DEFEAT OF THE FRENCH CABINET.

Evening Star, Issue 7485, 2 April 1888, Page 2

DEFEAT OF THE FRENCH CABINET.

A VICTORY FOR GENERAL BOULANGER. [Per Press Association.] Paris, March 31. General Boulanger, in an address at Nord, accused the Chamber of Deputies of neglecting the defences of France, and he maintains the necessity of preparing for war. The impotence of Parliament, he added, had alienated the country's demand. The Chamber of Deputies have dissolved, with a view to a revision of the Constitution. It appears that the Boulanger party suddenly demanded the urgency of a revision taking place in the Constitution, and in this they were supported by the Bonapartists and the followers of M. Clemenceau. The demand was carried by 268 to 230. In consequence of the adverse vote, M. Tirard and his Ministry have resigned. The defeat is attributed to the fractiousness of the Government and that members arc unwilling to tolerate M. Tirard any longer. The result has caused great confusion. In the Chamber of Deputies M. Pellitau proposed the motion for a revision of the Constitution. M. Dasson demanded the abolition of the Constitution. The Republican party consider that the present Constitution is in confusion, M. Clemenceau denounced the Empire, and favored the proposed reform. M. Goblet thought that reform was necessary, but the present time was impolitic. The Premier accepted the motion as a want of confidence, and on his defeat the President accepted the resignation of the Ministry. General Boulanger advocates universal suffrage.

The political crisis is regarded as a victory for General Boulanger. M. Floquet has been summoned to form a Ministry, and is consulting M. de Freycinet, M. Flourens, and M. Goblet.