The Washington herald., 1907-05-15

Paris. May 14-M. George Clemenceau
when out Of power, was the slayer OF
many ministries. He has, in power, once
again slaughtered his enemies, and rules
yet as premier of France. The only real
liveliness over the debate on the labor
situation, which has been prolonged over
many days. was impaired this evening.
When N. Clemenceau began speaking.
the chamber was already so tired that
even his advent into the tribune did not
Immediately arouse enthusiasm. Some
bitter words were expected from him, and
he pretty soon got partisan blood into
circulation.
Murmurs and Interruptions came from
various quarters, but the prime minister
went on, taunting and houting those who
had baited him. answering those who had
directly questioned him. and finishing by
challenging the majority in the chamber
70 show what stuff they were made of
by coming out into the open. instead of
plotting under cover and blaming the
government for not doing what they
themselves dare not undertake
Not Opposed 10 Unions.
The chief point on which the govern
ment was attacked was its general pol
icy toward labor interests as represent
ed by the Confederation of Labor. NJ
Clemenceau denied being ntagonistic
toward the principles of unionism. He
declared that he was unwilling to sup
press the union organization, since that
would work an injustice to a majority
of its members who were not RESPONSE
bic for the cxcesses Of the syndicaI
leaders, and who did not sustain those
leaders principles. as was shown May
Day. when the members refused 70 act
on the aEitators' advice.
But" declared NJ Clemenceau, Il can
not tolerate appeals 20 murder and pill
lage. We expect to progress by other
means than violence and wholesale eY-
preparation. Il is not a crisis of govern
ment, but crisis of the majority of the
chamber which presents itself at this
moment and the government would
rather have a reduced majority. composed
Of men of spirit than an enlarged ma
jority Let those who are not satisfied
vote against MS without fear I have an
swered NJ Deschanel. NJ Ribot NJ
JaEres. and others.
Il turn now 10 the radicals and say.
Are YOU not satisfied with the democratic
reforms we bring? Why. then, these con-
yenucle secrets? Why these plots under
the breath? I have had enough I don't
wish TO be strangled by mutes Of the
harem. Stand up and speak out,
Messleurs les Radicals. l await you"
Government Policy Approved.
NJ Clemenceau turned and left the
tribune amid lively mixture Of applause,
murmurs. exclamations. and diverse mo-
tons A demand was made by a member
on the floor that tie discussion be sus-
pended until tomorrow. but this was
voted down by an overwhelming major
ity, and the debate was continued Sew
eral motions that were not acceptable to
the government were voted down. Finally
a motion approving the governments
policy was carrtrd in three divisions by
votes Of 81 10 gl3, 325 10 235 and 3i3 to 90
All the prophets for some time had been
predicting NJ. Clemenceau's fail. only they
were obliged to ask themselves. Where is
the man TO succeed him Just now who is
strong enough 70 whip into line a people
who Ike a MASTER
Mr.. CIemenceau. in his address to the
chamber, started right out on a whipping
in process. There has been much elo-
quence, much lightning. and much thun-
der he said but the weather has
SPOILED the powder Of all the gods. and I
beg you not to be terrified Why all this
to-do because We have dismissed refrac-
tory funcu0naries, anti-militarists. and
anarchists? The principal question is 10
know whether the majority is with the
government If we quit power we viii
quit cheerfully. and those who replace us
will do So cheerfully. iLaughter) The
efforts Of functionaries to form syndicates
constitutes an act, as the revolutionist,
" Jaures himself says. which forms a
point Of departure for the transformation
Of society. These associations are formed
for a defiance Of the law we cannot toll
crate
Confederation of Labor.
". Clemenceau distinguished between
syndicates or the unions themselves and
the Confederation Of Labor
This institution. the Confederation Of
Labor" he said, of which I am an ad-
versary and enemy when I examine its
ant-miIitarist, anti-patriotic and anarch-
ist propaganda, includes 5000 workmen's
unions. Certainly these unions are not
anarchists. or you Would not have seen
a peaceful May Day.
Il have been at pains TO inform myself
and assure myself that these unions COM
prehend excellent elements, unfortunately
terrorized by a minority, where 5000
members are represented as speaking
through the voices Of five or six men.
We have been misconstrued by those who
have seen in our acts an attempt 20 show
the unions syndicates the dangers Of
ways OF violence in which some Of them