The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-29
ArrAIRs IN FRANcE.

The Coming Struggle Between Liberalism
aud Personal Government
Special the indianapolis journal
LONDON, April 2S.--France is undoubtedly on
the eve of a fierce struggle between the liberal
elements Of politics, the friends OF representa-
tive government constitutional or republican,
and those who are attempting to introduce a
system of personal government resting on nm
appeal at the Same time, TO the multitude aud
the army The signs Of the last four days ara
not favorable to the cause Of national and self
control. Since the recent ministerial crisis the
leading Republican organs have expressed
themselves with remarkable unAninity.
successes hitherto obtained by BoulAngsrism
TO the divisions their party and the con-
sequent weakness and vaciation OF the Cham
ber Still, number OF moderate Repu blicans,
who supported nj. Flouquet are now dissatisfied
with his radcalism. Premier Flouquets pro-
gramme of government. TO revise the consti-
tuition and TO separate church and state, is an
excellent profession OF radical faith But the
question Ia how far is it possible basis of gov
ernment in the existing condition OF Frsnce7
At the last general election held in France. in
1885. only eightysix of the successful candidates
had declared in favor OF revision of the consti-
tuition, and not more than lS4
church and state. These figures show con-
clusvely that French opinion ia not ripe
for the legislative formulation of either In
fact. M Flouquet must fall the moment he
faces the Chamber with proposal for one or
the other. while he takes decided stand on
the question of Boulan gerism and annoys the
army by retaining NJ De Freycinet, who has
the disadvantages of being unpopular and of
being a civilian. as Minister of War. These
matters have divided the various shades of tha
Republican party instead of uniting them.
There is little doubt that something is going ON
unseen in the higher ranks of the army. 1t is
nearly year since the 5tatement
was published that large number OF
Generals had memoriaized General BoulnnRer,
asking him to assume dictatorship for certain
specified purposes. The report was, OF course,
contradicted. but it is just OF those state
ments which it is asagreeable to think might
have had foundation in fact. General
Boulanger is at present the most popular man in
France and sincere Republicans are one and all
extremely anxious. They complain bitterly
that the Cabinet have revived all the questions
upon which the Republicans are divided, instead
of adopting resolute policy against
revival of Caesarism. The Oppor-
tunists have furnished the Ministers thai
during several years past have successfully fol-
lowed another. Ferry, Freycinet. Goblet
Bouvier and Trard have ALL in tnrn. had to 20,
because none of them could induce the others to
join them. There 300 Senators and 5S4
Deputies. and yet a government is put in that
has not 200 supporters out of the whole 1884,
Tho fact is, the Chamber is made up of sections
divided that permanent majority is impossi-
bic. A general election at this time would /
merely give opportunity TO those who are
seeking plebiscte. The Boulangerist cries of
Dissolution" and "Revision" will attract votes
and to great degree embarrass the govern
ment whether it accepts or rejects them