The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-22
His Determination to Resign Causes Profound Sensation in
 French Diplomatic Circles
AGREES ID GIVE FINAL
 DECISION IN MATTER TODAY
Imperative Orders Are Given By the French Government for the Disarnn- ament of the Russian Cruiser
 Diana at Saigon.

Paris April 21.-After notable service of nearly eight years in the direction Of foreign affairs, Theophile Delcasse today informed President of the Council Rou- yier of his desire and intention to re- sign
 This announcement came as a surprise and shock to M Delcasse's colleagues of the cabinet who immediately took steps to endeavor to secure a reconsideration of his determination. A cabinet council was held this afternoon at which M. Rouvier, in the absence of M. Delcasse, laid the situation before the ministers It was the unanimous determination of the council that the interest of the country at this particular time required that M. Deicasse retain the portfolio of foreign affairs. Accordingly, at the conclusion of the council, M Rouvier proceed to the Quai D'Orsay. where he held an extended con ference with the minister of foreign af- fairs. The president of the council, voic- ing the wishes of President Loubet and the ministers, earnestly besought M. Del easse to retain his place in the cabinet.
 It is evident that M. Rouvier's earnest dpptdis YiuStd Nls 'DSASe.HSS W --- his discrimination.
 Will Give Decision Today.
 When the president of council came from the interview he stated to his col leagues that he bore favorable impress sion of It's results. M Delcasse, he said, had given no final answer, but had prom ised to reserve his determination until tomorrow, when a final answer will be given It Is believed that M. Delcasse will yield to the insstence of President Loubet and the president of the council.
 The motives leading up to M. Delcasses 8 sudden determination to retire from the cabinet are primarily attributed to fn- ternal controversies over the Moroccan question, and this, to some extent, has been acentuated by similar controversies over French neutrality in the far east. The opposition has been quick to seize upon both questions. and headed by so- cialists and nationalists, have directed their criticisms against M. Delcasse. The socialistic criticisms have been particu- larly vehement during recent days on the Moroccan question, and this appears to have finally decided M Delcasse to sur render the question into other hands. It IS felt that HIS IellItiHOHl ho" WSoio be hailed in Germany as a German tri- umph, and this is one of the main con- alterations leading M. Rouvier to earnest ly appeal to M. Delcasse to remain in the foreign office
 Makes Profound Impression. The news of M. Delcasse's. intention made a profound impression in the Cham | Der of Deputies where 1t was first treated l with incredulity. Later, however, when M Deloncle. republican. questioned the government upon the neutrality question: and M Rouvier replied instead Of M. Delcasse, 1t was realized that the report had solid foundation.
 Several deputies stated that M Del casse had sent a letter Of resignation to the president of the council this morn ing. but that M. Rouvier had declined to accent it. saying that he would be obliged ta nresent it to the council of ministers. Jt was as a result of this presentation in the council, that M Rouvier persuaded M Delcasse to withhold his final de- cision until tomorrow
 Grave Questions Pending.
 The announcement concerning M. Del- casse,s intention to resign was but one of many incidents in a day of much anxie- ty throughout government quarters when are greatly agitated. Following closely upon the heels of the complications with Germany over Morocco. the Franco Jananese incidents suddenly assumed ser ious proportions, and unusual energy was shown in preventing it's embroiling France in complications in the far east In order to secure definite cooperation between tbree denartments of the government, namely naval colonial and foreign, a con- ference was held this evening between leading representatives of each depart ment. This brought about clear under standing regarding the measures neces- sarv for the maintenance of neutrality of Indo- Chinese waters, anl orders were sent to the governor general, Beau' to specifically report the exact location or the Russian Pacific squadron, and wheth- CT or not 1t had withdrawn from French waters Communications with St. Peters burg led to orders being transmitted by the Russian government to wee Aumlral Rojestvensky to vigorously respect the neutrality of French waters. It was even stated that Foreign Minister Lamsdocff would carry the question before Emperor Nicholas in order to assure complete re- spect of neutrality
 Imperative Orders Given.
 Probably the most significant develop ment from the energetic measures adopt ed was the receipt of dispatch from Saigon saying that imperative orders had been given for the disarmament of the Russian cruiser Diana which sought re- fuge in the harbor of Saigon eight months ago. for the purpose of repairing the main portion of the Diana's machinery. The machinery must now be handed over to the French naval authorities at Saigon
 The anticipated debate in the chamber of deputes over the question of neutral ity was postponed owing to the Delcasse announcement. The only reference to the subject was tine inquiry or Deputy De 1oncle and the brief reply from Premier Rouvier, who said:
 f"Tormal, precise and repeated oroers