Deum” he mounted the pulpit and addressed a few words to the congregation, who startled themselves and their cure by breaking out into cheers. M. Clemenceau asked the congregation to transfer their tribute to “that great citizen (Marshal Foch) who had never lost faith in the country.” Which the London Universe thinks he might have amplified by adding “nor in his God.” The French Prdteaier continued his short discourse by saying “I know it is not customary for a member of the congregation to speak in church, and I have never done so before, but I could not restrain my emotion.” It is said that this is M. Clemenceau first appearance in any church, which would account for part of his concluding remarks. There are many in France who hope that this may not be his last appearance in a Christian church.