3-086-483 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

M. Paul Deschanel, the newly elected President of the French Chamber of Deputies, 1898. 'M. Paul Deschanel...is still a young man...[He] is the youngest President except Gambetta. His oratory has all the fire of youth, but is withal measured and weighed, and its brilliant polish covers a solid foundation. The grace of his appearance, his manner, and his urbanity are proverbial, and he possesses an uncommon aptitude for the direction of debate. The contest between the successful candidate and his opponent, M. Brisson, was remarkably close, victory declaring itself by only ten votes. On the first vote, M. Deschanel was elected temporary President by a majority of one, on the second by a majority of four, the final figures standing at 287 to 277'. From "Illustrated London News", 1898.