Los Angeles herald., 1905-01-15
VOTE SUSTA|NS
FRENCH MINISTRY
C0MBES CABINET WEATHERS
STORM
MAJORITY SMALL BUT SAFE
Turbulent Scenes Mark Midnight ses-
sion Of Chamber Of Deputles-The
Premier's Speech Arouses
a storm

PARIS, Jan. Is, 2:15 a. m.-Pre-
mier Combes' cabinet weathered a
storm in the chamber of deputies ses-
sion lasting until after 1 o'clock this
morning and secured majority of ten
on motion supporting the declara-
tions of the ministers and approving
the policy of the government. The re-
suit was reached after debate
marked by frequent violent alterca-
TONS threatening a free fight and dur
ing the course of which an opposition
deputy fiourished a saucepan in the
face of the premier. The majority, al
though not large, is considered suffi-
cient to insure the retention of the
ministry.
1t was generally expected that the
session would culminate in the over
throw of the ministry of Premier
Combes, and the floors and gallery
were packed by persons who desired
to witness the final struggle. The con-
test against the ministry had been
slowly gaining ground. The principal
elements of opposition were:
First, those combating the policy of
Premier Combes for separation OF
church and state; second, those de-
nouncing the governments collection
Of secret reports regarding the lives of
army officers, and, third, those COM
planning of the tardiness of the minis
try in passing a law creating an in
come tax.
Those various elements sapped the
strength of the majority until Premier
Conbes found himself confronted by a
rebellion in his own ranks. His speech
in closing the three days debate on the
policy of the government was We
hement defense of his ministry and
denunciation of his detractors.
"They are the same men who sought
to protect Esterhazy, who glorified
Colonel Henry and who now seek to
arouse the army to,~the pitch of at
tempting coup d'etat," said M.
Combes W .
The premier referred to the calun1nies
which had not spared his white hair.
He wished to complete the work against
Tic IellSiOuo do5OCidbOho anu IL VIZ
ministry were retained he said it would
proceed to consider the income tax and
worlxingmen's pensions, and the sep
aration of church and state, but the lat
ter would be modified so as to avoid any
spirit of intolerance. In closing, Pre-
mier Combes said: fs
IT hope the majority will be main
tanned in order to carry out this pol
icy. If there is to be another ministry
1t would be one of reaction. The cham
Der must choose between marching on
ward or lending itself to reaction
The speech was interrupted by noisy
demonstrations of applause and disap-
proval.
NM. Ribot and Bos attacked the min
lister, the latter declaring that M
Combes' policy was one of falsehood
and discrimination. An indescribable
tumult followed. The Socialists en-
deavored to scale the benches to attacl,
members on the opposite side of the
chamber and amid cries of "Traitor,'
Coward" Assassin" the presiden:
temporarily suspended the session.
The violent scenes were renewed
when the session resumed. and pre-
liminary vote showed the government
had a majority of ten. The decisive
vote was taken on motion of Bien-
venue Martin approving the declara-
tions and program of the government
which was adopted by vote of 2S9 to
279.