La Bataille du Franc

There began in the Chamber of Deputies what was termed in Paris as la bataille du franc (the battle of the franc), which, translated into parliamentary language, is a debate on the Government's emergency financial measures (TIME, Jan. 28). Thirty-six

Deputies intimated to the Government that they were anxious to debate the question. Premier Poincare was said to be fighting for his political life.

During the debate, M. Bokanowski, General Reporter of the Finance Committee, likened emotion in Paris caused by the debacle of the franc on Jan. 14 (the date when it reached its lowest level) to that caused by the news of the battle of Chemin des Dames. Loud cries of "What an exaggeration !"

Deputy Herriot, Mayor of Lyons, retorting to Premier Poincare, who said he could not permit general discussion on all points of his proposals, said: "Yet the whole republic is involved in that discussion."

Premier Poincare: "I accept neither lessons nor advice from any one on republicanism. But I think the best way in which the republic can be defended is by following the Government in this matter."

Deputy Andre Tardieu, Clemenceau's lieutenant, to the Premier, who had blamed the Treaty of Versailles for the fact that reparations had to be made before Germany paid: "Why did you sign it?"

Premier Poincare: "We will discuss that another day and we will talk then, too, about unworthy letters which you wrote to the Minister of Foreign Affairs about me as Chief of State."

Tardieu: "You are withdrawing from your position."

Poincare with anger: "I never withdraw, and least of all to you, M. Tardieu."

The debate continued.