New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-12-11
THE SUCCESSION IN FRANCE.

The Presidential succession Is now the cen
trail question in French politics. NJ. GreVyS
term will expire on January 30, 1856. Inc
Constitution provides that at least one month
before the legal termination of the PreSldehCS
functions the Chambers meeting together us
the National Assembly shall proceed to the
election of his successor. If they are not con-
voked, the election is arbitrarily appointed Tor
the fifteenth day preceding the expiration OF the
term The election will accordingly take place
during the present month by agreement De-
tween the two Chambers. The two discOrdant
sections of the Republican party have ma
ioIity in the National Assembly and cOnse &.
ouently can reflect President Grevy, if they act
together As there is no other candidate upon
whom the Opportunists and Radicals can
readily unite, he will undoubtedly be chosen
for second term. French politics have ex-
hausted the reputation of every prominent
statesman with the single exception OF NJ.
Clemeuccau. Even VI. Brsson, who fer many
years was regarded as the leading candidate
for the succession. has been discredlted by his
sngularly ineffective Premiership. Nj.
Clcmcnceau as the leader of the Radicals could
not obtain the votes of the Opportuniss. whom
he has persistently opposed. NJ. Greyy thus
occupies n position the least ambitious OF
statesmen would be justified in accepting with
>elr-cOmplAcency--tha of the necessary man.
Tne Presidential election, while practically
uncOntcsted and foregOne conclusion, has
been turned to political account by the Brisson
Ministry. The Prcmicr's position when the
Chambers assembled Last month was most un-
enyiable. His political authority had been un-
dermincd by his remuneration OF leadership
DUNG the recent canvass VI. Ferry had APP
prared as the recognized chief of the OPP
portunists and VI. Clcmenceau had headed the
Radical contingent and VI. BrissOn after an
awkward attempt 10 remain neutral hal taken
shelter upder VI. Frrry's umbrella. The cleo
tons proved disastrous to the Opportunlsts and
left the Ministry in a critical position, without
the support of Il majority OF the Deputies NJ.
Brissun had not only demonstrated his weak
ness rs political leader, bat united his fort
unps with the fccblcst aud most uDsl able group
in the Chambers. At the opening of the session
his political ii attn warrant was signed by VI.
Clcmcnceau. who rejected the Ministerial pro-
grammc as unsatisfactory to the Radicals. But
inasmuch as tho Presidential succession had
not been settled and 1t WAS unsafe 10 decree the
downfall of the Ministry, he was informed that
he could conduct the Government on suiicrance
tor few weeks. AT the same time, he was eau
toned against proceeding with important Icgis-
lation until the National Assembly had re-
elected VI. Grcyy. VI. Bri,sOn did not receive
the ovcrtures from the Radicals with becoming
mcckncss. He perceived thar the reluctance OF
his advcrsarics to turn him ont OF office gave
him convenient opportunity for dispoSlng of
the most troublesome questions connected with
his administration. Accordingly he proposed
the Tonqun credits and dclicd the advocates
Of evacuation tO vote against him. The
Colonial policy has in this WY been prclna
urcly discussed by the Chambers greatly TO
the dismay of The Radicals, who are unequyo-
cllly opposed to the annexation Of Tonquin, yet
ace unprcparcd 10 Dust VI. Brisson before
President Crews term expires.