VALHALLA

The death of M. Georges Clemenceau marks the transition of international politics from the hysterical period of the Great War to the more balanced and sane present. The "Tiger" with his energetic and forceful personality stood for the impetus which directed France through the most disorganizing experience in her history. Whether or not he was always aware of ethics is doubtful, but he did attain his end.

The World War presented a world problem whose magnitude was unparalleled. It was the solution of this problem in the light of self-preservation that Clemenceau had to find. At times he probably overstepped the limits of precedence, always focusing his attention on the end rather than the means, and some have questioned his drastic and dramatic gestures. But he did attain his purpose in spite of the huge odds the first days of the war heaped up against him. It was this direct, energetic, indomitable spirit that made him a figure of world importance. He was one of the last of the war lords.