THE FRENCH CRISIS.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 22, 2 August 1887, Page 2

THE FRENCH CRISIS.

INTERVIEW WITH BOULANGER. “I CONSIDER WAR INEVITABLE." (Vu Faisco.) On 19th May, belore the new Cabinet was formed, General Boulanger was interviewed by a correspondent of the New York Herald. General Boulanger said :—“ I would not consent to the the reduction of the war budget by a single centime. Then there are certain men whom I would never consent to be in the same Cabinet with—persons who hold the dignity of the country to cheaply (‘Qui font bon marche’), and who wish to put a brake on the awakening of the military spirit of the nation. I never would do anything to lessen or dim the esprit national. I would rather break my sword. I shall leave the army prepared, organised, and able to measure its strength with any army that exists. Germany will not attack us, because she knows we are strong, and the Germans are a prudent race. The French army cannot for a moment hope for any ally, for there is not a single Power in Europe that has confidence in us on account of our uncertain policy (V instab Hile de notre politique) ; but we do not need anybody. I consider war as inevitable. I pity those who do not understand this. In any case, I never would consent to abandon one iota of my military and political convictions. So long as lam Minister of War I shall not submit to the slightest affront, and I prefer to retire rather than be in a Cabinet with members who would not allow me freedom of action, I also assure you,” said the General, in eoneluding the interview, " that I would not accept any high command of the army—such as commander of a corps d'armee or any other—nor do I aspire to any office. J'attcn, drai, (I shall want.)