The Portland daily press., 1873-05-24
The French Crisis.

To say that the history OF the French gov
eminent has been succession of crises from
the advent of the present Assembly until the
present hour, would be near the truth: but
it must be evident that the one now impend-
ing, ifindeed it has, not already taken place, is
to cecide the future of that unfortunate coun.
try. The past two years rule in France is an
enigma. There has been no majority in the
Assembly, but rather half dozen factions
that have cohered few days or weeks
against any possible reason that may be CIV
en- for their existence, President Theirs one
day titds his support on one side OF the
chamber and the next on the other, and still
another time from an aggregation OF warning
elements that have no natural affinity
Through the timidity Of the leaders of fac
tions, and by the fear they have had of him as
much as by his adroit management, Theirs
has rarely ever been without majority when
he required it. BE has been the guiding pow
er, always looking to what he has deemed the
best good of France, and when one party has
deserted him with that April day like fickle-
ness SO proverbial of tbs French, he has reso-
lutely looked for another party that would
support him, holding out to it such minor in
ducements as would not conflict with his
main purpose. His administration has been
marvel, He has been able to secure the
adjustment of the troublesome questions with
Germany, managed the finances so marvel
ously as to. tase care of the immense German
indemnity without great embarrassment, and
by his internal policy, placed the industries of
the country in the most prosperous condition
and all this without reliable majority in
the Assembly and even with one hostile, if it
could be organized. Il, -, .,...s -.
Now il seems that all this has changed and
a combination formed to break him down.
The results of the recent elections has alarm
cd the enemies Of Republican government in
the Assembly. They see in them the success
of toe Republic unless immediate and deci-
sive action is taken, Delay will give the Re,
pnbi cans the control of the Assembly. Con-
sequently the Orleanists, the legitimists and
Bonapartists have united to break him down.
Monday the monarchists on the election of
President showed decided majority. We'd
nesday, with fuller attendance, Martel who
was defeated for the Presidency, was elected
as Vice President by seven majority. This is
counted as majority for President Theirs
To-day friday, the struggle was to begin
by the monarchists moving an Interpolation
or questioning the President as to his future
policy. This will be opposed by the support
ers of Thiers. There will doubtless be an ex-
cited debate and the result of the vote will
indicate the tate Of Theirs. IF he proves
successful, there is, at least hope for Repub-l
lie ard peace in the future. If he fails and
the enemies Of the Republic triumph, it re-
quires no prophet to predict the anrachy and
bloodshed that will follow. -5i'.l.' 70 NJ
The present crisis overshadows all others
because the issue is made strictly between all
the various shades of monarchists and the
Republicans and radicals because it is evi-
dent that it.settles for time the future of
that nation. Big &zsn stit q afueg 9mss 9sl1 81