Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-02-01
UNFOLDING Premier Floquet.

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE Is PASSED BY THE CHAM
Der OF DEPUTIEs-FLoQ UET's POSITION.
In the French chamber of deputies yester-
day NJ. Jouvencel interpolated the govern
ment regarding the measures it intended to
take to arrest the progress of Boulangism.
The speaker attributed the change in public
opinion chiefly to the insults that have been
daily heaped upon the government and to the
indifference of the ministers toward their re-
vilers. The liberty of the press and liberty of
speech had been allowed to degenerate into
license.
Premier Floquet, before replying to NJ.
Jouyencel, asked leave to introduce a bill re-
establishing the scrutin Acknowledgement sys-
tenn OF election. Some confusion followed, but
the president finally called the members to
order and decided that the house m ust hear NJ.
Floquet.
NJ. Flo9uet held that the establishment of
the scrutin Acknowledgement would in no way
assall universal suffrage. II his policy obtained
the approval of the republican party he would
pursue 1t with greater authority. but if it was
not approved would resign. The government
he said, did not think that measures ought to
be taken against the liberty Of the press, but
they were bound to legislate against those who
we're seeking to oyerturn the republic The
existing laws dealing with hostile combinations
we're inadequate, while the increase of mediums
OF communication and the growth of wealth
furnished persons having criminal designs with
means of action which could no. be foreseen
by the trainers of the penal code The govern
ment would. therefore, propose fresh measures
for the repression of attempts against the Sc
curity OF the state. A great change had oc-
Cured in electoral proceedings. Universal
suffrage had become the tool of all sorts of
commercial combinations through syndicates
operating through paid bands of acitators
The government would also introduce bill for
the modification of the press laws regarding
placards and cOlportage.
After general explanation of the govern
ment's policy NJ. Floquet concluded his speech
by saying that if a majority of the members of
the chamber of deputies were discontented or
thought near approach ought to be made to
the policy of the right or the left the chamber
must seek other ministers. In the meantime
he asked the house for a vote of confidence.
VI. Paul de Cassagnac reproached NJ Floauet
with attacking universal suffrage. Universal
suffrage commands; it must be obeyed. Dis
solution had practically been made the test
word. The situation for the ministers could be
summed up IN the phrase, Get out" NJ. de
Cassagnac concluded by intimating that he
would vote for the present ministry. since its
continuance IN office would be the best means
that could be sought to overthrow the repub-
lie. The sitting of the chamber was then sus-
pended
When the chamber reconvened NJ. Hubbard
demanded that the government proceed against
Boulanger with acts, not words.
vi. Laguerre (Boulangist reminded the
house that the Boulangist propaganda was
supported by thousands of citizens. These
citizens. he said, desired an honest republic
They desired a republic open to all French
men. in contradistinction to a republic gov
erned by parliamentary clique. 1t was an in
famous Islander to say that Boulangsm was
supported by funds received from abroad
NJ. Clemenceau held that. although Paris had
made demonstration that displayed its dis
content, no reason existed for a change of gov
eminent.
NJ. Montaut then presented this motion:
That the house, confident in the firmness of
the government, passes to the order of the
day"
The motion was accepted by the government
and adopted by vote of 800 to 240.
Gen. Boulanger did not appear in the cham
Der during the debate