The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1894-07-07
STRICKEN FRANCE.
Who Shall Be Successor to Hel
Late Chief Magistrate?
Tho Heat Of Political Rivalry Dlstracts At.
tention From the Mutilated Corpse In
the Elysce-Dcputles and Senators
E1 cited Almost to Riotousness.

the EIyhce-OcpuUes Nuu SeuHtOTb
Ex cited Almost to Riotousness.
PARIS June 27.--It Is perhaps we'll
for France that the mandate of her
fundamental law compels her to turn
her thoughts at once from the crime
which deprived her of her chief magis-
trate to the duty of the selection of his
successor. The stupor and despair
which followed the shock of the out
rage are already broken.
Monday all France shared the fear
expressed by an English writer that
the emergency of which Macauley fore
told was at hand, and that it was
necessary "to destroy liberty in order
to preserve civilization" Tuesday the
heat of political rivalry had distracted
attention even from the mutilated
corpse lying in the Elysee. Already
the contest has plunged into the
regions of anger and bitterness. Had
the Versailles congress met Monday or
Tuesday Casimir-Perier would now be
president of the French republic.
Twenty-four hours delay may prove a
greater calamity to the nation than
the event which all the world mourns.
Few are so foolish as to now attempt
to prophesy upon whom the choice will
| fall. The division in the ranks of the
republican majority grows wider every
hour. and the changes in the situation
have been extremely rapid. Early in
the afternoon good judges, who were
watching events in the crowded lobbies
at the chamber end of the senate, ex-
pressed the opinion that unless Casimir-
Perier secured majority on the first
ballot his election was impossible
The radical and socialist supporters
of Brisson would then throw their sup
port to Dupuy, or any candidate who
could defeat the Independent states
man, whom they fear and hate. Then
came talk of Loubet. or some other
colorless name which might be used as
that of Carnot was seven years ago.
Finally the different groups got to-
gether and began discussing and bal
loting, and the wrangle and confusion
became riotous. The first meeting was
of senator's of the left center, almost
all supporters of Casimir-Perier. One
hundred and seventy-nine attended,
and the ballot resulted: Casimir.
Perier, 144; Dupuy, Is; Brisson, 6, and
Freycinet, 4. The left democratic
group of the senate then called meet
ing of shades of republicans of both
houses, excluding only the radicals and
socialists
About four hundred assembled at 5
o'clock in the largest committee room
of the senate. Deputy Verni Mac pre-
80 4 laI To 10 1,o1 lot
Many demanded discussion before a
vote. and an uproar began which con-
tinued for three hours and half. It
was swelling chorus of angry voices,
without a moments respite. The con.
fusion became terrific and deafening.
Deputies and senators went mad with
rage under the violent struggle which
took place.
The scene eliminated in Deputy
Hauzett smashing u ballot box upon
the head of Deputy BerteauX. Then
the frantic crowd broke for the open
air, seconds of the deputies named ar.
ranging duel for Tuesday night. No
ballot was taken and no motion passed
by the caucus. Later Tuesday night
200 members who style themselves pro-
gressists and government republicans
met under the presidency of Deluns
MonteauX, who had indorsed the cam
didacy of Casimir-Perier.
At midnight several republican lead.
ers called caucus, to meet at the
variety theater at Versailles, before
the assembling of the congress Wednes.
day morning. In spite of Tuesday
nights confusion, men of all shades of
opinion are confident president will
be elected before the congress adjourns
Wednesday. and few believe more than
two ballots will be necessary. For.
tunately. the law forbids any man but
the president of the congress to open
his mouth until the election is COM
plete.