Complex sentence: Ribot, entrusted by the new president, Félix Faure, with forming a cabinet, did not appeal to an assistant so compromised as Mercier, and the office of the minister of war was given to General Zurlinden.
Split into simpler sentences: Ribot, entrusted by the new president (Félix Faure) with forming a cabinet, did not appeal to an assistant so compromised as Mercier. The office of minister of war was given to General Zurlinden.