The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-05-27
FRANCE WANTS REST.
President Theirs Likely to Long
Hold the Executive Reins.
The Right Distrust Him, the Left Disagree
with Him in Spite Of His Great Quail
6cations for the Presidency-A New
Assembly Not Apt To Be
More Favorable to Monarchy
than the Present One


The following letter was received some tim
since from correspondent OF the HERALD in
Paris, containing notes of a full conversation
with the Duo de Brogie ON the state of parties
and their prospects In France Notwithstanding
the time that has elapsed since the interview, it
will be read with special interest owing to the
sudden executive change in the government OF the
Republic, which has placed the portfolio of Foreign
Affairs in the hands of the distinguishes statesman
whose ideas it records.
Invent lately to see the Due de Broglie at his
house, Rue de Soferino, Quarter st. German.
was so astonished, upon ringing the BELL to have
the Duke himself answer 1t, that nice speech
intended to make him was completely Knocked out
OF me. He received me with far less hautestr and
attempt at condescension, however. than o second
rate French lawyer would have done. He invited
me into his study and, although pressed for time,
talked very freely for the hour was with him.
He is something above the medium size, straight
and erect wears short, closely cropped beard and
mustache has cold gray eyes, projecting forehead,
deeply lined is slightly bald, and do not think
ever saw q inner Notwithstanding considered
than that OF the Due de Brogle. without attempt
ing 1t in the least he is OF an imposing personal ap-
pearance-a fact arising simply from his air OF in
tellectual superiority and culture, and not from
any external insignia Of rank title. He is fifty
two years DID, has been journalist in his time, and
has written several works. principally of potico.
religious nature. Although O consistent Catholic,
he is opposed to the absolute in government and is
as great an opponent OF the doctrine Of divine
right as OF the theories OF democracy and has
attacked, in turn, the absolute doctrines OF the
LUniUers relfgteur and the destructive tendencies
OF the Reds. He believes IN limited monarchy
something like that OF England-as the best form
OF government for France, and Is an Orleanist.
1t is thought that he is the strongest man in the
party, Its recognized leader in the Assembly and
there was talk at one time OF his replacing Presi-
dent Theirs. Our conversation was as follows:-
CoRREsPoNDENT-You win excuse my visit am
sure NJ. lie Due when tell you OF the deep interest
felt by Americans in the affairs OF France at the pres
ent moment They follow events as they occur here
thing that happens is as carefully recorded In the
columns Of the American papers as II the people
the names and opinions Of French statesmen and
politicians are almost as well known as those Of
IL IS IA
and the department which elected you. 1t is very
dificult to get just estimate OF the situation by
reading the French papers, which are as you are
aware rather the expression OF the personal opin.
resume OF the situation by you, M. lie Due would
be OF more interest and value than all OF them put
together and woud be read with avidity by the
M. LIB Due DE BROGLIE-Really, sir, You surprise
as well as natter me in attributing so much i'm
one among the 700 members OF which the National
Assembly is composed, and have no means or en-
rect they might be. however any Information nj
can give you is most freely atyour service.
An not IN frag fnn nm
time; but believing that no man in France more
fully understands the political situation. will, by
your kind leave, ask you few questions. would
first like to know what you think OF the
PROSPECTS OF THE REPUBLIC.
nst say that everythng n"nts ~ AZ eas5 tam
porary continuation OF the Republic. The country
is not ready Tor solution OF the question OF the
decicided by passing through dangerous crisis.
And with the partial occupation OF French soil by
ment Besides the country is tired OF discussions
and wants to rest, and the present government,
republican in name at least gives i the repose o.
Right in the Assembly do not approve OF many
things in President Thiers' programme:
OF his making a coup d'etat2
NJ. LIZ Due DE BRoGLTE-Oh, no; they have every
confidence in the patriotism OF M. Theirs 1t is only
that they have not the same confidence in many OF
his ideas, and they were greatly incensed when he
took the step Of conciating the Left in order to
insure the success OF his measures.
CoRREsPoNDENT-And yet believe the real views
OF the Left on these very questions are much nearer
those OF the Right than OF III. Theirs.
M. LIE Due DE BRoGLIE-Yes, and they have voted
contrary to their own convictions, partly out OF
spirit OF opposition to the Right partly to concili
ate N. Jhiers, whom they think they have gained
ever to their side.
CoR9EsrospEST-sO You really think they have
gained him o.
NJ. LIE DUO DE BRooriR-No. Efe simply wished
TO carry certain measures which he deemed In
dispensable and the Right refusing to vote them
ne turned to the Left for the support the Right re-.
fused bin. He had certain point to gain, and FOR
the time being he gained it.
CoRREsPoNDENT-Do you think
N. THEIRS IS SINCERE REPUBLICAN,
NJ. LIZ Duo DE BR0GLIE-Yes, as long as ne 10
he knows must last as long as he lives. the ques-
ton Of the form OF government cannot, as before
remarked, be agitated now. The only possible
course to be pursued Is to keep NJ. Thlers IN
power, a situation which suits him very well and
which he will do everything In mis- power to per-
petuate.
CoRREsPoNDENr-For my part am only as
tonished that, while the majority OF the Assembly
really is opposed TO him on almost every important
question which has csme before them, they still
submit TO his domination, do things they 90 not
wish to do and vste measures they are opposed TO-
M. LIE DUC DE BRoGLIE-It all comes OF the neces-
sity have just referred to- OF keeping M. Thiers
in power. The Assembly can find no other man 10
replace him. and yet he hy not by any means the
man they want. lie Is the only man that can ma
say, this majority Is opposed TO him. as you say,
on almost every important question -
CoRREsPoNDENT-Wha is the reason OF thlsY
M. LIE Due DE BRo0IIE-lt arises rom the pc.
culiar composition OF the Assembly which, elected
without any political object In view, but simply 70
lDerate our territory and put an end TO the war,
| Is composed of the most uncongenial elements.
| There was no question OF the form OF government