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Man can say no more. Conceived by the Emperor Napoleon, the Legion of Honor is French honor incarnate—and to the Latin honor is all. As a supreme honor to Emperor Napoleon the original Grand Collar reposes in his tomb. The President of France wears only a duplicate. Man can do no more.
"I was Hungry." Off to catch his train dashed Bridegroom Doumergue. Thus he broke the tradition that the retiring President drives with the new President to call formally upon the "Mayor of Paris" (President of the Municipal Council), Count Jean de Castellane at the "City Hall" (Hotel de Ville).
In his fairly long speech at the Hotel de Ville, last week, white-haired, white-bearded President Doumer recalled the fall of Sedan in 1870 and the ensuing siege of Paris.
"I was in Paris then," said M. le President who was born in Auvergne, "and I was hungry. Food during the siege was scarce and dear. I was a boy and I was poor. . . .
"In 1914, as a man already old, I was witness to the courage, gayety and fortitude of Paris under the German bombardment!"
Back to the Elysée drove President Doumer to receive the resignation of Premier Laval and his Cabinet. As custom decrees M. Doumer asked M. Laval to form on the spot a ''new'' Cabinet exactly like the old. He did so. He could then say: "I have been twice Premier of France."
Enter Madame Doumer—as the statesmen depart. This good lady declined last week to move at once into the Elysée. By her actions, not by words, she showed that she thought M. Doumergue during his six years and 117 months of bachelor residence at the Elysée had been about as good a housekeeper as most bachelors are.
The Doumers did not actually move in until the Elysée had been furiously swept, scrubbed, dusted for two days. After this preliminary assault. General Housekeeper Mine Doumer will lead a frontal attack on the old palace by painters, paperers. floor-waxers, basement-scrubbers, waterspout fixers.