FRANCE'S DEFENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 313, 27 May 1913, Page 5

FRANCE'S DEFENCE.

1 THE ANTI-MILITARIST MOVEMENT. . DEBATE IN THE CHAMBER. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Paris, May 05. The instigators of the outbreak at Rodez included an ex-convict and several members of the Confederation of Labor. It was intended to incite tjhe men from other regiments to rob the magazines and ammunition stores. The plan failed owing to the arrival of the officers. When the men, in response to the bugle, trooped into the barrack square, Major Angelby, seeing the mutineers forming up, snatched a rifle and shod ted, "The first man attempting to pass the gates dies." The effect was electrical in checking the demonstration.

M. Clemenceiiu makes a violent attack on, Ministers in L'Homme Libre. He says that the lack of military discipline is an outrage to the Fatherland, and unless stopped will mean an end of the nation. M. Clemenceau has visited M. Poincare, the President, and it is understood they are fully reconciled. The Socialists interpellated the Government as to the prohibition of the demonstration at the Pere la Chaise cemetery. The Centre and Right engaged in violent recrimination with the extreme Left. M. Barthou, the Premier, announced that he took full responsibility. '• M. Vaillant,. reported that the introduction of the Three Years* Service Bill was the beginning of civil war.roar.) A vote of confidence in the Government was voted by' a large majority. It is understood that there are differ- 1 ences in the Cabinet over the Three Years' Service Bill. Two Ministers favor thirty months.

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT. Paris, May 25. President Poincare initiated the visit from M. Clemenceau. He declared that they were consulting frankly in order to prevent a grave anti-military plot. Only the closest relations between the leaders, he .continued, could avert civil war. M. Clemenceau promised his cooperation.

POLITICAL CHANGES. Received 26, 11.45 p.m. Paris, May 20. Instead of at Pere la Chaise, 50,000 Socialists made a demonstration outside Paris. Speeches were delivered from fifteen platforms. Resolutions were carried denouncing the triennium service. There was no disorder.

The newspapers discuss the possibility of M. Clemenceau succeeding M. Barthoii as Premier. Meanwhile, M. Caillaux. whom he denounced as secretly negotiating with Germany in 1911, is working for the Premiership, advocating a two years' service, with prolongations.