The New York Herald Newspaper, January 31, 1879, Page 7

a FRANCE The Republic Comes Safely Out of the Crisis. RESIGNATION OF MACMAHON His Reasons for Retire- ment. ‘ PRESIDENT JULES GREVY. Meeting of the Two Houses in Congregs. PARIS AND VERSAILLES. Details Regarding the Deliberations at Wednes- duy’s Cahinet Council. SKETCH OF THE PRESIDENT. [BY caBLE To THE HERALD. ] Panis, Jan, 31, 1879. Paris has had a day such as it has not seen for many months—one of those days in which the great current of humanity moving to and fro onthe boulevards gathers about, drifts here and there, and stays for a time at one point and at another and another. All the revolutions begin with these groups on the boulevards, excited with sharp discussion or stirred. by passion. But this time it not so serious. ‘There was at one moment & sentiment of danger, as the panic on the Bourse sufficiently indicates, Alto- gether, however, the day has been wondr- fully calm for a day filled with events so important. The Marshal has resigned, the houses have met in convention and chosen M. Jules Grévy as his succestor by an almost unanimous vote, and in all there has not been a sound of even parliamentary tumult, save on the one proposition in the Convention which cast some doubt on the validity of the resignation without its tormal acceptance. Not for one moment would the House permit it to be thought that any dispute could be raised in favor of forcibly retaining the Marshal in office; and the general sentiment is one of satisfaction that he is out, and that there is now reasonable hope that we have reached the end of the chronic’ collisions between the Legislature and a digicult President. The concourse of the general public at Versailles was not very great., The excitement did not com- pare with that of May 24, 1873, when Presi- was dent Thiers resigned. There is no disturb- | ance anywhere. ' HOW MACMAHON WENT ovr. The story of yesterday is a part of French history that is worthy of detailed narration... President MacMahon left the Palais d’Ely- sée at noon for Versailles to preside at a Cabinet Council. 1t' was well known that he had made up his mind to resign, becanse he had positively expressed his intention at the Cabinet Council on Wednesday and had stated the fact to many of his friends. As soon as the Coun- cil had assembled yesterday the Marshal handed ta M. Defaure his letter of resig- nation, the langeage of which is better un- derstood now that the dramatic incidents of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting are known. The following is the text of the letter:— At the opening of this session of the Chambers the Ministry presented to you a programme which, while affording satisfac- tion to public opinion, appeared to the Cabinet such as might be voted without danger to the secarity or good administra- tion ot the countty. Putting agide all per- sonal views, 1 had given the programme my approbation, for I was sacrificing no princi- ples to which conscience commanded me to remain faithful. ‘To-day the Ministry, thinking to respond to the opinion of the majority of the two chambers, proposes to me, in regard to ‘high military com- mands, some general measures which I consider contrary to the inter- ests of the urmy, and, consequently, to those of thecountry. I cannot subscribe to them. Any other Ministry taken from the majority would impose upon me the same conditions. I consider myself, there- fore, bound to shorten the duration of the mandate which the National Assembly con- fided to me, and I therofore tender my resig- nation. In quitting power I have the con- solation of thinking that during the fifty- three years I devoted to the service of my country, either as soldier or citizen, I have never been guided by sentiments other than | honor and duty and absolute devotion to my country. lrequest you to communicate my decision to the Chambers. 9 MacMAHON, Duke of Magenta. Marshal MacMahon asked the Ministers to countersign his letter of resignation, but they declined, declaring the letter a merely personal act. q MELTING OF THK ConanEss. Meanwhile all branches ofthe Left had held a caucus, at which M. Gambetta proposed M. Jules Grévy for Prosidont of the Republic, which was unanimously approved. *'This was equivalent to M. Grévy's election, The exucus adjourned ! aul resolved on acting up to it. about fifteen minutes pastone. The Sen- ate met and the letter of President Mac- Mahon was read and received in periect silence. On the assembling of the Cham- ber of Deputies e™% Grévy read the letter from President MacMahon announcing his resignation amid profound silence. He then read the articles of the constitution applicable to the situation, and announced that the two cham- bers would meet in congress at half-past four P, M. The sitting then suspended. At the hour fixed the Senators and Deputies assembled together in con- gress in the Chamber of Deputies. M. Martel, Presi- dent of the Senate, took the chair and called the congress to order. . - BLECTING A NEW PRESIDENT, The proceedings in the congress of the two Cham- bers were opened by 3M. Martel, who again read President MacMahon’s letter of resignation and the articles of the constitution. M. de Gavardie, Senator, amid shouts of disappro- bution, asked whether the congress accepted the resignation of President MacMahon. ‘Vhe congress set this inquiry aside by voting the previous question by @ large majority. ‘The congress, after appointing tellers, proceeded, at five o'clock, to vote for President of the Republic. Seven hundred and thirteen Senators and Deputies were present, of whom 670 voted. The absolute ma- jority required was 336. The result was announced at a quarter to eight P. M. . M. Jules Grévy obtained 536 votes and General do Chanzy 