Behind a Bush

From the hinterland of coal-hungry France, word reached Paris that a rich coal mine had been discovered at Tremolin in the Loire Department. Interministerial conferences were held. Then came the decree, signed by the President of the Government and the Ministers of Industrial Production, Finance and National Economy. It said: "All mining installations, materials, patents and licenses, buildings for housing the workers and other industrial chattels belonging to the Tremolin Mining Corporation, owned by Monsieur Jacques Garden are confiscated and declared state property."

Last week a reporter of the Paris newspaper France-Soir visited the expropriated Monsieur Garden, found him in shirtsleeves in a shabby little house. Said the lean old man: "The Tremolin coal trust, c'est moil" Then Gardon led the reporter to his backyard to see the mine fields. "There it is," said Gardon. "I see nothing," replied the puzzled reporter. "Voila, behind the bush."

Winter before last, Gardon had struck coal while digging in his field. Since fuel was short, he had taken the coal from the backyard. Sadly Gardon looked at the seven-foot hole in the ground. Said he: "C'est fini. I've been nationalized."

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