The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-11-29
No Change Of Programme in France

The present Ministerial crisis In France
is unique in Parliamentary history. When
Premier DUPUY resigned on Saturday he
had not been beaten in the Chamber OF
Deputies: on the contrary. It is believed
that there was majority OF about hun
dred In favor Of his programme. What
happened was this: NJ. DUPUY was guilty
OF an excess Of flnesse by demanding vote
Of confidence in the name OF the whole Cab
met. although three OF the members had
already rendered their designations. and he
meant to accept them as soon as the vote
was passed. The three moribund Minis
tiers. including conspicuousIy the Minister
OF Finance. whose propoaal for progress
sive income tax had been rejected by
his more conservative colleagues. we're
unwilling that the Premier should OBJ
tain the votes OF their friends on what
they considered false pretences. and ac-
cordingly they made known the facts to
some OF their allies on the floor of the
Chamber. Thereppon trap was set for NJ.
DUPUY, and in the course OF the debate on
Saturday he was suddenly called upon to
declare whether. In asking for vote OF
confidence. he spoke in the name OF the
whole Cabinet. Replying in the afIlrma-
tive, he was Immediately taxed with false
hood. and so tumultuous a scene occurred
that further discussion was impossible. and
the Ministers withdrew from the Chamber
to a private room, where not only the three
members OF the Cabinet whom the Premier
intended to get rid OF. but two others. in
sisted on resigning. and NJ. DUPUY was
forced to follow their example.
met by betraying their chiefs Intentions OF
throwing them over really belong to the
Radical ranks. and do not possess the con-
fidence OF the Moderate majority returned
at the last general election. In the last
Chamber, which contained no homogeneous
majority. these Ministers were admitted to
the makeshift Cabinet constructed by NJ.
DUPUY In order to avert the hostility OF
certain Radical groups. They had nothing
or but little in common with their Oppor-
tunist colleagues. and could not be trusted
to sustain Loyalty the firm antl-Soclallst
programme which NJ. DUPUY has since bor-
rowed from NJ. constants. 1t was natural
and reasonable. therefore. that Premier
of Moderate views should determine to
brush them aside as soon as the altered
composition OF the Chamber rendered
their assistance needless. But the straight
forward and manly course for the Premier
would have been to demand their resigna-
tion. and to replace them by men more
OF the new majority, be-
fore he confronted the Chamber with a
sure to challenge vote Of con-
fidence. II is said that the Premier's failure
to take this course was caused by the d.
rect interposition of President CARSoT; but.
however prompted. 1t proved to be- grave
for II not only exposed NJ. DUPUY
to the charge OF double dealing with his |
colleagues. but ultimately convicted him OF |
a breach OF faith toward the Chamber. |
When he declared that he spoke in the |
name Of the whole Cabinet. he told what |
was technically the truth. but practically a |
falsehood; and this reluctance to undertake |
the task OF forming new Cabinet is due to |
the knowledge that the accusation OF men
dacity will be continually launched at him. |
Meanwhile. we repeat. the crisis is ex-
concerned with persons. and not |
at all with programmes. There is not a
feature Of the policy outlined by NJ. DUPUY |
which does not seem certain OF acceptance.
provided the Moderate majority is not
allowed TO disintegrate through the pro-
traeted failure Of President CARSoT to find
a Premier who would command the respect
Of the Chamber. The presiding officer OF
the Chamber. NJ. CAsIMIR PERRR. would
be the man. but he has thus far declined to
head a Cabinet, believing that 1t would
leopard his chances Of obtaining the Presi-
ienoy OF the Republic. n. CoNsTANs is
another man who would hold together with
IN iron hand the anti-Soe!alist elements OF
he legislature, but It Is uncertain whether
10 would accept the Premiership. and
{ is quite certain that NJ. CARNoF
Ices not want him. Neither would
he Chief Magistrate like to call upon NJ.
JAvAIGSAc. whose sudden leap into popular
esteem during the Panama debates pro-
Ioked great deal Of jealousy. There Is. In
ruth. among the staneh supporters Of
CAREoT lack Of the material out
Il which Prime Ministers are made. where
Is. In the Opposition, there are. at least. two
men. NJ. BRIssOS and N. GOBLET. who are
qualified. by distinction and experience, 10
lead a Cabinet. At present. however.
lsithsT Of the lAst-nAmsd politicians has