The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-01-08

! Neither nor my colleagues ever exerted
! any pressure nor received or distributed
/ any money. Had ! not been loyal and
/ upright | should not now have the auda-
city to preside over this Assembly"
Upon the same day the Government as
scented to a motion made in the Chamber
for interpretations on the Panama ques-
| ton.
November 22d was fix ID for the debate
on the interpretations & nd on that date
the storm cloud burst fl its fury. Such
savage disorder such pegation or par
liamentary decorum was not ON record
as that which characteriz ed the proceed
ings during the debate of November 22d
on the motion to appoint special COM
mittee 10 inquire into the whole subject
of Panama. There were tnree interpella-
lions. the first being that os NJ. Angeles,
deputy famed for his personal courtesy.
He said the Chamber had made itself
responsible for the acts or the Canal
Company by interesting itself in various
ways in the cOmpany's acts. voting spe-
cial laws authorizing loans, and rapidly
passing those laws. Should the canal
prove TO be but another South sea bubble
public confidence would have received a
sad blow. The moral prestige and hnan-
cial standing of France were at stake.
1--WE do not" continued NJ. Angeles,
expect to get back the money subscribed.
but we think that In fortnights time the
Government should be able to say whether
or not the company can be reConstruc-
ted"
The Chamber took this "as an innocu-
Gus prelude" and NJ. Rouy1er. Minister
Of Finance said he would look into"
the matter. Deputy Delahaye mounted
the tribune "to fulfill the duty owing TO
social salubrity, and affirm roundiy at
the risk of your honor and mine"
The Chamber. thus addressed. became
all attention. and Delahaye went on:
II will avoid personalities, although I
know well the one hundred or so corrupt
deputies who are before me-"
Cries OF Name themw here arose.
Panama represents" continued the
speaker, "a whole political clique upon
which rests the opprobrium of venality"
NJ Floquet said. Mention some one who
is present." and Paul Deroulede ap-
plauded
The speaker next wandered into 6nan-
cial data, but was recalled by fresh cries
Of Names. names"
III you want names vote for the In
quiry. Three millions have been dis
tributed among members Of Parliament"
NJ. Floquet here exclaimed. CAS- for me,
l am ready for any investigation"
There was another Minister now dead
who exacted 100000 francs" said Delahaye.
NJ Floquet. from his presidential chair,
rang his official bell and insisted upon the
names being given. and the Chamber
backed up his demand. but NJ. Delahaye
concluded by comparing himself to Her.
cules cleansing the Augean stables.
Premier Loubet now took the floor and
gravely said that when IL came TO a
question Of accusing members OF Parlia-
ment Of dishonesty the situation was seri-
Gus.
Deputy Goussot interrupted him. saying:
ut is the talk OF the Hobbies for two
years past" NJ. Loubet fell back upon
the time-honored admonition to "be cool"
urging the necessity Of this upon the
Chamber.
dAnglas now began heated exchange
Of compliments. You yourself have
been mentioned in the gossip OF the lob
bies." exclaimed the latter
who named me?" angriy retortec lie
Cassagnac. but, NJ. Floquet rose TO pre-
serve a calm. and Paul Deroulede fol-
lowed to pity those who do not realize
tho dolefulness Of this debate"
1T is a sad day for France and for the
Republic" he said. but we have a few
soldiers In, Dahomey who honor their
country" Then he moved vote 'I Of
thanks 10 Colonel Dodds. I'm which the
Minister Of Marine, NJ. Burdan. acqul-
esced and the House carried IL unani-
mousy. The day OF wrath was over for
the Chamber, but the inquiry was as
sured.
The same afternoon judicial summonses
were issued against the canal directors.
summoning them TO appear before the
court OF appeals upon the Path OF Noven-
Der. This was matter OF form. as the
case could not come up until after New
Years.
The charge was couched In the follow
Ing words: 1.-THE use OF fraudulent de-
vices, creating belief in the existence OF
a chimerical event and imaginary credit;
the squandering of sums accruing from
issues handed them for fixed purpose.
and the swindling of others out OF all
or part OF their fortunes"
These are. under the French legal sys-
TEN. all common law offences, and no in
fraction of the law OF public companies
was charged. The penalties for convic-
ton under this indictment are for swim
ding one TO Ave years. and for breach OF
trust two months TO two years. The Paris
press urged the necessity OF letting IN
daylight. and said that no way for this
could be found save through parliament
lno