The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-05-17
FRANCE.
A CRISIS IN THE CABINET.
Resignation of the Entire
Ministry.
FRANCE.
GREAT EXCITEMENT IN PARIS,

LONDON, May 16.-The following is an
account of the French cabinet crisis. The
chamber of deputies having yesterday voted to
repeal the press law of 1875 President
McMehon wrote to Jules Simon stating he had
observed with surprise that neither he (Simon1
nor Martel had placed before the chamber the
reasons which might have been presented
against the repeal of this law, which was
passed by Dufaure less than two years ago.
and which Simon himself had quite recently
wished to see applied in courts of law. The
President reminds Simon that it had been
decided in several meetings of the Cabinet and
indeed in yesterday mornings meeting that he
and Martel should oppose the repeal of this
law. There has been ground for surprise
that the chamber during the last few sittings
has discussed the whole municipal law, and
even adopted some clauses, the danger of
which Simon had himself acknowledge in
council, as for instance the publicity Of the
sittings of the municipal councils wjthout
Simon's taking any part in the discussions.
The letter concludes as follows: In view of
such an attitude on the part Of the head of the
Cabinet the question naturally arises whether
he retains sufficient influence to assert his
views successfully. An explanation on this
point is indispensable for /, myself. although
not like you answerable to parliament have
responsibility towards France, which TODAY
more than ever before must enUross nv
attention.
In consequence of the foregoing letter Jules
Simon has rendered his resignation in letter.
in which he says that he was unweIl and alb
cent when the municipal bill was discussed.
He had an appointment with the committee
for FRIDAY TO induce them to reconsider the
vote concerning the publicity of the sittings of
the municipal! councils. The objections Of the
ministers to the repeal of the press law annlied
only to portion for furnishing insults to for
eign sovereigns. M. Simon concludes by de-
claring that as a citizen and not as minister
he earnestly desires to be replaced by men be-
longing like himself to the Conservative Re-
publican party. Before sending in his formal
letter of resignation NJ Simon had an inter-
view with the President. The latter said he
had gone as far as he possibly could and he
would proceed no further in the wake of the
cnamDer' De intended reverting to his former
opinions and would constitute a ministry from
the liberal Right Centre.
The President concluded: 81 belong to the
Right, sir"
NJ. Simon replied "And I to the Left
a, resident MacMahon rejoined 81 perceive
In consequence of M. Simon's letter the
cabinet resolved they would all resign so as to
manifest solidarity with their chief and leave
PRESIDENT MacMahon full liberty of action.
simon Immediately quilted the ministry of
the interior for his private residence,
The members of the Left held a numerously
attended meeting Many members of other
parties and several Senators were present.
Gambetta advised them to face the situation
with calmness but frmress and energy. The
majority of the Chamber which represented
the company was in position proof against
aggression. Gambetta proposed a general
meeting of the section of the Left to draw up a
declaration explaining the situation to the
country and expressing entire confidence in
the fallen ministry.
1t is improbable that a ministry will be con-
stituted tomorrow. If not constituted it ia ex-
pected decree will be issued proroguing the
Chamber for month. The possibility of pro.
rogation being followed by dissolution is men
toned. Great excitement prevails everywhere.
Many persons, including Duke d'Audiffret
Pasquier, are mentioned as having been en-.
trusted with the formation of a ministry.
Some even allege that Eeactionary cabinet in
Guiding Duke de Broglie, M. Fourton and M.
Buffet, has already been formed. These com
binations at present. however, are mere suppo-
stions.
The Temps says it has reason to believe moth.
ing is yet decided. The President wishes the
ministry to be composed from the liberal sec
ton of the Right Centre, who would have the
support of the Chamber and the Senate.
A Reuter- despatch says the first news of the
crisis produced not merely emotion but actual
dismay,. filling nearly all with ominous ap-
the Left met at the Grand Hotel in Paris as
announced. A resolution was unanimously
passed declaring no Cabinet can have the con.
hdence OF the Chamber which is not free in its
action and resolved to govern according to
republican principles, which alone can secure
order and prosperity at home and abroad.
On leaving the meeting Gambetta was loua.
ly cheered By the crowd. he addressed them hem
recommending calmness and moderation. de.
claring that the power would finally remain in
the Right. The crowd responded with cries nt
"Vlve Gambetta! Vive la Republique.''