The sun., 1899-02-12
FRANCES WEAK MINISTRY.
EURoPEkN POWERS FIND NO EXCUSE
FOR IT'S COWARDICE

Some Hopes That the Senate VIII Refuse
TO Accept tho DreSfus Bill-vote Not
Expected for Some Days-Criminnl nj Court
May Render It's Decision Before the Vote.
Special Gable Despatch 10 TIE suN.
LONDON, Feb. 11.-France finds no defenders
outside OF her own borders In the crlmo which
her legislature committed yesterday at tho
bidding Of truculent Ministry. Tho chorus
OF condem nation and detestation throughout
Great Britain and Europe Is unbroken by
slngle note OF excuse. 0nlooking nations
await expectantly the next move by the con-
nplrators against tho Government which con-
tosses itself too weak and too cowardy to de-
fend the fundamental principles OF law and
Justice 1t is becoming both curious and sig
nincant that no hint has yet been disclosed OF
the real object Of the plot against the republic.
A French publicist. whose sources OF informa-
ton have usually proved reliable. informs THE
Sun correspondent to-day that he possesses
definite knowledge that Boaurepaire. who is
now the flgurehead Of the anti -revisionists. is
acting solely in tho interests OF Prince Victor.
However. this interesting information is not
given with any great confidence. as the French
atmosphere has been filed this week with
equally startling authoritative" announce
hents.
1t should be said again. perhaps, In behalf OF
The noisy weakllnEs who compose the majority
Of the French Chamber that IL was cowardce
and not knavery which led them to commit
yesterdays crime. Their craven fear OF the
grave dangers involved in Ministerial crisis.
with which Dupuy threatened them led them
10 violate all principle. 1t Is now urged with
is made Of sterner stuff and will prevent the
complete disgrace and humiliation OF France.
They may have the sense to see that the pres
ert attempt to placate the conspirators Is really
an invitation to the complete spoliation OF the
republic. The best opinion in Paris seems to
be that such height Of rectitude Is more than
one may fairly expect majority Of the French
Senate to attain under the circumstances
1t ia believed that the bill will not reach
vote IN the Senate for several days. In the
meantime Of course. 1t Is still possible that the
criminal branch OF the Court Of Cessation. hav-
ing completed It's inquiry and being rightly
Jealous OF its legitimate prerogatlves. may pro-
nounce judgment in the Dreyfus case. 1t has
mass OF testimony to analyze. however and
the preparation OF the decision may occupy
some days longer than In the ordinary course.
There 10 an occasional CLEAN Of humor in
Paris despite the hopeless mental and moral
degeneration Of tho populace through the ma
tional scandals A case in point is the rumor
that Gil Bias Is soon to announce q worlds
beauty contest and has secured tho services OF
an amazing list Of jurors namely: Bernhardt.
the great artists Henner and Besnard. Catulle
Mendes. the sculptors Rodin and Falguiere. the
novelist Richard o o'Monroy." )" the opera director
Gailhard. Jules Chevet and Redfern and Ca
mile Doucet. One is forced to believe that the
members OF the jury consented to immediate
themselves in order to save France from be-
coming a national madhouse by exciting
national smile The winner will be proclaimed
the most beautiful woman In the world. The
contest Is open to all comers.