Poilu
a popular name for the French soldier, meaning literally "hairy," from the French "poil," hair, and alludes to his unshaven and unkempt appearance during campaigns. The sobriquet parallels the use of Tommy Atkins in England, and Doughboy in the United States. POINCARÉ, RAYMOND, French statesman, born at Bar-le-Duc, August 20, 1860. He was educated in the Lyceum of Louis le Grand. He early entered politics and in 1893 was appointed Minister of Public Construction. He filled this office again in 1895. In 1894 and again in 1906 he was Minister of Finance. From 1911 to 1913 he was Premier. In the latter year he became President of the Republic. He was President during the entire period of the POINDEXTER World War, and his aggressive policies, following the outbreak of the war did much to enable France to meet the many crises of the great struggle. President Poincaré was a frequent visitor in the war area and his presence did much to encourage and harden the French soldiers. He was succeeded as President in January, 1920, by PAUL DESCHANEL (q. v.) who was, however, obliged to resign on account of illness, and was succeeded by Alexandre Millerand, on September 16, 1920. M. Poincaré published several studies in literature and politics, includ- RAYMOND POINCARÉ ing "How France is Governed" (1913).
Following his resignation he became leader of the opposition, although he heartily supported the government in negotations in 1920 and 1921 following the attempted settlement of economic and political conditions in Europe. law.