, 1898-10-26

Brisson Ministry Is Forced to Re-
sign-Howling Mobs in the Streets.
Paris. Oct. 25.-Strong bodies of po-
lice were stationed in the neighbor-
hood of the Palace Bourbon and the
Place de la Concorde today to prevent
the projected demonstrations at the
opening of the chamber of deputies.
There was considerable disorder about
the approaches of the Palace Bourbon
when NJ. Derouledo. NJ. Millevole and
other deputies arrived, accompanied by
a crowd of supporters. The members
of the League of Patriots, who were
crossing the Place de la Concorde,
Shouted, "Vive l'Armee,'' and the re-
publican guards were obliged to clear
a passage. A conflict with the police
ensued in which a number of anti-Sem-
ties attacked and injured the commits
sary of police with loaded sticks. The
ring leader, NJ. Gurin, president of the
anti-Semitic league. was arrested.
When NJ. Drumont, an anti-Semitic
leader arrived. there were further dis
turbances with cries of Down with the
Jews" and cheering for France. A
detachment of cuirassers charged and
were made.
The session of the chamber OF depu-
ties had no o opened than NJ.
Derouledo made a violent attack upon
the minister Of war, General Chanoine.
~whereupon the latter arose and ex-
planned the conditions under which he
accepted the portfolio. In so doing
he declared he was of the same opinion
as his predecessors referring to the
question Of reopening the Dreyfus
case" a remark which was greeted
with cheers and protests. the uproar
lasting five minutes. When Chanoine
was able to resume speaking. he as
serted he was guardian of the honor
OF the army. and concluded with say
ing angrily: II place in your hands
the trust l received and I tender my
resignation in this tribune"
The announcement Was received with
loud cheering. General Chanoine then
left the chamber of deputies and Pre-
mier NJ. Brisson assembled the tribune.
There he was greeted with shouts of
"Resign!" while the Leftists cheered
him Justify. Brisson said General
Chanoine's declaration was a complete
surprise to him, as the general had
been present at the meeting which de-
cided to submit the documents in the
Dreyfus case to the court of cessation.
The general. NJ. Brisson continued, did
not then raise any objection. Continu-
ing the premier said the government
vas fully determined to uphold the civil
power against the military and he
asked for a suspension OF the business
of the chamber. which was granted.
During the suspension NJ. Brisson
went to the Elysee palace in order to
communicate to President Faure the
resignation OF General Chanoine. Az
ter the chamber of deputies had re-
sumed business at 5 o'clock, NJ. Bris-
son announced that the irregular res
ignaticn OF General Chanoine had been
accepted and that his successor ad
interim would be appointed this even
ing. The premier then proposed that
the chamber adjourn until Thursday
next and concluded his remarks with
reafirming the supremacy of the civil
power.
After attempts on the part Of various
deputies to discuss the alleged mill
tary plots, insults to the army, ETC.,
their remarks being punctuated with
Interruptions and cheers, M. Ribot, in
behalf OF his friends, including M.
Meline, approved M. Brisson's state
ment, and added. I'VE have every con-
fdence in the army and do not wish
to see it attacked. All republicans are
united on this ubject."
NJ. Demahy then proposed a resolu-
ton calling upon the government 70
end the campaign of insults against the
army. but M. Brisson refused to &C.
cent 1t. M. Cavignac. former minister
Of war. then rushed to the tribune and
demanded the immediate discussion Of
the resolution. He a greeted with
hottie shouts. including: "sabre!"
forgery" "razor!" which caused a
great uproar. The word razor" wat
an allusion to the suicide Of the late
Colonel Henry, who. It is said. cut his
throat in his cell at the fortress of
Monte valeran after ~confeseins to hav-
ing forged n Of the Dreyfus docu-
ments, though 1t has since been
claimed the razor with which the deed
was committed was not found in the
cell of the deceased.
M. Brisson then accepted the order
OF the day. as proposed by II. Ribot,
Affirming the supremacy Of the civil
power over the military. Several Of
the deputies attempted to speak but
their voices were drowned In che up
roar which followed 10 the chamber.
The order Of the day was sdoptsd By
a vote Of $50 ayes and ! aays.