National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-04-08

NJ. BrlSson, the new French premier,
has ut last succeeded in getting together
a cabinet that promises 70 stick. But in
n country whore policies arc so unstable,
and public sentiment voers around as
quickly as tho March winds he would
be n rash person, indeed, who would n
dertake 20 guarantee that this cabinet
will last month. Fresh disasters in
Tonquin would inevitably lead TO its
overthrow. Its best chance for securing
the confidence and support Of France
would lie in victory gained by the
French troops over the Chinese, Of such
proportions that IL would bo accepted as
m offset to the defeat of Gen. Negrier at
Langson.
In the main the members Of the now
cabinet are woll known, aud mon Of ex.
perienco in public affairs. N. do Frey
cinet, who accepts the ministry of foreign
affairs, has twice been at the head Of tho
cabinet himself Gen. Campenon, who
takes tho war portfolio, filled tho same
position under Gsmbetta In 1881 aud uu-
der NJ. Ferry in 1SS3-'aA. N. Goblet was
minister Of the interior in the De Frey
Cinet cabinet Of 'S2; NJ. Allain- large min
lister of finance under Gambotta; n. sadl-
Carnot minister Of public works under
Ferry in 15S0-'Sl and again in 1882, and
M. Pierre Legrand was minister OF COM
merco in the Duclero cabinet OF 1SS2.'S3.
SO that IL can bo easily seen that NJ.
Brisson has surrounded himself with
staunch republicans, versed in sll the
lines Of policy that havo guided those in
control of the republic since 1880.
To appeaso tho public demand that
the Langson defeat shall be decisivoly
avenged, re-enforcements will no doubt
bo hurried OH to the east, but tho tendon
cies of the cabinet are such that IL a way
can be found for making peace with China
without offending French sensibilities it
will probably be taken advantage of.
Gen. Campenon resigned from the Ferry
cabinet because of his opposition to NJ.
Ferry's Jingo policy in Joaquin, and his
acceptance of office now ia significant.
| There is no reason to believe that NJ.
Ferry's policy in Indo-Chins ever en-
gagged the sympathy of the French peo.
| pie to any considerable extent, and its
abandonment under honorable conditions
would undoubtedly be hailed with relief
Its cost in life and treasure has already
been very great. Tho compensation in
the way Of new territory acquired is not
commensurate with its cost. IL Chinese
professions arc to be accepted at their
face, NJ. Brissou and his associates will
not find tho way excessively difficult that
leads TO q satisfactory peace, aud II by
! dexterous management they relieve
France from the burdens imposed by the
present stupid wsr-in-peace they will moi
fail to receive 6sttering approval at home
But IL must not be forgotten that active
efforts to bring about the overthrow Of NJ
Brisson will not be lacking. The confu.
sion and anxiety that followed the down
fall of NJ. Ferry gave great encourage
ment to tho monarchical elements. The
Orleans princes even thought II necessary
to confer in regard to the contingency OF
one of their house being called to the
throne. Their hopes for the time boiul
have come to naught but the incident il
in dicative of the influences that can b,
depended upon to lose no opportunity o
breaking down the Brisson cabinet. II
the French the retirement of cabinet il
a crisis. A French crisis is always frauRh
with possibilities of a monarchy or al
empire, and the adherents Of both form
of government are keenly alive to the
dangers that threaten the stability of tn
republic.