The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-01-13
FRENCH CABINET
 STILL UNIFORMED Very Difficult to Secure a
 Premier SITUATION IS GRAVE M. Delcasse Refuses Office as Does M. Bourgeois - Poincare Asks Time to Reflect-Briand
 May Be Recalled

Paris, January 12.-The gravity of the ministerial crsis, the solution of which fs not yet in sight, is shown by the fact that President Fallieres today summoned in conferepce the leading statesmen of France to discuss the best means for the formation of a government strong enough to meet all current problems, both do- nestle and foreign, but especially for eign.
 Leon Boursos, former prime min ister, and at one time or another the holder of every portfolio in the cabinet, who in recent years always has been regularly offered the premiership with the downfall of cabinets, today, as in the past, declined the honor, advancing the state of his health as reason for refusing, although it is generally under stood he is a candidate for the presi- dency of the republic and wishes to re- main free from political trammels so as to make the race for president In 1913
 Theople Oelcasse, minister of marine in the late cabinet, was next asked by M. Fallieres to form a ministry, and there noo tOAoiutidDlt pflo6 tOHlBnt WHtu 1t was learned that he had declined the offer and recommended Senator Raymond Poincare, former minister of public works, and minister of finance, as the man best fitted to solve the question.
 The exact reason for M. Delcasses re- fusal is unknown, but it is understood that he considers himself not possessed of qualities requisite to the premiership, and, in addition, believes the premier It.. closely the proceedings of parliament and thus make 1t impossible for him to devote himself exclusively, as has been his custom, to the work of the depart ment of marine.
 M Poincare when the offer was ten dered him, requested time for refiec- tion. He will not give a definite an swer until tomorrow. In event of his refusal to accept the post, it seems
 likely former Premier Briand may be re- called
 A striking feature of the present crisis is the emphasis in the official communications of President Fallieres, who has particularly discussed with the statesmen the foreign policy of France. especially the Franco-German accord, and it's status before the senate.
 The suggestion of M De1casse for the premiership created the greatest inter- est throughout France. It might be said that the country was divided into two camps. one earnestly desiring to see him premier or in the foreign office as lesson to Germany and the other op- posing his occupation of an office which deals with foreign relations through fear that he might bring about compli- cations with Germany. All groups of the majority are united in the belief that the present crisis demands a cab met headed by a man strong enough to T both houses of parliament.
 It is understood that Bourgeois. in re- fusing the premiership. assured Presi- dent Fallieres of his readiness to sup port any one he might choose for the position, Bourgeois taking the foreign office In event of M. Poincare becom- ing prime minister, 1t is understood that his cabinet will include in addition to M Bourgeois, M. Delcasse and Alexan- dre Millerand. ex-minister of posts and telegraphs, and that a portfolio also will be offered to M. Briand.