The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-12-24
Insnuations of an Overthrow Are
Hardly Disguised.
FRENCH GOVERNMENT IN PERIL.
Voted Down 353 to IL. Amidst Cheers
and Kisses The Remarks of NJ Ribot
Won Him the sympathy of the Cham
bers-Coupt Jules de Bernes Violently
Attacked by NJ. FloqueI

Der of Deputies yesterday when NJ. Mill
evoye interpellated the ministry regard
ing advances of money by the Panama
Canal Company, was OF the most stormy
character. Millevoye said that he desired
to question the government as to the facts
in its possession relating to the use by
former premier, of contributions from the
Panama Canal Company, whose corrupt
and criminal operations were now being
investigated.
NJ. Ribot, in behalf of the government,
said he accepted immediate discussion OF
the subject. President Floquet thereup-
on vacated the chair, NJ Peytral taking
his place and assembled the tribune. There
was a hush in the Chamber as the former
minister began his address OF exculpa-
ton. M. Floquet repeated what he had
stated before the committee of investiga-
ton. He reiterated with emphasis that
while member of the ministry he had
Never Received Money
from the Panama Canal Company for any
purpose, and he denied any improper
purpose in the insertion OF paid political
advertisements in the press.
Count Jules de Bernes, an ardent Royal
ist, INDUCED in a violent attack on NJ.
Floquet and denounced his conduct in
the alleged bribing OF newspapers under
cover Of political advertising. The count
exclaimed: "You not only allowed the
people to be robbed of their savings, but
you were an accomplice in the nefarious
crime"
At this there was the widest excitement.
Deputies stood and waved their arms, and
shouted, some in denunciation, Others in
approval OF the language used by Count
de Bernes.
When order had been restored in some
degree M. Millevoye arose and INDUCED
in vioient attack on NJ. Rouvier. Mille-
voye was repeatedly applauded by the
Boulangists, Royalists and Imperialists,
but it was evident that fewer Republicans
were inclined to join in adding to the ex-
citemeat.
planation and defence OF HIS conduct.
He said that at the time of the Boulangist
agitation, certain people had lent to the
government $1,000 to 100000 francs to
supply "a Pressing Want
of secret service funds to keep up the
fight against Boulanger and prevent him
and his followers from carrying out their
schemes against the Republic. al never"
added NJ. Rouvier, chad anything to do
with the Panama Canal Company, and
never attempted to control the press, and
when Baron Reinach offered to help the
government, l refused to accept his as
sistance."
NJ. Rouvier exclaimed warmly: 'I al
ways upheld the flag of parliamentarism,
aud OF the republic, and / always will"
(Hisses and cheers). When M. Rouvier
lad concluded, NJ. Millevoye stepped in
to the speakers tribune. The first words
OF the Boulangist deputy showed his pur-
To rraci nifata q criaia ip,n,aA Aiota
He spoke briefly, but violently. The
present cabinet, he said, was trusted
neither by the people nor their represen-
tatives. Both its members and adherents
were in the shadow Of fatal suspicion.
Men chosen to serve the high interests of
France were falling daily under charges
of misrepresenting those interests. The
time had come for an appeal to the pref
erences OF the electors. On behalf OF
those who had the honor OF France at
heart he demanded a dissolution.
AT this point uproar on the floor inter-
rupted M. Millevoye and he stood silent
until the cheers and shouts of protest
subsidized. Then he moved
Vote of "No Confidence"
As he left the tribune there was little
demonstration and Premier Ribot rose to
defend the government, amid profound
silence. The purpose Of Nj. Millevoye, he
said, was apparent to all. He intended To
unload scandal after scandal upon the
government until he wrecked il. Cries of
"'no, non from the Boulangists, greeted
this statement and NJ. Millevoye shouted
"The facts will suffice to wreck it when all
Is known"
NJ. Millevoye, continued M. Ribot, was
attempting to bring TO trial, not individ-
uals. but the Republican institutions OF
France. His attack was directed, not
against the cabinet nor against those per-
sons charged with corruption, but against
national Institutions which had been
built mp by the labor and selfsacrifice. of
the republic should not delude them
selves with the idea that a dissolution
would accomplish their ends, for the Deo-
pie knew their enemies and the masks OF
their enemies.
"Honesty in politics above all, saw"
NJ. Ribot called out as he turned to face
the right, "but no toleration of men who
conspire to ruin our republic. The whole
machinery of the law has been set in mo-
ton to punish the guilty. Can you not
wait For the Verdict?
"Others may be deceived by tardy pro-
testations OF unsullied purity, but surely
these gentlemen before me are In a posi-
ton to perceive the motive Of this sudden
virtue on the part Of several persons. This
agitation is intended, not to purify the
government and not TO serve the people.
but merely to serve the ends of certain
designing politicians. To these gentle.
men say: The present government will
not allow itself TO be disturbed or intimi-
dated by their demonstrations"
The applause with which this statement
vas received was stilled suddenly by NJ.
NJ. Deroulede, who sprang 10 his feet. and
waving his right arm above his head,
shouted: "Down with the parliamentary