Year: 1879

THE NEW GOVERNMENT AND ITS PRosPEcTs-


GAMBETTAs LOVE OF CoUNTRY-THE LOTTERY


DRAwING-NEw BOOKS AND THEATRE GOSSIP.


PARIS. Feb. !, 1879.


You will have received by cable the main facts of
the governmental changes which have taken place
here within the last twenty -four hours. There is
but little to ada to them in the way of detail.
Although the determination of the Marshal
to mako of the question of the military
commands pretext for resgning was suddenly
adopted. il was well understood that the position of
the Ministry had become difficult. owing to mis-
reluctance to fulfil the pledges made in his name
and theirs to the Chambers in the debate OF the
10th OF january. that at any moment there
was probability OF his proving refractory.
This second crisis therefore occasioned no surprise
No one believed that it the military question
which prompted his sudden decision. Placed as it
was before him by the Minister Of War-an old
friend General Gresley and who could not be
pected for moment of any desire to disorganize the
armyit in reality offered just ground for his
sistance. The changes contemplated were strictly
within the provisions of the law and they such
only as the country had right to demand. The idea
of the Marshal opposing to them his "old friend
ships and his notions about "the interests OF the
army was simply ridiculous. The real truth of the
matter is that he dreaded the result of the debate
NJ. Brisson's report from the commission of par
liamentary inquiry into the proceedings of the
Broglie- Fourtou Ministry, and apprehending his
being included in an impeachment. resolved to
quit the Presidency before the discussion could
be brought on. You can readily understand that in
his position President he would have been ham
pered in his Defence while freed from its RESPONSE
billties and obligations he exhibit himself
in his true colors-as an unmitgated enemy Of
publican institutions and holding Office simply to
b,la th~.,,.
ing that it no longer IN his power to impede
their progress this fine old French gentle man and
"honest soldier concluded that his time had come
and he accordingly selected this question of the mill
tary commands as the one on which he could most
gracefully make his exit. He has lot done so, how
ever before he has been compelled TO fulfil the double
alternatives embraced in NJ. Gambettas famous
prediction that he would be forced either de sc
Sounetfre on de Sc dtaettre. He has done both
but did neither in u manner to win him public
TEEN. On this question of the impeachment OF the
Minister'S Of the 10th of May public opinion is very
much divided. Many people regard the measure
lmpoltic while others think that in the interest of
political morality the men. who through factious
their personal ambition. plunged the country into
q state of fearful agitation and brought 1t to tho
verge of civil war should be made examples of as
warning to others. believe that the President
nj. Grevy, is among the former and 1t is said
that he made it a condition of his acceptance
Of the executive function that all idea Of carrying
out the recommendations Of NJ. Busson's report
should be abandoned. II this be so it docs honor to
his Judgment What France now stands most in
need of is repose and she will not look with favor
able eye upon those who seek to keep up state Of
Fictitious excitement in the public mind matter
how plausible or abstractedly just may be the pre-
text.


THE MINISTRY.


It is possible that there may be partial recon-
structon or the ministry, although it is we'll known
that NJ. Grevy is very desirous that it should be main
tained present organized. Its course has been
SO straightforward and firm and it has contributed
much to the consolidation Of the Republic that the
country is very much of the same opinion and
would witness with regret any changes in its
itr,tinn tha m Dnfarf haui
to feel the of office to be too much for him. and
his advanced age he may we'll be excused for seek
ing repose, the especially the result of his
abors has been to secure the triumph and
solidaton of the institutions which he believes
alone secure its happiness and prosperity Should he
continue associated with the Ministry therefore it
will probably he merely President Of the Council,
without Office In this way the administration would
have the benefit of his judgment and advice without
imposing on him burdens to which he is daily be-
coming more and more unequal.


0AMBErrA ASPIRATIONS.


Those who have been SO long in the habit of hear
ing from the reactionary Journals that M. Gambetts
has been the Deus &c mdchind OF all the movements
ing to replace either MacMahon Dufaure.
must be edited by the straightforwardness
closed in the of recent events. 1t has become
evident that 30 far from seeking anything for him.
self he has been among tho first to indicate NJ.
Grevy as the natural and most fitting successor
Of the Marshal and M. Dufaure the Minister
to whom the confidence of the country would
be ha most Of hs M sa
listened favorably to proposition to elect him to
the Presidency Of the Chamber of Deputies. in place
of NJ. Grevy. To him it will be for q time posi-
ton of effacement, but 1t will have the advantage
of removing him from the embarrassments Incl
dent that Of al pr S are but
more than they can perform. And in another
spect the presidency Of great deberative assembly
will be of benefit to him. 1t will impose upon him
habits of aud prudence which cannot fail
enhance his qualities as statesman and mt him the
better TO control the destinies OF his country.


THE NATIONAL LOTTERY.


The drawings of the national lottery are pursuing
the tenor of their way. the interest in them,
however. being greatly modified by the disposal of
the large prizes. The freaks of fortune. usual in
such matters furnish. of course, fruitful themes
for table GOSSIP, but % are otherwise r,.. scarcely
the eagerness with which they listened to tho
danger of the revival of such temptations. am very
much afraid that the which has attended this
enterprise may induce the government to initiate
sanction others Of the same character. There is no
object no matter how philanthropic praiseworthy
in itself that can compensate for the demo raizing
influences which they exercise upon the masses.


NEW PUBLICATIONS.


here is that will excite considerable interest in
political circles. 1t is entitled "katazzi ct
statesman For the last five years Nine. Ratazzi,
whose literary accomplishments are known to most of
your readers has devoted herself to this labor of
love. Not satisfied with trusting to her own SOU
vonirs, she has availed herself of all the
sources OF information that she could COM
nnsi.bed mIni dosnmens that remained n Ser



possession and in that of her late husbands
Friends. rented the place where she was born
and where his youth was spent. CLEANED from his
early associates all the facts that could be obtained
regarding IL, and In this way collected a vast OF
materials the work, which she believes is destined
TO place in it's true light before the world
the character of the statesman who played
so important role in the affairs of Italy
and of Europe. 'ro the great majority Of
people" says Nine Ratazzi, in her preface. Victor
Emanuel that great soldier Of the house of Savoy;
Garibadi. that legendary hero. and Cavour. by his
decisive course at the interview at Plomberes. in
1855 are above all tho representatives of Italy and
her military and diplomatic work OF unihca-
ton. Henceforth every one will know, what Ital-
ian statesmen and politicians have long known that
RatazA contributed as much rs the General and the
Minister whom 1 have just named to the deliver
Of his country to its unity TO its progress and
to its greatness" The work will be published in
three volumes, and will be carefully ndcxcd to
make easy of reference 1t will be issued from the
press Of Dentu, who has just published Mme
katszzts interesting work In Spain.


THEATRES.


The political excitement of tho last week has
initiated somewhat against the business of the
theatres but they nevertheless fairly attended
No pieces OF any value have been produced since
my last 1t is reported that M. Haulanzier
has resigned the direction Of the Grand