The Portland daily press., 1892-12-24
A REPUBLICAN DAY.
Deputies Vote Confidence in the
French Government.
VIOLENT SPEECHES PUNCTUATED
BY CHEERS AND KISSES.

Epithets Thrown Around as Loosely as
Bullets in Partisan DueI-The Govern
ment Favors Free Debate in Order to
Show Up the Wicked Followers of the
Brav' Genera1-The Commission Dill
gently Digging in Panama Mire.
PARIS, December 23.-At cabinet
council held in the Elysee today it was
resolved that the government would ac-'
cord acquiesence to full and unre
stricted debate ON M. Lucien Milevoye's
Interpolation regarding the alleged uso
of money advanced by the Panama Can
al Company in the service of the govern
ment. The cabinet was fully aware that
the motion had been offered in spirit OF
hostility to the administration if not to
the republic itself, that Millevoye has
been known as an ardent supporter of
Boulanger, but President Carnot has Civ
en- his fiat that no man must be spared
against whom there is evidence of guilty
completely in the Panama frauds, and that
the government must welcome the most
searching Investigation. Beside, the
ministry, it is said, hoped that the inqui-
ry consequent upon NJ. Millevoye's inter-
pellation might prove aboomerang for the
Boulangists by giving an opportunity to-
bring out the Boulangist plot for the
overthrow of the republic and of the dis
creditable methods by which it was pro-
posed to accomplish that object as well
as to the straits to which the govern
ment was driven to detect and defeat the
conspirators. 1t is said that for this rea-
son some of the Boulangists regret that
the Interpolation was offered as there
are many who, while joining earnestly in
demanding the punishment of the Pana-
ma swindlers and corruptionists, are
equally strong in their condemnation of
the Boulanger conspiracy.
The ministry has evidence, it is re-
ported, that the present attack on the
government is part of an organized plan
for the overthrow of the republic and
that each step taken is carefully dis
cussed in advance by the plotters against
the constitution. The ministers are also
convinced that the only way to meet the
crisis is to throw the whole of the Pana-
ma scandal, as rapidly as the. facts are
developed, open before the public and to
maintain only such in reserve as may be
necessary for the proper management of
, judicial prosecutions. President Carnot
has notexactly said
"Let No Guilty Man Escape
but he has substantially declared that no
guilty man shall be shielded from ustice
by any act on the part of the govern
ment, and that all the powers of the gov
ernment will be exercised to bring the
law breakers to punishment NJ. Ribot
understands thoroughly the purpose of
the president and whatever may have
been his views on the subject in the l. u
bet cabinet, he is now committei with
out reserve to the policy of thorough ex-
posure and rigid prosecution.
The scene in the Chamber when M.
Millevoye interpellated the min stry re-
garding the advances of money by the
Panama Canal Company, was of the
most stormy character. Millevoye said
he desired to question the government as
to the facts in its possession relating to
the use by the former premier OF contri-
buttons from the Panama Canal Com
panv, whose corrupt and criminal opera
tions were now being investigated. Pres
ident Floquet vacatel the chair, M. Pey-
tral taking his place. NJ. Floquet re-
peated what he had stated before the
committee of investigation. He reiter-
ated. with emphasis, that, while men,
any money for improper use in the inser-
ton of any paid political advertisements
in the press,
Count Jules de Bernes, an ardent Roy
alist. indulged in violent attack on M.
Floguet and denounced his conduct in
TIE alleged bribing of newspapers under
the cover of political advertising. The
Count exclaimed: 'sYou not only al
lowed the people to be robbed of their
savings, but you were an accomplice in
the nefarious crime"
At this there was the widest excite
ment. Deputies stood and waved their
arms and shouted, some in denunciation,
others in approval, of the language used
| by the Count de Bernes. When order
was restored in some degree, M. Mile
voye indulged in a violent attack on NJ
Rouvier. M. Millevoye was repeatedly
and Imperialists. 1t was evident that
fewer Republicans were inclined to join
in adding to the excitement.
NJ. Rouvier arose to make an explana-
ton and defence of his conduct He
said that at the time of the Boulangist
agitation, certain people lent the govern
ment $4,000 to $1,000 francs to supply
the 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. 81 never" added M. Rouvier.
had anything to do with the Panama
Canal Company, and never attempted
to control the press. When Baron de
Reinach offered to help the government,
/ refused to accept his assistance" NJ
Rouvier exclaimed warmly: II always
upheld the flag of parliamentarism and
Of the republic. 1 always will" This
| was
Greeted With Kisses and Cheers.
When M. Rouvier concluded, M. Mile
voye stepped into the speakers tribune.
| The present cabinet, he said, was
trusted neither by the people nor by
their representatives. Both its members
| and adherents were in the shadow of
| fatal su picion. The men chosen to
serve the high interests of France We're
falling daily under charges Of misrepre.
| ,enting those interests. The time had
;ome for an appeal to the preferences OF
the electors. On behalf of those who
nad the honor of France at heart. he de-
mandeci dissolution.
At this point the uproar on the floor
;n+arrnn+nd M Mil]eyOve He st, cd