New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-16
French Await
More Changes
In Cabinet Crisis
Political Leaders Speculate
on Effect of Lyautey's
Resignation
BY FRED b. PITNEN


by cable 70 Inc lrlDune
Paris, March 15.-The sensational
debate in the Chamber Of Deputies last
night, which resulted in the resignation
Of General Louis Lyautey as Minister
Of War, has brought to head a Cabi
net crisis which. as a matter of fact,
has existed since the session a week
ago. when the government on vote
Of confidence procured only 296 votes, a
large proportion abstaining from vot-
ing.
General Lyautey had been Frances
war chief for little more than three
months, and in that time realized i'm
portant reforms. 1t was at his request
that General Nivelle was made com
mander in chief, to succeed General
Joffre. Likewise, it was at his sugges-
ton that the high command was modi-
fed and that the direction of the mill
tsry policy was conhded to the Minis
ter Of War
The first instance OF General Lyau-
tey's disaccord with Parliament oc-
Cured when the proposal TO have cler-
gymen go to the front as soldiers was
brought up. Al that time Lyautey
wanted to resign.
II is generally recognized that Cen
eral Lyautey has been a hard worker
and that ne has sought TO exercise
governmental control At the front. as
well as behind the lines. Il is also said
that certain politicians have been de-
sirous Of making him carry the burden
of faults committed in the aviation
service, faults which he theoretically
tried TO correct.
Other Changes Possible
At this time it is difficult to fore
see the political Importance OF
last nights incidents in the Chamber.
What other changes the resignation
of the War Minister viii bring in the
Cabinet was to-day matter Of specu-
lation among political leaders
Premier BRAND and his chiefs have
had conferences with President Poin-
care, and developments as to other pro-
posed changes which have been talked
of are anxiously awaited.
The Socialists and others 10 the
Chamber have been for some time de-
termined opponents of the present gov
eminent, and have made strong efforts
TO overthrow II. Last weeks vote gave
the real test of strength of these
forces and caused the government lead
ers 20 think seriously Of several CabI-
net changes which would meet the
wishes Of Parliament
General Lyautey has been extremely
popular. and general regret is eX-
pressed to-day that he saw fit 90 resign
before having had a real opportunity
20 carry out the constructive work
which he had in mind.
Apparently General Lyautey's resig-
nation was directly precipitated by his
ignorance Of parliamentary methods
and by what is generally regarded as
the insulting attitude Of a certain sec
tion of the chamber toward him. He
had prepared a written statement and
had uttered only a part of 10 when the
tumult broke loose. Being unable 20
complete his statement, which probably
would have explained. certain declara-
tions that angered his opponents, the
Minister finally gave up and left the
chamber 20 hand in his resignation.
Clash Over Aviation
TIE general opinion il that General
Lyautey was not at all disrespectful 10
members of Parliament when he an
nounced he could not discuss certain
things connected with aviation, even IN
secret session, by reason OF his ex-
trcme regard for national defence.
Parliament, however. in last nights
debate. az well as in all those that
have preceded IL, has been extremely
careful OF its rights and has felt that
all servants Of the government are 10
duty bound 10 give II all the informa-
ton necessary.
HAS Parliament the right not 20
have confidence in its ministers? Has
a minister the right not 20 have con-
fdence ia the Chamber" Such. def
initely, was the question General Ly-
sutey wanted 10 submit The answer
CT the Deputies left no doubt.
Gustave Hcrve. editor OF "Victoire"
and one Of the defenders Of Lyautey,
recalls. nevertheless, that national SOW
ereienty remains in the national par
Lament az well in the French Cham
Der as in the British House Of Com
mons No parliament would commit
the folly 20 demand that is minister
Of war divulgc the plans OF fortncom-
ny military operations IN an assembly
~ 400 members. he says. but parlia-
Nents have not only the right but the
duty 10 demand Of the ministers under
their control explanations Of the acts