New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-15
BRAND FACES
BITTER FIGHT
Paris Asks How Long
Ministry Can With
stand Attacks
BY FRED B. PITNEY
fBy Cstle 10 Tho Tribunal

lby Natle 10 Inc lrbuheI
Paris, Dec. 14.-Interest in France
is already turning from the peace
proposals to the internal situation
and the question of how long
Brands new ministry can last.
The public is waiting with some
attention to learn the exact terms
which Germany is prepared to offer,
hut it is felt that the answer is set
tied in advance. France is united
against listening to peace talk while
she is invaded and Belgium SUBJ
iugated, and the proposal has, more
than anything else, convinced the
public that the German situation is
desperate.
Though Brands new government
is in the saddle with a clear major
i.y of 149, it is still to be seen how
long he can handle The position. His
majorities have been falling steadily
since he took Office year ago, and
in the week since the end of the Sc
cret session dropped off forty, while
a very strong opposition to the new
Cabinet developed yesterday in de-
bate in the Chamber and many bitter
attacks have been made on him by
men who hold commanding positions
among the Deputies.
Prohibition Move Aids Him
Three strong points in his speech
were the prohibition of the use of
whiskies, brandies and liquors, to sp-
ply to the whole nation; the concen-
tration of the control Of Frances war
policy in the hands of few. who are
to take immediate decisions and act
without delay, and his declaration on
the peace propositions.
BRAND made something more than a
grand stand play in insisting on the
resolution carrying full confidence,
with no qualifying phrases and no con-
ditions of specific action in certain
directions. His speech was general in
nature and practically laid down no
lines OF policy outside of carrying on
the war with energy to a victorious
conclusion.
Vote Strengthens Him
IL ..--.~,.o,caz b4o ma fori4v -
149 on the simple resolution of full
confidence may be considered a verit-
able triumph and in many quarters is
considered TO have put him in much
stronger position than if he had re-
ceived a larger majority on a resolu'
tion carrying qualifying phrases.
IL remains to be seen. however. how
long he can hold his majority under
the constant hammering Of strong
and determined opposition. This is a
question to which the answer is very
doubtful.
One Of the most striking things about
Yesterdays session was the reception
given to Psinleve when he entered the
Chamber. Il amounted to an ovation,
and when such a reception is given TO a
man who is no longer in the Cabinet
not a man who resigned, but man who
was dropped-it is an indication with
decided portents for the government.
II is common knowledge that Painleve
is out because Of disagreements with
BRAND, dsagreements which could not
be reconciled, although every attempt
was made up 10 the last minute before
the announcement Of new Cabinet.
Clemenceau Hits at BRAND
Former Premier Clemenceau says this
morning in "L'Homme":
After eight days Of secret session
where no explanation was lacking, the
vote showed BRAND lacked the conf
dence OF III Deputies, among whom are
the most important members Of the
Chamber
After the formation Of the new Csbi-
net the vote against him was l65. OF
the appointment Of Nivelle, Clemenceau
says:
III Nivelle, who is favorite of
Gods, conducts the affairs Of the front
as we'll as those of the rear, every
thing will go well. But what becomes
OF JofTre in all this affair? He loses
command OF the army OF the Orient.
which he never commanded, but keeps
the title of generalissimo, with unde-
termined diminution Of his powers.
What becomes Of his staff and head
Continued on page 2, column
TOUR TO WASHINGTON