The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1883-03-03 00:00:00

THE ORLEANS PRINCES.

The Journal Officiel has published a decree signed by
the President of the Republic, and countersigned by
the Minister of War, General Thibaudin, removing
from the army the Due d'Admale and his two nephews.
The Decree is preceded by the following report from
General Thibaudin to the President of the Republic :
Paris, February 23, 1883.—Monsieur le President,—
Public opinion has been shuck ( ensue) by the incon-
venience arising out of the presence in the army of
officers forming part of the families that have reigned
in France. In point of fact, the great principles of
military subordination and the unity of discipline
might find themselves impaired in consequence of the
presence at the head of troops of officers who derive an
exceptional position from their birth. Therefore, M.
le President, I think it is expedient to apply to the
officers named below the provisions of the Laws of May
19, 1834, Articles 2,3, 4,5, and 6 of August, 4, 1839,
notably Articles 2,3, and 5, last paragraph ; and of
March 13, 1875, Article 8, and to place them in a posi-
tion of non•activity (par retrait d'ensploi). These officers
are—M. d'Orleans Henri Euesne Philippe Louis,
Duke d'Aurnale, General of Division, unattached (en
disponibilite) ; M. d'Orleans Robert Philippe, Duke de
Chartres, Colonel Commanding the 12th Regiment of
Chasseurs ; M. d'Orleans Ferdinand Philippe, Duke
d'Alencon, Captain in the 12th Regiment of Artillery.
If you approve this proposal I have the honour to
request that you will be pleased to sign the decree
herewith annexed. Be pleased to receive, M. le
President, the homage of my respectful devotion.—
(Signed) The Minister of War, THIBAUDIN.
In the French Chamber on Saturday a debate took
place on the course adopted by the Government to•
wards the Princes. General Thibaudin said he
accepted the entire responsibility of the measure.
Ultimately the House by 395 to 103 passed an order
of the day expressing confidence in the Government
and approving the steps it intended to take with regard
to the Princes.

The Due de Chartres and the Due d'Alencon took
leave of their regiments on Sunday. The former had
t,) serve the decree upon himself, for, as senior
colonel, he was in temporary command of the
brigade, during a vacancy, and as commandant he
had to notify the removal to the colonels—that is,
among others, to himself. He was roused up at two
in the morning, and summoned to wait on General
Cornat, who had 'reached Rauen from Paris at mid-
night, with orders to serve the decree at once. The
1.),.c de Chlrtr,s objected to accept verbal instruc-
tions to quit his regiment, and asked fur ur:Ltea
ones, as also for a pass, and General Cornet admitted
that this was the regular course. The Duke finally
knocked up the Allitant, and handed over his func-
tions to him. The Duchess left with the Archbishop
10,C00(. for the poor. Not more than about thirty
persons assembled at the station to see the Duke off;
but at Oissel, the first station at which a stoppage
took place, he found the officers drawn up outside the
railing. They had spurred their hones for a six-mile
canter, in order to give him a last greeting without
infringing his prohibition with respect to Rouen
station, and after touching their caps to him, galloped
back, The Due d'Alencon, who was stationed at Vin-
cennes, was not superseded until 'Monday morning.
As for the Due d'Aumale he has for several years been
on the Retired List, and an orderly officer had simply
to wait on him with the decree,