The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-01-16
COMBES
MINISTRY
TO RESIGN

Paris, Jan. 16.-The ministry of NJ.
combes, after emerging successfully
from It's bitter midnight struggle In the
chamber OF deputies, has decided 10
aba ndon the field while some portion OF
Its prestige still remains. and has signi-
neld it's intention OF resignlns.
Official announcement OF the resignation
has not yet been made. but NJ. Combes
has definitely stated the intention of him
self and his colleagues. and the termna-
tion Of the ministry after a tempestuous
career of three years only awaits the
formal submission OF the letters OF re-
tirement.
Friends of the ministry maintain that
It's retirement is voluntary. as NJ. Combes
has succeeded in resisting the effort TO
compel his fall. The Opposition, however,
halls the decision as a victory, claiming
that the small majorities for the min
istry last night left NJ. Combes shorn
OF effective strength 20 carry out his poll
cies.
NJ Combes called AZ the Elysee palace
today for the purpose Of conferring with
President Loubet, but the latter was
overwhelmed by the critical illness or his
mother, who died at o'clock this after
noon.
The presidents affliction prevented any
discussion OF the cabinet situation and
romplicates tho time when the resignation
will be submitted. IL had been Intended
10 hold a cabinet meeting on Tuesday,
Bt which the final disposition of the retir-
Ing members was 10 be taken but Presl-
dent Loubets departure for Montelimar
10 attend the funeral OF his mother has
deferred final action.
Premier Combes received the various
ministers during the day. He spoke free
iy OF the intention of his cabinet 10 re-
tire as a whole. and outlined the details
OF It's closing work. lie regards the re-
tirement as wholly voluntary, as the
Votes last night. although showing small
msJorities. gave enough margin 10 per-
init OF carrying on the ministerial pro-
gram.
However he considers that his depart
ure will facilitate the realization OF the
program instead OF interfuptng II. since
his successor will be able to unite the
discordant elements which have become
personally hostile to him. II ia conceded
that NJ. Combes' voluntary withdrawal
will permit him 20 exercises a powerful
and probably decisive influence In the
choice of mis- successor. similar 10 that
M Waldeck- Rosseau exercises when vol
unfairly relinauishing power.
The effect Of the change upon the gov
ernment's policies is not considered 10 be
great. The new ministry will have the
same majority as that supporting Prem
Ter Combes, and so there cannot be many
radical changes. This majority has re-
pea tedly upheld NJ. Combes project tend
Ing toward separation OF church and
state. II Is. therefore expected that the
program relating TO separation will be
rarried out. although NJ. Combes' retire
rflent probably will exercise a moderating
tendency.
President Loubet will begin on Wednes-
day afternoon consultations for the form
Btion OF new ministry. NJ. Rouvier ap-
pears to be practically decided upon as
the future chief OF the ministry, and 81 Is
understood that no has asked NJ. De,casse
and NJ Berteau 10 retain the foreign and
war portfolios, respectively.
Until the decision of the cabinet to
resign Is officially communicated 10 Presi-
dent Loubet, who alone is empowered 10
receive II, there will be no interruption
Of parliamentary work.