FRENCH POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 92, 12 January 1929, Page 9

FRENCH POLITICS

POINCARE DEMANDS VOTE OF CONFIDENCF

ROUSES ENTHUSIASM IN CHAMBER

DRAMATIC REPLY TO SOCIALIST ATTACK

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (“Tinies" Cables.)

(Rec. January 11, 8.35 p.m.) London, January 10.

“The Times” Paris correspondent states that bearding the lion in his den, M. Poincare rose before the opportunity came to move a motion of no-confidence, and told Deputies that he wanted a decision forthwith. “It is a question of knowing if the Government really exists, and, what is still more important, if it will exist to-morrow. We intend to exist and go on existing.” There was applause from the Right and Centre Parties and a portion of the Left, where waverers are usually found. The approval was so vigorous that it could be regarded in the light of promising a show of hands for M. Poincare.

The Prime Minister realises that he has won previous successes because divisions will not be taken on party lines. He now demands a straight vote in order to know if he can continue unhampered by continual Socialist threats. M. Poincare again intervened with dramatic effect when the Socialist, M. Meyer, accused him of allowing reactionaries to attack the Republic and not moving a finger to protect it. M. Meyer asked why M. Poincare had not ascended the tribune to denounce the anti-Republicans. M. Poincare jumped up and asked Deputies if they did not remember how. he was foremost in defending Parliament against the reactionaries. He mentioned his share in defeating Boulanger and saving Dreyfus. Almost the entire chamber was stirred by the dramatic allusion to historic incidents and burst into applause. M. Meyer’s speech faded out.