The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1909-07-21

m ~
r cabinet fell suddenly tonight under
l. the most dramatic circumstances
at the conclusion Of violent de-
bate over the naval scandals.
N. Delcasse, chairman Of the investi-
eating committee. led the attack upon
the naval administration, especially
during the incumbency of NJ. Penetan
and n. Thomson, former ministers of
marine.
NJ Picard, who succeeded NJ. Thom-
son, had promised in the name of the
government to complete a series Of re-
forms. when an incident occurred which
changed a majority into a minority.
Premier Clemenceau, who always has
been an adversary of NJ Delcasse.
smarting under the criticism and doubt
less overconhdent OF majority, taunt-
ed the former minister Of foreign af-
fairs, who was thrown overheard by
the Rouvier ministry at the dictation
Of Germany during the crisis OF 1905.
with having led France 10 humiliation
al Algeciras.
Makes Fatal Mistake
The specter OF that chapter of
frances foreign history. in which Del
cssse was sacrificed, was a fatal error.
Instantly there was an uproar Of dis
sent from both sides Of the chamber.
Delcasse flung back the taunt in Gle
menceau's face with bitter words. de-
claring that France had gone to Alge-
eiras in the interest Of peace.
n Delcasse intimated that NJ. Glenn
enceau had inspired articles in the for
eign press during the crisis. but the
latter emphatically denied this. The
premier seemed for the first time in his
parliamentary career to lose his head.
Finally H. Delcasse. as he was ex-
planning the situation of 1905. drew
himself up proudly and said:
i shall say nothing further on that
subject. I have nothing to fear Moth
ing in the past. nothing in our common
memories Of 25 years, embarrasses me.
HurlS Back the Taunt
Turning TO Clemenceau. he said: You
were president Of the naval investi-
eating commission Of 1905 Your un-
sparing attacks upon every government
during Is years seemed suficieht guar
sntee that you would find the root Of
the evil. What were the results, I
ask?v
NJ Clemenceau, now evidently in a
rage, tried TO parry the thrust by re-
turning TO the charge.
Your policy as foreign minister" he
shouted, led us TO the greatest hu-
initiation France has experienced in 20
years"
Another storm OF hostile cries arose.
several deputies crying: 1T is an out
rage to say that"
But the premier tried to assume his
old cynical air
'oh, no false indignation. I pray you"
he cried. You brought us to the verge
OF a war without military protection.
The whole world knew that the min
listers Of war and the navy. when the
question was put to them, replied that
France was not ready. have not
humiliated France; Delcasse has done
that"
The Chamber in Uproar
The chamber was in an uproar
when the premier took his seat. Amid
the widest excitement the vote was
taken. and when it was announced
that the government had been beaten
2l2 to l7s. clemenceau staIked out of
the chamber, followed by the other
ministers in token that he intended to
resign.
n. Clemenceau went Immediately to
the Elysee palace and told the story
TO President Falneres. who seemed
stupehed at the incident. but he ac-
cepted the designations.
Paris Is AstOniShed
There is but one opinion in Paris
tonight-sstonishme that an old
parliamentary war horse like clemen-
cesu should have committed political
suicide by his awkwardness in recall
ing the AIgeciras specter when the
government was assured of majority
on the naval question. The premier's
action drove about 50 members of the
republican bloc into combination
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