Calmette
GASTON, a French journalist, born at Montpellier in 1858.
He was the editor of the "Figaro," and was noted as a formidable fighter in the political arena, not fearing to attack his political enemies, and sometimes using methods for that purpose that went beyond the bounds of journalistic ethics. He was engaged in a bitter political contest with JOSEPH CAILLAUX (q. v.), Minister of Finance and at one time Premier, and in the course of the controversy secured some private correspondence of Mme. Caillaux, which he was threatening to publish. She learned of his purpose, called upon him, and shot him dead. The tragedy occurred March 16, 1914. The deed was followed by the resignation of Caillaux and by the sensational trial of Mme. Caillaux for murder, of which charge she was declared not guilty.