New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-05
DEPUTY ASSAULTS ANDRE
M, Sy0etOn SIops Face of Minister
Of Governments Gain.

Paris, Nov. 4-To-days sitting of the Cham
Der of Deputies one of the stormiest and
most heated in recent years. the excitement cul-
mlnatihg when Gabriel Syveton. prominent
Nationalist deputy, stepped up to General
Andre the Minister of War and slapped his
face. After accomplishing this feat Syveton re-
treated rapidly to the uppernost row of seats.
taking refuge behind members Of the Opposi-
tion.
tremendous tumult followed deputies of all
parties crowding upon the floor of the House
where free fight was soon in progress.
Speaker Brisson left the chair thus suspending
The sitting Eventually order was restored. and
the sitting being resumed Syveton's temporary
exclusion was voted. The offender however, re-
fused to quit his seat. and it became necessary
again to suspend the sitting while he was re-
moved by military guard
1t is probable that this misconduct which oc.
Cured just before the final division, materially
contributed TO strengthen the position of the
Cabinet, which at one time seemed critical, for
after obtaining a majority of only two votes on
a preliminary question. the government finally
carried a vote of confidence by over 100 majority
At midnight the officials OF the Chamber of
Deputies, assembled in Speaker Brisson's private
cabinet were still discussing the course Of ac-
ton to be taken regarding Deputy Syveton.
Deputies who witnessed the assault upon the
Minister of War say that General Andre was
wholly taken By surprise, and was struck with
such violence that he would have fallen had NOT
Premier Conbes stepped forward ard supported
him. General Andres face was much swollen
and was cut by a ring worn by Syveton. Speak
er Brsson has notified the judicial authority
that an assault had been committed within the
precincts Of the chamber.
The debate. which a sequel to that of
Of last Friday was on the policy Of General An
dre it being alleged that he was cognizant of
the system of spying upon officers. During the
Minister'S reply there was great confusion He
said that in the Dreyfus affair some officers took
part in manifestations against President Lou
bet, and he cited other instances showing in
tolerance and lack of discipline among officers.
The Minister further declared that this was To-
nented by political and clerical agitators In
the naneuvres. he added, a reginentaI colonel
had dared to replace the tricolor by ensign
bearing the insignia Of royalty.
The War Minister'S declaration caused a wild
demonstration, General Jacquey exclaiming that
the Minister lied The President of the Cham
ber threatened to censure General Jacquey, who
withdrew his words. and the Minister continued
his statement amid great excitement.
General Andre said that NJ. Waldeck-Rous-
seau four years ago had confded to him the
existence of an underground movement which
had for its purpose the setting Of the army in
opposition to the civil power The genera!
maintained the necessity OF obtaining in1orma-
ton, though he condemned the system which
had been discovered, and finally declared that he
would not desert his post but would remain and
defend the republic and reassure Republican
officers.
After several prominent deputies, among
whom were Jaures Leygues and Ribot had
spoken, Premier Combes interviewed, maintain
ing the necessity of keeping the army Repub-
lican. and declaring that he would not accept
the previous question. He demanded a vote Of
confidence The previous question was then
put and rejected, 279 TO 277. Next the Cham
ber by a vote OF 2S6 to 276, gave priority to the
resolution of confidence drawn up by Ministerial
supporters, which just about to be put to a
vote when the proceedings were interrupted by
Syveton's assault on General Andre
When order had beer restored the Chamber
passed the vote Of confidence 343 to 236.