The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-01-13
M|LLERAND RESIGNS
OFFICE AS MINISTER
OF WAR OF FRANCE
Action Is Outcome of Re-
instatment of Lieut.. Col.
Du Patty De Clam i'm
Territorial Army

Paris, January 1s.--Alexandre Mile
rand, who won a reputation at home
and abroad as a great war minister
resigned from that office today M.
Lebrun, minister of colonies, has been
appointed minister of war and NJ. Bes-
nard. under secretary OF finance re-
places NJ Lebrun. the under secretary
ship in the ministry of finance being
temporarily abolished.
This ministerial crisis was the direct
outcome of the reinstatement of Lieu
tenant Colonel Du Paty De Clam in the
French territorial army. With the cleo
tion of president coming on Friday,
next, the political situation has be-
come greatly confused with indications
pointing to a stirring week
The reinstatement Incident led to
dramatic sessions of the cabinet at
felt in honor bound to re-establish Du
Patty De Clam in fulfilment OF a prom
ise by his predecessor in the war min
istry, NJ Messimy, but as this act was
causing serious attacks against the
ministry, he desired to withdraw
Resignation Accepted
The minister of agriculture, Jules
PANS, who is opposing Premier Poin-
care for the presidency OF the republic,
expresses regret that NJ. Millerand had
seen fit to take such responsible po-
litical step without consulting his col
leagues.
Premier Poincare himself admitted
that had the minister of war conferred
with him he could not have seen his
way clear to ratify the reinsta tement
of Du Patty De clam. Nevertheless he
wanted to stand by the minister of
war and believed It was the duty of
the entire ministry to resign.
The decision of the cabinet TO remain
I'm office Is accredited to the influence
of Aristide BRAND, minister OF justice.
who strongly opposed such a step at
a moment when, rs he put 1t. the ex-
ternal situation was critical and when
France should observe a strong con-
seryative foreign policy.
Regret Expressed
Late this afternoon NJ Millerand's
resignation was accepted and the cab
met reopened In his letter OF resig-
nation NJ Milkerand insisted that he
was loyalty boSnd to put into effect
the act promised by his predecessor He
maid tribute to Premier Poincare and
oeclared how proud he was To have
taken part in the achievements OF the
poinoare cabinet which had accom-
plished a great national republican
work.
in an Interview later NJ. Millerand
said that If he had to begin all over
again he would do precisely the same
thing. He vigorously refuted insinu-
ations that the incident was connected
in any way with the presidential cleo
tion.
The press generally regards M. MIL
lerands initiative in reinstating Du|
patv De Clam as imprudent, expressing
the opinion that the war minister
should have conferred with his COL
leagues beforehand as the reinstate-
mcrit Of a man who had played a prom
inent role in the Dreyfus controversy
was certain to awah hen criticism In the
ranks of the republicans and revive
old passions
on the other hand. the opinion seems
to prevail In some political circles that
the resignation of NJ. Millerand NAV
lessen NJ Poincareis chances. which
tory at the Versailles congress, which
Will name the President on January IL.
semi-official note issued tonight
says:
.Although Premier Poincaret again
insisted upon the necessity of with
drawing with the war minister. every
member OF the ministry opposed such
&Continued on Page Elghtl