Page:Statesman's Year-Book 1899 American Edition.djvu/861

 FRANCE.

Constitution and Government. I. Centkal.

Since the overthrow of Napoleon III. on September 4, 1870, France has been under a Republican form of government, con- firmed on February 25, and June 16, 1875, by an organic law {Constitution Wallon), which has been partially modified in June 1879, August 1884, June 1885, and July 1889. It vests the legis- lative power in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, and the executive in the President of the Republic and the Ministry.

The President is elected for seven years, by a majority of votes, by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies united in a National Assembly, or Congress. He promulgates the laws voted by both Chambers, and ensures their execution. He selects a Ministry from the Chamber, appoints to all civil and military posts, has the right of individual pardon, and is responsible only in case of high treason. The President concludes treaties with foreign Powers, but cannot declare war without the previous assent of both Chambers. Every act of the President has to be countersigned by a Minister. With the consent of the Senate he can dissolve the Chamber of Deputies. In case of vacancy, the two Chambers united immediately elect a new President.

President of the Republic. — M. Emile Louhet ; born, December 31, 1838 ; elected President, February 18, 1899.

The Ministers or Secretaries of State, the number of whom varies, are usually, but not necessarily, members of the Senate or Chamber of Deputies. The President of the Council (Premier) chooses his colleagues in concert with the President of the Republic. Each Minister has the direction of one of the great administrative departments and each is responsible to the Chambers for his acts, while the Ministry as a whole is responsible for the general policy of the Government.

The Ministry, as constituted, October 30, 1898, consists of the following members : —

President of the Council and Minister of the Interior. — M. Charles Dupuy.

Minister of Finance. — M. Peytral.

Minister of Foreign Affairs. — M. Delcass^.

Minister of War. — M. de Freycinet.

Minister of Marine. — M. Lockroy.

Minister of Colonies. — M. Guillain.

Minister of Public Instruction and Worship. — M. Georges Leygues.

Minister of Justice. — M. Lebret.

Minister of Commerce, huhistry and PoRts and Telegraphs.-^ M. Delombre.