The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1892-12-14
THE PANAMA SCANDAL.
1t Leads to M. Rouvier's Resigna-
tion from the Ministry.
NJ. TIRARD NAMED TO SUCCEED HIM

A Startling Story Describing a'SIeet-
ing Between the Retiring Minister
of Finance and Baron Reinach
just Before the Latter's Suicide.
PARIS, Dec. 1t.-The revelations made
by Nj. Clemenceau as to the visit paid
him by Baron de Reinach and NJ Rou-
vier, ininister'of finance, ON the eve of
Baron de Reinach's death, have caused
CONSERVATION among the supporters of
the government. 1t is said that another
ministerial crisis is impending, and that
another upheaval may be expected at
any time.
M. Clemenceau admits that Baron de
Reinach and M. Rouvier visited him on
the night of Baron de Reinach's death,
but he was out and did not see them.
M. Rouvier had explained to him in
the lobby of the chamber that Baron de
Reinach was being driven mad by the
campaign organized by thepapers against
him; that 1t was for him q question of
life or death, and he had wished that NJ.
Rouvier would accompany him to see
M. Herr and to induce him to use his
influence to stop tLes.ttacks Accord
ingly M. Rouvier with the baron, and
accompanied by NJ. Clemenceau, visited
NJ Herr together. M. Herr declared
that he could not render the service re-
quired.
In consequence of NJ. Clemenceaus
letter, NJ. Rouvier called upon President
Carnot at the palace OF the Elysee and
handed in his resignation of the finance
portfolio President Carnot has accepted
Rouvier's resignation, and M. Tirard has
been appointed minister of finance.
M. Tirard, the new finance minister,
is one of tho most distinguished Of
living tinanciers. He is a Swiss by birth,
but of French ancestry. He was born
at Geneva, Switzerland, in 1897, and
started in life as matchmaker He
worked his way to the front, and In 1871
was elected deputy. He represented
to the senate. In 1879 he was minister
of agriculture and subsequently minis
ter of finance.
Baron Reinach's Suicide.
1t now appears that Mr.. Rouvier was
so closely connected with Reinach as to
have been present with Mr. Herr at a
final interview with Reinach, Just pre-
vious to the baron's death. This secret
M. Rouvier has been carrying in his
breast ever since that tragic event, and
the exposure of the fact has caused a
tremendous sensation.
The Gaulois gives details of Reinachs
last hours. 1t appears that Reinach,
after the final interview with Rouvier
and Herr, finding all hope gone of any
escape from exposure and probably
severe and disgraceful legal penalty for
his share i'll the Panama frauds, went
back home, at midnight and wrote
several letters. After writing these
Baron Reinach destroyed number Of
documents. Then he swallowed poison
| which he had prepared, and lay down to
die, about l O'Clock in the morning.
EX-Minister Rouvier has been sum
moned to give evidence before the Pan
anna investigation commission of the
chamber of deputies. Herr has also
been summoned, but it is doubtful as to
whether he will appear.
Excitement in the Chamber.
There was an exciting scene yesterday
when NJ. Rouvier was called upon to
give an explanation to the deputies of
his connection with the Panama frauds
M. Rouvier confirmed the statement
made by NJ. CIemenceau, editor of La
Justice, to the effect that he. Rouvier,
had visited NJ. Clemenceau on the night
of Baron Reinach's death, but that
Clemenceau was not in and did not see
him. NJ. RouvIer added that he did not
think he had anything to reproach him
self with. and his conscience was easy.
NJ. DeRoulede attacked M, Rouvier
in a violent address, which was repeat
edly interrupted by cries of approval and
depreciation. He declared that NJ Rou-
vier ought to appear before a high court
to answer the charges against him affect
ing his conduct as member of the cabi-
net.
NJ. Rouvier replied with self possess
sion; Il am ready. can repeat only
what have already said"
Although Rouyier managed to control
his temper, he showed signs of great
agitation. His lips quivered as he spoke,
and perspiration gathered on his brow.
During the incident a crowd thronged
the lobbies, expecting at any moment to
hear that tho ministry had resigned 1t
was soon after this scene that Rouvier's
resignation was rendered and accepted.