Students in Politics

Conservative Republican and Royalist students combined to prevent Prof. Georges Scelle, Socialist, member of the Ministere des Travaux Publics, from delivering a lecture on international law in the Paris Law School.

Dense crowds of students patrolled the streets of the Latin Quartier, traffic was held up. Here and there, a few venturesome voices sang the Internationale, which was instantly drowned in roars of the Marseillaise. All doors were picketed by groups of students who had wisely provided themselves with food and wine. Shouts of "Conspuez Herriot!" (literally, "Spit upon Herriot!"), "A has Georges Scelle!'' "Vive le roil" "A has la Republique!" were frequently heard. Police and the Garde Republicaine were called out, attempted to restore order.

Prof. Scelle showed much courage and, despite the efforts of the students, succeeded in entering the Law School; but, in view of the terrific pandemonium that ensued, he wisely gave up an attempt at speaking, departed.

Students, armed with chemical bombs and canes, then poured into the streets; several clashes took place between them, the police and the Communists. Fifty-four policemen were injured and an unknown number of students.

M. Morain, Prefect of Police, was on the spot. Amid jeers, hoots and hisses; he lectured the students: "You are free to manifest your opinions, but you must not resort to acts of violence."

A Royalist queried: "How about the Communists who have just cried, 'Down with the Fatherland; long live the International ?' "

The Prefect smiled, said: "If they shout 'Down with the Fatherland,' why you might use your fists, but don't use canes."

As a result of the riot the Dean, Dr. Louis Barthelemy and the Faculty of the Law School were suspended from their functions by Minister of Education Francois Albert. The Dean became the hero of the hour.