The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-01
FRANCES POLICY.
Marquis DesBreteul Urges that All Idea of an
Offensive War Be Abandoned.

Marquis DesBreteutl Urges that All idea of AN
Offensive War Be Abandoned.
PARIS Feb. 29-The debate on the foreign
budget was begun in the Chamber of Deputies
to-day The Marquis De Bseteul reviewed the
situation in Europe caused by the triple aili-
ance, the stability of which he had no faith in.
He declared that in the face of foreign countries
there no difference between Monarchists
and Republicans in France. Prince Bismarck
was responsible for the ornaments which he
(Bismarckl had said were crushing Europe.
Frances duty was to profit by the situation.
The task was difficult one, as the form of gov
eminent prevented the conclusion of ALI
ance. It was necessary to terminate the
stable character of the Ministry. and it was
especially important that the war and marine
departments should be free from such frequent
changes When France was strong alliances
would come for themselves. The Marquis
gave assurance that the Right would not
raise any difficulties. but would always
place the countrys interests above those of
party. France, he said, must wish the Gar to
remain the arbiter of peace. and France must
seize every opportunity to show him sympathy,
and make him understand. without exaggerated
demonstration, that the French strong but
discreet friends. The prospect of an early set
Element of the differences between England and
France was satisfactory, and the speaker hoped
the relations between both countries would be-
come more friendly. France did not cherish any
i'll feeling against Italy. and he hoped for rap
prochement between the two countries in the
common interests. In conclusion the Mar
quis said: "Let show ourselves
nation desiring peace. but not fearing war. Let
US reject all idea of offensive war, and desire
only TO live and work, taking care that nothing
shall compromise our honor and dignity"
La Ferronnays criticised the concessions
made England in the settlement of the New
Hebrides and Suez canal questions.
M. Flourens, Minister of Foreign Aft airs, de-
MED that France had sacrificed any right
the New Hebrides in order to secure the neu-
the New Hebrides affair. and said that the re-
cent convention recognized the sovereigntx of
France in Tahiti and the leeward islands. He
felt confident the Chamber would approve the
Suez canal convention, which established the
neutrality of the canal in plain terms.
He demanded restoration of the
credit for the embassy at the Vatican. which
the budget committee had expunged. Circnm-
stances imperatively demanded that the credit
be restored, as all Of the states which had diff
culties with the Vatican had now renewed dplo-
matte relation with the Papal See. French in
fuence in the East being attacked by the
European powers, and Frances principal means
of action in the East was her embassy at the
Vatican. To decide to suppress it would be to
provide that henceforth the children in the
schools of the Levant shall only learn the italian
language The question was onesof patriotism,
and the Chamber would know how TO deal with
it. Applause
Camille Pelletan opposed and Premier Tirard
supported N. Flourens.
The Chamber then decided to restore the
credit for TIE embassy at the the Vatican-294
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