Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 November 1898 — FRANCE IN FERMENT. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

FRANCE IN FERMENT.

PARIS DISRUPTED OVER THE DREYFUS CASE. Minister of War Resigns in a Fit of Passion—Angry Mob Barns Kiosks— Bays of the Third Republic Believed to Be Numbered. - I The world has been treated to a new’ Illustration of the fickle, volatile character of the French nation in the sudden dis-

solution of the Brisson ministry after an existence of only a few’ months. The result was precipitated by the spectacular performance of Gen. Chanoine in resigning the portfolio of minister of war, which was placed in his hands as the successor of Gen. Zurlinden only a few weeks ago.

The situation is all the more surprising in view of the pressing nature of the controversy with England over the Fashoda affair. This seems to have been completely lost sight of in the excitement over the 'Dreyfus case, for which the army is chiefly if not wholly responsible. The sudden net of Chanoine is attributed to the hounding io which he has been subjected by army officials, who are apparently more eager to carry on an anti-Semitic war in the streets of Paris than to meet a foreign enemy in central Africa. As the downfall of the Brisson ministry Is apparently traceable directly to the hostility of the army to the steps which have ibeen taken looking to a revision of the iDreyfus case, the natural effect will be to undo what has been done in that direction, as it is not in the nature of a French court to do anything distasteful to both the Government and the army. For the present army influence is superior to justice and the people, nnd if the forms of re-

▼islon should be gone through with the result is likely to be merely a repetition of the perversions of justice which have been witnessed in the past. It is safe to say that this will be the inevitable outcome •hould the new cabinet be of the character foreshadowed by the tumultuous proceedings in the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday, when the rallying cry was “Vive Tarmee” and “Down with the Jews.” Gen. Chanoine, in announcing his resignation, repeated the declaration of his

predecessor, Gen. Zurlinden, that Dreyfus was guilty. Premier Brisson then took the tribune and in a forcible speech appealed to the chamber for support in maintaining the supremacy of the civil power. M. Brisson protested against the manner of Gen. Chanoine’s resignation, declaring it to be contrary to all precedent. He then demanded an adjournment of the chamber in order to enable him to consult with his colleagues, and the sitting was suspended amid groat excitement. Later in the day vast crowds gathered In the Place de la Concorde and begun a violent demonstration. The mob burned several kiosks on the Place de la Concorde. A fight occurred on the Boulevard Montmartre between the police and the nnti-Jewish rioters nnd several of the mob had their heads broken. Another serious conflict resulted from a demonstration made by a number of royalists, who assembled in front of the'military club. The royalist flag was snatched from the hands of the man carrying it and a violent tussle followed. The excitement In the streets continued throughout the evening, the mob deliriously “downing” Jews and M. Brisson The disgraceful scenes and excitement temporarily put aside the Fashoda iru-i----dont and the fear of war arising therefrom. Throughout the disturbing events Tuesday not a word or thought was devoted to the war crisis. This distracted country is completely absorbed in her appalling domestic troubles, nnd the people at large scarcely recognize the existence of the Fashoda dispute. In some quarters it is believed the days of the third French republic are numbered. 1 Gen. Blanco haa ordered the sale of Spanish army equipments in Cuba.

PREMIER BRISSON.

M. DELCASSE.

GEN. CHANOINE.