The Indianapolis journal., 1899-02-19
LOUBET CHOSEN.
Concluded from First PaEe0

NJ. Meline. through his shuffling and double
dealing, caused the Dreyfus drama to be-
come a national crisis, and deserved the
honor of being put forward a candidate
by the Nationalists and monarchsts, the
enemies of law and order. Apparently he
realized that it was a doubtful compliment,
declined, wavered, accepted and declined
last night, to the dismay of the Nationalists
reaccepted this morning and half declined in
the afternoon.
NJ Loubet, on his appearance in the Con-
gress House at Versailles, was received with
rounds of applause, a good omen. BY count
ing the hands that clapped it could be seen
that he had a clear majority among the
outside candidates. 1t is significant of the
present yellow state of French opinion that
Colonel Monteil should offer himself simply
because he has slaughtered a few negroes
in West Africa. Premier Dupuy replied to
the Nationalist threats of street disturb
ances by ordering the troops in the barracks
to have their arms stacked in readiness for
every emergency.
The lunch at the Hotel Reservoirs was as
lively as usual at a presidential election.
Many ladies in handsome toilets were pres
ent. Champagne was freely served and
there was no trace of mourning. Count
Castellane was glad to squeeze himself in
at corner of table beside mine, and as
other persons were drinking cheap wine he
had the discretion to order a small bottle
of cheap wine, too. After lunch all ad-
journed to the Congress.
1t was the bill against the Court Of Cas-
sation, learned, that wrecked M. Dupuys
chances. The deputies thought he was good
enough for premier, but he had lost the re-
spect which a presidential candidate must
command. AS regards Meline, he could not
win unless with the support Of the Right,
and the Republicans have learned the lesson
from the case of M Faure that the Presl-
dent cannot do his duties to the Republic
and at the same time fulfill promises to
the monarchiSts.
A NEFARIOUS MOUNTEBANK.
During the voting the Nationalists at
tempted disorder. That nefarious mounte-
bank, Deroulede, mounted the tribune, and.
addressing M. Loubet in the chair. called
him Panamist and inquired what reply
he would make to NJ. De Beaurepaires
charges.
M. Loubet replied: ''None. Your conduct
is beneath my notice. Leve at once that
tribune
M. Baudry dAsson, a wealthy royalist
landlord, noted for his eccentric freaks,
while putting his paper in the box, cried
''Vive LIE Roy!" but two Republican depu-
ties, who expected some scene, quickly
showed him along.
| At little past o'clock the news was
| circulated in the lobby, during a brief adj
| journment that Loubet was elected by 483
votes, against 279 for Meline and 45 for
Cavaignac.
When the sitting was resumed, NJ Loubet
having given up the chair to the deputy
chairman, M. Chauveau, the result was an
nounced and received with ringing cheers on
the Center and Left, the Right maintaining
a sulky silence. Various cries were heard,
| such as Down with forgeriesr' "Vive
| rArmee!" and Down with the Jews!" but
all these cries were drowned by the cheers
for the Republican, M. Loubet. 1t was felt
that France returning to her better
| self.
NJ. Loubet granted me an interview, in the
course of which he said: 81 owe everything
to the Republican majority France and the
republic are insepaFable. All anti-Repub-
! lican opinions are free unless leading to acts
| against the republic. The rallies must be
| judged by their acts, not by their words. 1
| shall govern in a republican sense only.
| have given proofs in my long political career
! that l am neither place hunter, ambitious
nor overriding. Brought up in the study of
1 the law, will be its single-minded servant.
| The Elysee is a post Of duty. 1 speak the
truth in declaring that never was ambi-
! tious to go there. Our quiet life is ended"
THE GOVERNMENT VIGILANT
The government shows it's vigilance to-
night If the Nationalists give trouble all
the worse for them. The Central Brigade,
5000 strong, is on special duty and the
troops are still under arms in the barracks;
but bands Of brawlers are, however, suffered
to march through the city crying, Down
with Loubet!' singing Derouledes chau-
vinsist songs and breaking windows.
The Duke Of Orleans is lowering about
the Franco-Italian frontier. l have seen
Prince Henri of Orleans gathering impress
sions on the boulevards. He is German look
ing, with a round, sunburned face, is tall.
with a short body, long legs and full femi-
nine lips, and has an awkward gait. The
city is fairly quiet, and the diplomatic world
is satisfied with the selection. Russia ap-
proved it beforehand. The people say Lou
bet is a Southern Grevy."
The Nationalists have attempted to carry
out their threats and scenes of disorder took
place tonight Windows were broken on
the boulevards and rioters were arrested in
done by paid gangs. The rank and file Of
the so-caIled patriots who marched through
the streets shouting Confusion to Loubet,''
Panama, Panama." and burning his por-
trait. did not exceed two thousand, with a
dozen ringleaders.
Premier Dupuy might have been more
prompt in maintaining order. as he never
failed to do while NJ. Faure was President
About II o'clock he at length took steps
and order was restored without violence
and as If by enchantment. How? Simply by
blocking a few hundred yards of the boule-
ward for an hour in front Of the Libre
Parole. which has been the hotbed Of sedl-
tion for some months.
II Premier Dupuy Loyalty supports the new
President the predictions Of the pessimists
that Loubet will meet the fate OF Cassimir-
Perier will be unfounded. The present agi-
tation is entirely artificial.
An admirable passage in NJ. Loubet's
speech returning thanks to tho members OF
the government has further excited Nation
alist rage He says he 10 for pacIfication,