New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-05-16
had worked itself up to a

pious laity of France had worked itself up TO
state IN which, as NJ. Coubertin remarks they
were almost ready TO vote the CONSERVATION OF
'repentant France TO the Sacred heart Oh
Jesus" Into such a multitude OF enthusiasts
Plus TX threw his plea for what Jules Ferry de-
scribed as intellectual Casarism." II was not
the clergy that took up this new quarrel with
radIcalisn, but the Catholic laity. Hence the
effort OF Gambetta and others to fix upon the
bishops the hatred OF all the elements outside OF
the Church awakened resentment which was
net subdued till long afterward by the wise
words OF Leo Kill Thus the men who as be-
tween other parties Of the State would nave
been moderate advisers were converted into
partisans They came in the name OF no party
ard the President, who had been used to dealing
with men in masses, was confused lie con-
cctved the idea that the whole Republic rested
on his shoulders. If NJ. Theirs had gone to an
extreme In supervision. Marshal MacMahon
now went TO a new one by acting as II the Min
listers were responsible TO himself lie found
that the commons sense OF France was against
him His resignation followed upon less I'm
portant considerations. But he had tested the
limits OF the Presidential power. He had also
given the Republic standing with emperors
and kings. who recognized In him a professional
equal since they also were soldiers.
Having settled the points that the President
is the head OF the state but not its Governor,
and that the Ministers are responsible not 10
him but to Parliament France by way or con-
trast replaced distinguished general by plain
LAWYER There interviewed now peril which no
body anticipated. The President neither ruled
nor claimed the responsibility Of his Minister'S
But some might stand behind his chair and
exercise these powers unconstitutionally. but
with popular consent France had known a
Mayor OF the Palace. But the authority attrib-
uted to Gambetta a new thing. 1t APP
parently died with him. and yet NJ. Grevy's ad-
ministration holds peculiar place In the history
Of the Presidents OF France because OF the de-
velopment Of personal influences around him.
But his administration. while 1t strengthened
the theory OF parliamentary control. also de-
veoped the greatness of Ministers. With such
questions as those raised by the Congress OF
Berlin the growth Of the colonies and the de-
yelopment OF public education. and with such
men as Waddington. De Freycinet and Ferry.
those years Will in time be looked upon as a
brilliant part Of French history. NJ. Coubertln
does not lack enthusiasm even now. But In NJ
Grevy's hands the Presidency began TO lose us
lustre. He retired unwillingly under compulsion'
and left to NJ Carnot the task of restoring the
office to its proper place In the Republic. Inc
name Of Carnot had been associated with every
Republic in France. But IT was reserved for
President CarnOt 10 enjoy the victory for when
three generations Of his name had laborcd In
his presence the Man on Horseback. once the
most dangerous Of apparitions, became insls-
nifcant in the person OF General Boulanger; and
the two most conservative rulers Of Europe. the
Car Of Russia and the Pope OF Rome agreed
that the Republic was powerful CROUCH TO be
courted. Royalsm and imperialism In France
were put aside The army. which had hitherto
doubted the value Of civilian ruler was proud
to be reviewed by the President Thu President
was no longer isolated from the defenders OF
the nation, and the Republic no longer iso-
lated among the nations So signal triumph. per
haps required a sacrifice Certainly there could
have been no worse crime than TO strike at re-
publicanism by assassinatng him. History says
NJ Coubertin. "will narrate that he has deserved
10 serve his country after his death, for his
blood has crimsoned the SUBMITS OF the Repub-
lie. The men Of humble origin who have made
It were all rendered great by the dagger OF
Caserio and ancient Gaul felt as she gathered
round that tomb. that her new destinies and
her free Institutions had received baptism before
the eyes Of nations and Of kings From the
Ideal point Of view the French Presidency had
lacked dignity. NJ. Theirs was petulani, NJ
Grevy permitted or was blind to disgrace.
Marshal MacMahon had preserved, indeed the
cold steadness Of the soldier something too
much like royalty 1t remained for NJ. Carnot
TO fix the tradition Of his high office by man
ner in which critics found no trace OF stiffness,
no self-consciousness and yet no loss In personal
and official value. The civilian had conquered