First of the Fifth

The formality had to be observed, even though the outcome was never in doubt. Last week 81,500-odd "Grand Electors" of France--deputies, senators, mayors, deputy mayors, municipal councilors--elected the first President of the Fifth Republic. There were three candidates: an obscure Communist mayor, a Sorbonne dean, and Charles de Gaulle.

As chief of state, De Gaulle will be the direct successor to two Presidents of the Fourth Republic, two Emperors named Napoleon, 14 Presidents of the Third Republic (none now living), Vichy's Marshal Petain, and a string of kings ranging in power from the glorious days of Louis XIV, the Roi Soleil, to the hunted 10th century time of Hugh Capet, the founder of the Capetian line, who scarcely dared stir out of Paris for fear of being trounced by the powerful Count of Flanders and the proud Duke of Normandy.

Of all France's Presidents, few have been more popular than the last President of the Fourth Republic, outgoing Rene Coty, who began moving his things out of the palace after his wife died in 1955, will need only a small truck to take away the rest of his books. Then Charles de Gaulle will begin his seven-year rule.

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