Page:The Annual Register 1899.djvu/261

 1899.] Frwnce. — Defeat of the Ministry. [253

White Carnation expressed their feelings by insulting cries. Numerous arrests were made, and it was promptly known that the police, although fully warned that some outrage had been planned, took no measures of precaution. This unpardonable negligence was promptly punished. The various groups of the Republican party recognised their common danger : an order of the day calling upon the Government to make the republic respected was passed by large majorities in the Chamber (June 5) and the Senate (June 6), and the members of the Left in both Chambers followed up this vote by sending a deputation to M. Dupuy, calling upon him to govern on behalf of the Republicans. The reunion of groups in the Chambers was reflected by their reunion elsewhere, and the President of the republic received an imposing ovation on his visit to the Longchamps races (June 11). The Ministry, however, had done its utmost to render M. Loubet ridiculous by the excess of precautions taken to protect the chief of the State. The police and the military were in exaggerated force along the line of route, and in the evening were employed in dispersing the crowds which acclaimed the republic.

On the next day M. Vaillant, a Socialist deputy, called atten- tion to the violence displayed by the police against the people of Paris and the Republicans. He was supported by members from other benches, who inquired how much longer the cry of " Vive la R£publique " in the streets would be met by the batons of the police. M. Dupuy, resorting to his favourite tactics when hard pressed, demanded a vote of confidence ; but instead of agreeing to the request, passed by 321 to 173 votes an order of the day declaring that the Chamber would support only a Government which declared itself determined to maintain public order by supporting republican institutions. The Dupuy Cabinet there- upon resigned, to the relief of all parties, which by turns it had cajoled and deceived.

The crisis which ensued was long and serious. The situation was more than delicate. From all sides evidence was forth- coming of general disorganisation. The University and the Army were facing each other as rivals, and officers like Colonel de Saxce and General Hartschmidt threw aside all regard for the civil power. Under such conditions M. Poincare, and after him M. Waldeck-Rousseau, found the construction of a Cabinet beyond their power. M. Bourgeois, who was representing France at the Peace Congress at the Hague, was hurriedly summoned to Paris, but found the difficulties of the situation insuperable. M. Loubet again turned to M. Waldeck-Rousseau, and ultimately (June 22) he was able to submit a list of a Cabinet for the defence of the republic, which was thus com- posed : M. Waldeck-Rousseau, President of the Council, and Minister of the Interior ; M. Delcasse, Foreign Affairs ; M. Leygues, Public Instruction ; M. Monis (senator), Justice; M. Jean Dupuy (senator), Agriculture; M. de Lansssan, Marine;