New-York tribune., 1905-04-22

RojestVensky Of the grave danger TO peace
ron off the coast of AMMAN is prolonged con-
trary to the laws OF neutrality and no doubt is
entertained that the admiral will carry out the
formal instructions sent hiU1,-tSt. Petersburg
dispatch
Paris. April 21-After a notable service of
nearly eight years in the direction OF foreign
affairs Theophile Delcasse to-day informed NJ
Rouvier. president of the council. of his desire
and intention TO resign.
This announcement came as a surprise and
shock to NJ. Delcasses colleagues Of the Cabinet
who Immediately took steps to endeavor 10 Sc
cure reconsideration of his determination. \
Cabinet council held this afternoon. at
which NJ. RouviAr in the absence of NJ. Del
casse. 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 NJ. Delcasse retain
the portfolio of Foreign Affairs Accordingly, at
the conclusion Of the council NJ. Rouvier pro
ceeded to the Quai d'Orsay. where he held
extended conference with the Minister of For
eign Affairs. The president of the council. voic-
ing the wishes of President Loubet and the
Ministers, earnestly besought NJ Delcasse to
retain his place in the Cabinet.
THE RETIRING MINISTER WAIVERS.
1t is evident that NJ. Rouvier's earnest appeal
tion. When the President of the Council came
from the interview he stated to his colleagues
that he bore a favOra Bile impression of it's re-
suits. NJ. Delcasse. he said had given final
answer. but had promised 10 reserve his deter
minatiOn until tomorrow, when a final answer
will be given. 1t is believed that NJ Delcasse
viii yield 10 the insistence of President Loubet
and the President of the Council.
The motives leading ND 70 NJ. Delcasse's sud
den determination to retire from the Cabinet are
primarily attributed 10 internal controversies
over tie Moroccan question, and this to some
extent has been accentuated by similar con-
troversies over French neutrality in the Far
East. The Opposition have been quick to seize
upon both questions and. headed by Socialists
and Nationalists. have directed their criticisms
against NJ Decasse
The Socialist criticisms have been particularly
vehement during recent days on the Moroccan
question, and this appears TO have finally de-
cided NJ, Delcasse to surrender the question into
other hands 1t is felt that his retirement now
would be hailed in Germany as a German tri-
umph, and this is one of the main considerations
leading NJ. Rouvier earnestly TO appeal to NJ
Delcasse to remain in the Foreign Office
The news of NJ. Delcasse's intentions made
profound impression in the Chamber of Deputies
where it first treated with increduity
Later, however, when NJ. Deloncle Republican,
questioned the government upon the neutrality
question and NJ. Rouvier replied instead Of NJ
Delcasse, II was realized that the report had
solid foundation. Several Deputies stated that
NJ Delcasse had sent a letter of resignation to
the President of the Council this morning, but
that NJ Rouvier had declined to accept il. say
ing that he would be obliged to present it to the
Council of Ministers 1t was as result Of this
presentation 10 the Council that NJ Rouvier per
suaded NJ. DeIcasse 10 withhold his final decision
until Tomorrow
DAY OF MUCH ANXIETY.
The announcements concerning NJ. DeIcass6.s
intention to resign was but one of many in
cidents in day Of much anxiety throughout
governments quarters Following also on the
heels of the complications with Germany over
Morocco, the Franco-Japanese incident suddenly
assumed serious proportions. and unusual en-
ergy was shown in preventing it's embroiling
France in complications in the Far East. In
order TO secure definite cooperation between
three departments of the government. namely
Naval Colonial and Foreign. a conference was
held this afternoon between leading representa-
tives Of each apartment This brought about a
clear understanding regarding the measures nee
essary for the maintenance Of the neutrality Of
Indo-Chinesc waters. and orders were sent TO
Governor General Beau specifically 70 report the
exact location Of the Russian Pacific squadron
and whether il had or had nor withdrawn from
French waters Communications with ST Pc
tersbuTg led to orders being transmitted by the
Russian government 10 Vice. Admiral ROiest
vensky to respect vigorously the neutrality Of
French waters. II even stated thar For
eign Minister Lamsdorn would carry the ques-
tion before Emperor Nicholas in order 10 as
sure complete respect Of French neutrality
Probably the most significant development
from the energetic measures adopted was the
receipt Of a dispatch from Saigon saying that
imperative orders had been given for the dis
armament of the Russian cruiser Diana which
sought refuge in the harbor Of Saigon eight
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