Evening star., 1896-05-01
PREMIER MELINE,s POLICY.
1t is Announced In the Chamber OF
Deputies.


Deputies.
At the opening CT the French chamber Of
deputies yesterday NJ. Meline. the new
premier, read a statement, in which the
government recognizes the preponderance
of the chamber of deputies, but afiirms
that it is impossible to govern without the
senate.
M. Meine said that the government de-
sired to pursue a pacifying policy, and ap-
pealed to the good will of the republican
majority for settlement Of urgent ques-
tions the best means of preventing the
spread of revolutionary doctrines.
Continuing, the premier said that the
government would not fail in it's duty to
enforce respect for the laws and maintain
public order.
M. Meline concluded with adjuring par
lament not to raise irritating questions in
the interest Of Frarce, which, he asserted,
thirsted for peace and tranquility.
The statement of the prime minister was
heartily applauded.
The senate then, by a vote of 21f to ~,
refused to consider private members pro-
posal for a revision of the constitution. In
anticipation of the announcement of the
ministerial program, the galleries of the
chamber Of deputies were crowded yester-
day, and there was a full attendance of
members. Premier Melnes statement was
greeted with applause by the centrists, par
ticularly in its denunciation of the social
lists.
NJ. Goblet maintained that the cabinet
had been chosen from outside of the repub-
Hcan-progressst majority. In the forma-
ton of cabinet, he added, the chamber
or deputies, and not the senate, should have
been consulted. He expressed the hope that
the deputies would vote against the govern
ment.
NJ. Paul Deschanel spoke urgently ad-
VocatinS revision of the constitution
NJ. Meline replied that it was impossible
for the ministry to discuss the question of
revision at this time, but that the matter
would come before the chamber of deputies
in due season.
The premier then asked the chamber for
vote of confidence He declared that har-
mony between the chamber of deputies and
the senate is necessary to the proper con-
duct of the government At the same time
ne added, the government is ready to ac-
knowledge the right of universal suffrage
Inc governments program, NJ. Meine said
was based upon the known wishes of the
country.
NJ. Bourgeois, premier of the late cabinet.
asked NJ. Meline if the direction of the
countryS policy belonged to the chamber of
deputies or to the senate The recent at
titude OF the last named body. NJ Bourgeois
sad, was IN the nature of an attemp; to
seize the direction of policy
The chamber of deputies NJ Bourpeois
asserted, should uphold its vote of April
-, affirming the predomnance Of the rep
resentatiVes of universal suffrage and the
chambers determination to pursue a policy
OF democratic reform
Loud applause from members of the left
followed this declaration
NJ. Bourgeois concluded by saving:
. e stand ready for a dissolution of par
llament and for a revision of the consIi-
tuition. 1t is the duty of the national as
sembly to define the powers of the chamber
cf deputies and of the senate"
NJ. Melne asked why it is that NJ Bour-
Seois demanded that the present govern
lnent undertake the revision of the cousti-
tuition when he had avoided that task him
sell. The government, he said would re-
ruilate that policy as tending to dangerous
agitation
NJ. Ricard, minister of justice in the late
CABINET introduced his motion of April 81;
10 which ~ Bourge ois had just alluded and
demanded urgency for it. which, on demand
OF NJ. Meline, was rejected by a vote of
219 to Dbl
Premier Melne then accepted a motion
aiilrminS the preponderance of universal
suffrage, and approving the government
statement.
The first part of the motion was adoDtaI
by unanimous vote The second part was
adopted by Il vote of 321 ayes to l9; nays
Inc motion, as whole, was then adopted
the vote standing 300 ayes to 80 navs The
chamber then adjourned until Nav %
The radical md socialist minority met
after the sitting of the chambers and de-
cided upon an active campaign against the
senate and in favor of universal suffrage in
every commune in the country. The meet
ing appointed a central committee inclui-
ing NJ. Bourgeois, Lockroy, Goblet Doumar
and Polletan.
The socialist group later issued violent
manifesto against the supporters of NJ Me
line. and appealing to the nation for the
defense of universal suffrage and Of the
republic.