The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-12-14
ANOTHER CRISIS FEARED
MEMBER OF THE NEW C1BINET con-
NECTED WITH PANAMA AFFAIR.
VI. Rouvier, Minister of France, Resigns
and NJ. Tirard Appointed to Succeed
Him-Great Excitement Prevails.

PARIS, Dec. 13.-Another ministerial
crisis is probably impending. The ex
| posure Of the connection of NJ. Rouvier
minister of finance, with the Panama
scandal. is believed by many to render
necessary reconstruction of the Cabi
net. 1t now appears that VI. Rouvier wa;
so closely connected with Reinach as &c
have been present with NJ. Herr at final
interview with Reinach, just previous tC
the Barons death.
This secret VI. Rouvier has been car
! rying in his breast ever since that tragic
event, and the exposure Of the fact has
caused a tremendous sensation.
The Gaulois this morning gives details
| of Reinach's last hours. IL appears that
Reinach, after the final interview with
Rouvier and Herr, finding all hope gone
OF any escape from exposure, and prob
ably severe and disgraceful legal penalty
for his share in the Panama frauds. went
back home at mi.inight and wrote several
letters. After writing these letters Baron
Reinach destroyed a number of docu'
ments. Then he swallowed poison which
he had prepared and lay down to die,
about 1 o'clock in the morning
Minister Rouvier has been summoned
to give evidence be-Hre the Parama In
vestigating commission Of the Chamber
Of Deputies. Herr has also been sum-
mcn6d, but it is doubtful whether he
will appear.
There was an exciting scene to-day
when NJ. Rouvier was called upon to give
an explanation TO the deputies of his
connection with the Panama frauds. Nj.
Rouvier confirmed the statement made
by NJ. Clemenceau, editor of La Justice,
to the effect that he (Rouvier) had Wis
tied NJ. Clemeac eau On the night Of
Baron de Reinachs death. but that
Clemenceau was not in, and did not see
him. NJ. Rouvier added that he had
nothing to reproach himself with and
his conscience was easy.
NJ. De Roulde attacked NJ. Rouvier in
a violent address, which was repeatedly
interrupted by cries Of approval and de-
precation He declared that NJ. RouVier
ought to appear before a high court to
argue the charges against him affecting
his conduct as a member f the Cabinet.
NJ. Rouvier replied, with self possession:
Il am ready. / can repeat only what
have already said"
Although Rouvier managed to control
his temper he showed signs of great
agitation. His lips quivered as he spoke
nd perspiratlon gathered on his brow.
During the incident a crowd thronged the
lobbies. expecting at any moment TO hear
that the minister had resigned.
NJ. Rouvier, minister of finance, this
afternoon went to the Elysee and pre-
sented his resignation to President Car
not amid great excitement
President Carnot has accepted Rouvier's
resignation. NJ Tirard has been appoint
ed minister of finance to succeed NJ. Rou-
vier.
NJ. Tirard is one of the most distin-
guished of living fnanciers. He is a
Swiss by birth, but of French ancestry.
In his statement to-day NJ. Rouvisr said
that he had visited Baron De Rcinach
on the night on which the Baron had
committed suicide solely from motives OF
humanity. A section of the press was at
tempting. NJ Rouvier said. to slur all
Republicans in power but he would be
able to resume his place as single
deputy holding his head high with a
sense Of unsullied honor.
NJ De ROulede, in his attack upon Nj.
Rouvier. maintained that NJ. Rouvier had
visited Baron De Reinach to arrange for
the stopping OF the Panama canal prose-
cution He did not believe NJ. Rouviers
statement that he was ignorant OF the
intention TO prosecute Baron De Reinach.
If the Chamber was desirous of clearing
up the scandal, which he doubted, the
Chamber should convoke the supreme
court, before which NJ. Rouvier might
appear and defend himself
NJ. ROuvier said he was willing to be
judged by the supreme court. He added
that NJ Loubet should bear witness to
the fact that he was not aware Of the
Government intention 10 prosecute
Baron De Reinach.
NJ Rouvier's statement was received
with some applause. Soon afterward the
Chamber adjourned. President Carnot
first offered the finance portfolio TO NJ.
Perier. That gentleman, however, de-
clined the honor.