Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1895-01-22
French Constitution Detective.

ffeHCn IVnStituli0n UeieCttSe.
France is to be congratulated ON hav-
ing successfully passed through great cri-
sis. But it should not be overlooked that
the cause for that crisis is chiefly due
to an imperfect constitution and in less
degree to the mobile and factious charac-
ter of party lines. Uniting upon NJ.
Faure as a successor to NJ. Casimir Perier
danger. Those who fear socialism for
got past differences and acted in unison.
But the strength of the socialists was seen
to be formidable and the scenes which fol-
lowed the election of NJ Faure to the
presidency of the French republic were
vivid reminders of those which frequently
occurred in the stormy days of the Con-
vention when life was held in light re-
gard and reason was dethroned. NJ.
Faure is brought face to face with the
same problem which d aunted NJ. Casimir-
Perier. The solution of that problem
cAlSllilS SouuitlollS lltS ClNiibi III YIN
nomination of radical prime minister,
for the chamber of deputies, unlike the ma
tional assembly which elected the new
president is ruled by radical majority, or
in the nomination of a Republican. In
the latter event the chamber of deputies
would probably reject the nomination and
the president would be forced to appeal
to the country. 1t is believed that he
can do so more successfully than could
Casimir- Perier, for while the latter was,
as regards reputation, a stronger man
than NJ Faure there were certain things
to shrink form the test. He was identified
with extending the time under which
France is to De taxed for certain rail
ways, a decision very unpopular NJ.
Faure's career is not so distinguished
as have been those of other French presi
dents. This fact alone may help him be-
fore the people. Moreover his career has
been that of an honest man. His pre-
vious positions have been those which
called for business experience and knowl-
edge of detail rather than for the master
full characteristics of a great leader But
in response to the demand he may develop
the desired executive qualities.
But it is not altogether in the manner
of man chosen president that lies the
source of anxiety for Frances political
future. The royalists have never appeared
so pitifully weak as at this time. But the
socialists are growing in power. The
variableness of party lines, the mercurial
characteristics of the people, ali tending
to sudden coalition and disintegration of
political parties and the unstable ten
tllre of executive authority have rem
dered the lot of the French president
hazardous in the past and will continue
to do so unless there be change in the
limits imposed upon him. OF the five
presidents since this French republic
was established four have resigned
There is little to show that M. Faure's
occupancy of the office will be sufficiently
long to enable him to accomplish any
thing of value. The fear of a dictator on
one hand and of rule ty u convention on
the other, the attempt to combine an
American presidency with an English par
liamentary system have resulted in con-
dition of affairs that unless remedied will
keep France on the brink of a. crisis
likely to arise any hour and when uncx-
pected as in the resignation of Casimir.
Perier The executive is virtually a creature
of the legislative branch, and upon the
favor of the chamber the duration of a
ministry depends.
There are other reasons for apprehen-
sion on the part of the friends of France
Among these is the development Of the
mercenary character of the political men
and of the press. The scandals occasioned
by venality and other forms of corruption
are fresh in the minds of the people But
the duty which now confronts France is
to amend it's constitution so that it may
be adequate. So far and especially in this
last crisis the French people have proved
adequate but since first formed the French
conctitutioy, ba prnyn1 ipoIoonoto