The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-12-11
All Ministers and Assistants
Are to Resign.
Board of Five viii Direct DeS-
TIMES of Nation.
NAME new LEADERS TUESDAY
War Slowed Down by Snow,
Rain and Mud.
Vigorous Measures for Daring
Campaign Demanded.

Paris Dec. 11-Premier BRAND was
busy today seeing not only politicians
but prominent business men ana
manufacturers in view of the new
commission, to facilitate which all
ministers and under secretaries Will
hand in their designations. In the
meantime, according to the Matin, the
reorganization of the higher com
mand in the army being an essen
TALLY administrative question will not
be settled until after the new gov
ernment makes its bow in the cham
ber of deputies on Tuesday and is en-
dorsed by a vote of confidence.
I'm addition to forming war coun-
Gil of five ministers on the model of
that in England" continues the Matin,
premier BRAND has decided, in the
interest of the economic organization
of the country to throw the old admin
istrative system into the melting pot
and oblige all ministerial departments
hither CONCEALED in superannuated
methods, to get in line with the rest
of the country which is freely spend
ing its blood and gold"
Give Leaders Free Hand.
In the course of conversations he
had with prominent men on Saturday
and Sunday, Premier BRAND an
nounced that he intended to give =
free hand to the ministers, under-sec-
retaries and directors forming part of
the new ministry. The most absolute
powers will be granted to them. If 1t
is found that the methods meet re-
sistance or that certain habits are per-
sisted in. the powers will be still fur
ther increased and drastic measures
taken. The composition of the new
com bination will clearly show the new
SniT-if If will he tho M n q O
possible reconstruction as will be seen
when their names are published.
Look to England.
Paris, Dec. 11.-More and more
Engiand's limited war council idea IS
gaining support in France. More and
more is Lloyd-George being regarded
as Englands man of the hour.
France is not wasting time in pes
simistic reflections over Rumania and
Greece. On the contrary the nation IS
setting it's jaws the more firmly and
demanding action that will be imme-
diate and daring. With the showdown
of activity along the west forced by
fogs and seas of mud. events in Eng
land, Greece and Rumania loom all
the more prominently here.
An accurate reflection of Frances
spirit today was given by Henry
Cheron, a prominent senator, who
l.,
this analysis of Frances situation:
Not Fault of Republic.
The crisis of authority reigning in
France now is not the fault of the re-
public-for if ever a republic proved
itself worthy it is now, while travers =
ing tragic events. 1t is not the fail
ure of the legislature. for when the
truth is known the legislature, it will
be seen. has seconded, not hindered
governmental action.
Then why is authority lacking :?
because we have used peace-time
methods instead of doing what we
should have done-what more than
ever we must do-and that is to con-
centrate direction and assure vigor
Gus prosecution of the war"
The senator concludes with the dec
laration that France needs few men
but men of less talk and more action:
with concentration of governm entail
authority like that of which England
has just given US an example,
Demands Courageous Acts.
We must follow that example," the
article concludes. 1.-The present pre-
mier has not failed to display all quail
ties necessary in facing the heavy re-
sponsibilities of the present hour 1t
will suffice to have him adopt war
methods France demands a spirit of
decision, of firmness and of cour-
tSeous acts. Fortune as never
smiled on any but men who were ener-
getic and audacious"
Cheron is an accurate barometer of
public opinion in the present govern
mental situation. This spirit of
France will undoubtedly find express
SION shortly in acts paraIIeling Eng
lands present decision.