The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1909-07-21
DRAMATIC SCENE
in FRENCH COUNCIL
Hot Words Banded Back and Forth and
Then The Cabinet Was Defeated
clemenceau Cabinet Was
Defeated.

Paris, July 21.-The Clemenceau
cabinet fell suddenly last night under
dramatic circumstances at the conclu-
sion Of violent debate over the naval
scandals, extending over several days
NJ. Delcasse, chairman of The inresti-
eating commission, led the attack upon
the naval administration, especially dur
ing the incumbency OF NJ. pelletan and
M Thomson, former ministers Of ma
rine. But NJ. Picard, who succeeded M
Thomson, had promised in the name Of
the government TO complete series Of
reforms. both in the administration Of
She department and the methods Of con-
strletion, and the chamber was ready
to vote confidence in the government,
when al incident occurred which chang
ed a majority into a minority.
Premier Clemenceau, who always has
been an adversary Of NJ. Delcasse,
smrting under the criticisms, and
doubtless overconadent Of majority
which on July 8 upon the general poli-
cies OF the government was 1s2, taunt-
ed the ex-ninister of foreign affairs,
who was thrown overheard By the Rou-
yier ministry at the dictation Of Ger
many during the crisis Of 1905, with
having led France to humiliation at Al
geciras The spectre of that chapter &c
Frances foreign history in which Dell
casse was sacrificed, was q fatal error
Instantly there was an uproar OF dissent
from both sides of the chamber Del-
casse flung back the taunt in Clemen-
ceau's face with bitter words, declaring,
amid cheers, that France had gone to
Algeciras in the interest of peace.
Hot words were banded back and
forth. Ii was veritable duel between
two enemeies M. Declasse intimated
that Clemenceau had inspired articles
in the foreign press during the crisis,
but the latter emphatically denied this
imputation The Premier seemed for
the first time in his parliamentary en-
reer TO lose his head. Finally, NJ. Del
casse, as he was entering upon an ex-
pIanation Of the situation of 1905,
drew himself up proudly and said
II shall say nothing further On that
subject; / have nothing to fear Moth
ing in the past, nothing in our common
memories Of 25 years embarrasses me. IT
] look back see / have left something
besides ruins"
Then, turning directly to Clemeneeau,
he said
You were president Of the naval in
yestigating commission of 1904. Your
unsparing attacks upon every govern
ment during % years seemed sufficient
guarantee that YOU would find the root
Of the evil. What were the results, ]
ask9
M. Clamenceau, now evidently In
rage, tried to parry the thrust by re-
turning to the charge.
Your policy, as foreign minister" he
shouted, led lis to the greatest humi
liation France has experienced in twen-
ty years"
Another storm Of hostile cries arose
But the premier tried to assume his old
cynical air. Oh no false indignation,
] pray YOU" he exclaimed. sYou brought
ms to the verge of war without mili-
tary preparation"
Again the tumult was redoubled
Yes he shouted above the roar, "the
whole world knew that the ministers 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 scene when the premier took His
seat was indescribable Amid the
widest excitement the vote was taken.
and when it was announced that the
government had been beaten, 212 To 10
Clemenceau clapped his hat On his head
pulling It far down over his eyes and
stalked ont Of Che chamber. followed
hy the other ministers, in token that he
intended 10 resign.
NJ. Clemenceau went Immediately to
the Elvsee palace and told the siorv so
President Fallieres. who seemed stupe
fled at the incident which caused the
fall Of the cabinet. but he accepted the
resignation Of the premier and bis min.
tsters