The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-05-07
A STATEMENT BY N. MEL|NE
THE NEW FRENCH PRIME MIN
ISTER TALKS TO THE
FRENCH CONGRESS.
he GOT A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
From the Senate-Sharp Tilt Between
NJ. Meline and M. Bourgeois-Miss
Barton Writes of Death and
Disease in Armenia.

| chamber OF deputies tOuuy, VI. Mellne
the new premier, read statement in
| which the government recognizes the pre-
| ponderance of the chamber of deputies.
but affirms that it is impossible to govern
without them.
VI. Meline said that the government de-
sired to pursue a pacifying policy and
appeal to the good will of the Republi-
can majority in Il settlement of urgent
discussions as the best means of prevent
ing the spread of revolutionary doctrines.
Continuing, the premier said that the
government would not fail in its duty to
enforce respect for the laws and main
tenance of public order.
NJ. Meline concluded with abjuring par
Lament to not raise irritating questions
in the interest of France, which, he as
serted, thirsted for peace and tranquility.
The statement of the prime minister
was applauded The senate then, by
vote of PIG to ~, refused to consider Il
private members proposal for revision
of the constitution.
In anticipation of the announcement OF
the ministerial program the galleries were
crowded today and there was Il full at
tendance of members.
Premier Melnes statement was greeted
with applause.
NJ. Goblet maintained that the cabinet
had been chosen from outside of the Re
publican majority. In the formation of
Il cabinet, he added, the chamber of dep
utes, and not the senate, should have
been consulted.
He expressed the hope that the depu-
ties would vote against the government.
NJ. Paul Deschanel spoke, urgently ad.
vocating revision of the constitution.
Nj. Melne replied that it was improper
for the ministry to discuss the question
of revision at this time, but that the mat.
ter would come before the chamber of
deputies in due season.
The premier then asked the chamber
for a vote of confidence. He declared
that harmony between the chamber of
deputies and the senate is necessary to the
proper conduct of the government. At
the same time, he added, the government
is ready to acknowledge the right of uni
yersal suffrage. The governments pro-
gram, Nj. Meline said. was based upon
the known wishes of the country.
NJ. Bourgeois, premier of the late cabi-
net, asked if the directions of the country
belonged to the chamber of deputies or
the senate. The recent action of the last
named body. NJ. Bourgeois said, should up
hold its vote of April %, affirming the
predominance of the representatives of
the universal suffrage and the chambers
determination to pursue a policy of dem
ocratic reform. Loud applause from
members of the left followed this declara,
ton.
NJ. Bourgeois concluded by saying:
I'VE stand ready for Il dissolution of
parliament and for revisions Of the con-
stitution. 1t is the duty of the national
n SSnmblV tn hn ,f tb,,
chamber of deputies and the senate
Nj. Meline asked why it was that NJ.
Bourgeois demanded the present govern
ment undertake the revision of the con-
stitutiOn when he had avoided that task
himself. The government, he said.
would repudiate that policy as tending to
dangerous agitation.
NJ. Ricard, minister of justice in the
late cabinet, re-introduced his motion of
April %, to which VI. Bourgeois had Just
alluded, and demanded urgency for it.
Jected by Il vote of 10 to 2J1.
Premier Meline then accepted Il motion
affirming the preponderance of universal
suffrage and approving the governments
stand. The first part of the motion was
adopted unanimously. The second part
was adopted by Il standing vote. 296 ayes
to 80 nays. The chamber then adjourn
ed till May 26.
The Radical and Socialist minority met
after the sitting of the chamber today and
decided upon an active campaign against
the senate and in favor of universal suf-
frage IN every commune in the country.
The meeting appointed a central COM
mittee including NJ. Bourgeois, Lockroi
and Pelletan.
HEAVY DEATH RATE IN ARMENIA
New York, April 30.-Dr. A. Monroe
Lessor. executive surgeon of the Red
Gross hospital in this city. has received
9, letter from Miss Clara Barton, dated
Constantinople, April II, in which she
says that contagious diseases have spread
very much at Zetoun and Marash in the
interior of Anatonia. The first news of
the trouble from Miss Barton came from
the assemblage of foreign consus at lei
toun to Sir Phillip Currie, and request
LOT LOT me to try to reach there with help.
Inc patients are in need of everything
ana as the mountainous roads were i'm
passaDle, being covered with snow, eight
PHYSICIANS, under the direction of the dis
Ilnguished American physician, DR.. C. e.
the patients. "
Miss Barton writes that DR.. Hnbbell
IN charge of an expedition at Norosb
teiegraphs that more doctors are needed
ana that great deal of medicine and CON.
centrated food are also needed. The dis.
eases prevalent are typus and tvnboid
levers, smallpox. dysentery, and tba
death rate very large.
CONFIRMED AT WASHINGTON
Washington, April 3O.-Adyices have
reached nent e Washington, confirming the re.
port from Havana of the capture Inv tho
spanish naval forces of the American
schooner sen one, Competitor, loaded with arms
ana munitions of war for the insurgents tts'
t anu Win a party of men aboard. Con,
serary TO the first report, however if was
I4unu that the vessel came from Kav
w west and not from the MOSQUITO coast
Us reported, and there is reason 70 o he,
aieve mat the Spanish officials wero
aware y, IN advance of her departure from from
h hev west and were on the Iookout f for
i'er appearance off the coast of Cnba
9, CHINESE DROWNED.
Shanghai, April 3O.-A collision oou.
t tuu at WOO Chon Thursday mornino e ha
1 Nee tn the steamer New Chong and S M