99. M. Grévy was accordingly declared elected, and was proclaimed President of the Republic for the term of seven years. Forty-three blank voting papers were deposited. M. Dufaure was loudly cheered when’ ho cast his vote. Shortly after the Senate and Chamber of Deputies resumed their separate sittings. M. Bethmont took the chair in the Camber of Deputies. He read a letter from M. Grévy, express- ing the profound regret with which he resigned his seat as a Deputy, and thanking his colleagues for the sympathy with which they had honored him and would continue to honor him, M, GAMBETTA’S FUTURE. The Deputies decided to elect a successor to the Presidency of»the Chamber to-day (Friday), It is understood that M. Gambetta is willing to accept the post and his candidacy meets with increased favor. Marshal MacMzhon wrote to M. Grévy yesterday expressing a wish to pay him a visit as soon as he was elected President. M. Grévy replied that he was deeply sensible of the Marshal’s courtesy, but in- sisted that it was for him (Grévy) to pay the first visit. It is stated that the Marshal paid his respects to President Grévy last evening. The Ministers all declare that President MacMahon at Wednesday’s Cabinet Coancil preserved a calm, dignified de- | meanor. He stated that he proposed to retire to pri- vate life, and would not, under any circumstances, permit his name to be employed for any species of demonstration. The Ministers congratulated Presi- dent Grévy last evening on his election, aud col- lectively tendered their resignations. Mr. Grévy ex- pressed a hope that they would continue in office, at least provisionally, The Cabinet will meet to-day to | consider the situation. Marshal MacMahon last evening visited and congratulated M. Grévy. The interview was most courteous. The ex-President ammounced his intention of going to Grasse to-day, where he will remain some time. The voting in the congress for President was secret. The only incidents were the applauding of Victor Hugo and others by the Left as they advance’ tb ghe tribunal, and the hooting at Baragnon, De Broglie, Buffet ond other unpopular members of the Right. Simon ‘and Rouher were comparatively unnoticed. ‘There was perfect frenzy of enthuziasm when the figures were announced, the members of the Left and the public in tho galleries rising in s body and re- peatedly shouting, “Vive.la République !** ECHOLS OF THE #foRM. The Marquis d'Harcourt, the French Ambassador at London, who is a relative of Marshal MacMahon, has resigned. PREPARED FOR EVENTS. The Republique Francaise, M. Gambetta’s organ, said yesterday ‘There is no possible doubt about the issue of the pending struggle. The only matter ad- mitting of a difference of opinion is whether a state of crisis shall continué, or not. Personal power may be definitely buried from this day, and the moment this is possible it should be done.” The Figaro said:—“It is rumored that Gencrals Bourbaki, Ba- taille and Du Barail have resigned.” It also says that the foreign embassics were yesterday officially in- formed of the intended resignation of President MacMahon. THE SCENE AT TUESDAY'S CABINET COUNCIL— MACMAHON’S SPEECH AND HIS RRASONS FOR RESIGNING. [ey cable To THE HERALD.] 2 Lonvon, Jan. 31, 1879, The Paris correspondent of the Times says the election of M. Gambetta as President of the Chamber of Deputies is certain, and he will accept the post. It is also certain that the impeachment of the De Broglig Fourtou Ministry will be abandoned, as it is no longer necessary as & means of ousting MacMahon or a Cabinet which loyally protected ‘the constitution, Tho return of the chambers to Paris, the reorganization of the Coun- cil of State,the passage of the Education laws and other republican reforms will be peacefully effected. ‘The correspondent adds that some members of the pure Left will cuter the Cabinet. M. Dufaure has declared his intention of resigning. The country will not understand such a course, but if he persists M. Martel may take the Premiership and M. Dufaure the Presidency of the Senate. M. Halanzier has resigned the management of the Opera. A despatch to the Standard from Berlin represents that no confidence is felt there in President Grévy’s competence to maintain his authority, ‘A Paris despatch to the Times says:—“At the Cabinet Council held Thursday morning the Ministers offered to resign it President MacMahon thought he could come to a compromise with the Chambers. MacMa- hom replied with some emotion.that he deemed such astep useless, The tone of the President's letter of resignation seems to mect with general approval.” THE MARSHAL'S FIRMNERS, ‘The 7imes’ Paris despatch says:—Prosident Mac- Mahon’s fall will produce no ill effect at home or abrowud and will be a positive relief. At Saturday's Cabinet meeting M. Leon Say submitted a list of changes of treasurers genoral. ‘Tho Marshal said nothing concerning the proposed changes, but aeked M. Dufaure, President of the Council, to remain after the adjournment of the Cab- inet mecting. When they were alone (I learn this from two informants, one of whom heard it from the | Marshal and the other from M, Dufaure) the Marshal said:— ‘I will not sign those decrees, M. Leon Say ise Minister who gots into a passion, These executions must not be made, There must be no going into a passion.’ “Dut M, Leon Say,’ replied M, Dufaure, ‘is not @ Minister who goes into a passion; he is the Minister who arrives firat ut this object, that is all, We all took a formal pledge at last Monday's sitting, aud we “But surely,’ rejoined the Marshal,you are not going to bring me heaps of dismissals to sign?’ “«Lhope we are all going to keep our word,’ said M.Dufaure. ‘We will not make hecatombs, but will give every satisfaction ta which public opinion is entitled. We have each our list ready; I have mine, and the Minister of Warhas his, We aro cach going to submit it to you, and I hope you will sign it, for by not signing it, so far from sereening the functionaries you would, perhaps, expose them, seeing that what we do not do others will do still more energetically ; and if you prefer, as you tell us, to retire, not only will you not save those you wish to protect, but'you will jeopardize auch as we are now really protecting,’ Horo the conyersation ended. Next day the Marshal | signed the tinancial cbauges. ON THR RACK, “Of. Dufaure, believinu hin won o7or, at Tuesday | .he won the good will of all and furnished a mem- morning’s C ouncil subimitte 1 toPresident MacMuhon a decree affecting six publie prosecutors,” The Mar- shul examined it, and then turning to M. Dataure | said:—Tam going tos! this, but I leave the re- ; sponsibility to you.’ Then he signed it, G al | Gresley, Minister of War, submitted his list. ‘fhe | law provides for eighteen high military commands, | each intrusted to a general, who may be relieved | every three years. Of the cighteen generals thus appointed nine have held their posts more | than five years and next September will have been six years. Marshal MacMuhou's idee is that | not having been removed after three years the ought by tacit reappointment finish another term of three years, The law certainiy suys nothing offike | kind, It simply accords the power of removing the | . commander after three years,. Generil Gresiey’s | decree dealt with the nine generals. Of these four | were to be transferred and five—Bourbaki, De Lar- | Ay tigue, Bataille, Du Baraii and Montiudon—detini- tively relieved. Marshal MacMehon declared he could not sign this decree. ‘I cannot,’ he said, ‘sign | & decree superseding brave generals—my ow friends and eompanions—whoso legal term of com- mand only expires in five or six months. There is no danger in my refusal. Icannot conseng | As; to stay at such cost. I blush atthe thonght. Las- | sure you, on my honor, I will not do it. It will have to be another who does it. Political categories must | not be created in the army. I would prefer to re- | sign. My children would not forgive me for such an | act. I cannot, where the army is concerned, for which I am responsible before the nation, obey in- junctions of newspapers like these,’ and the Marshal showed two republican newspapers which for some days back have been publishing lists of officials classed in political categories. As usual with him in such circumstances, his face flushed and he spoke hurriedly, as if anxious to get what ho had to do s00n over, MORE DELIBERATION. “The Ministers said nothing, for, after hearifg this, it was dificult to form an immediate resolution. The Council accordingly adjourned. In the afternoon the Cabinet met again. After much hesitation the Ministers came to the conclusion that their proposi- tions must be maintained. The law on the grout military commands is one full of dangers bequeathed by the National Assembly as a piece of anti-republi- can strategy. Itcalls into being eighteen military powers, the chiefs of which have speedily come to look upon themselyes as beyond the government's reach, whom hitherto done darod to interfere with. The Ministers said that if they were to surrender this point they would be exposing the country to a pos- sible danger and creating an insurmountable obstacle to the settlement of the government. The Cabinet, therefore, determined to maintain its resolution. M. Dufaure was charged to inform Marshal MacMa- hon of this decision. He replied that, in view of this official demand, he asked for a Cabinet Council on lot, and by the absolute majority of votes, Art. 45. The President of the Council is elected for an unlimited time, and is always removable! It is obvious that if these amendments had been tat of 1851 would have Deca ren- No conflict could have existed be- » the Executive and the Assembly when the ud always effect # change of servants in ten But M. Grévy's amendments received y 158 votes out of a total of 800 (October 7, 194! ithstanding a discourse of rare eloquence, bri ful of true prophetic insight, with which M. Grevy foretold the subversion of the Republic by jet magistrate “sprung from one of the families which have veigned over France.” * THE COUP D’ETAT. M. Grévy was re-elected to the bly, and after the accession of Prince Lonis Napoleon to power was one of the principal opponents, not only of the royalist coalition, but also of the insid- s psoudo-democraey of the new head or the He remained faithful to reyfublican earnestly opposed the expedition protested against the law of and the» fatal * revision constitution by which universal suffrage was abol. ishe: ad cted the wild vagaries of the ‘Mou: excited universal adjniration by the singe larly terse and lucid style of his oratory, and his vill always hold a high place among models ured eloquence. At the time of the coup d'état of December 2, 1451, M. Grévy was among the Depu- ties Who escaped the first cast of the Pre: In coujunction with severai other members ¢ cmbly—among whom, by the wey, was M. Butlet— joined in the protest ut the Mulrie of the ‘Tenth udissemeyt, But he soon followed the others, Heazues, to prison. Liberated from Mazus Legislative Assem- utter the crisis was past, M. Grévy determined to wait and watch. Like most of those whose opinions he shi © thought that the Prince President would soon work his own ruin, Lt he gave liberty to France, France, he believed, would in a year or twocome | to see the enormity of the crime which had becn committed; and if he withheld liberty it was thought that the nation would speedily ri#@ in insurrection and expel the band of conspirators who had seized on the reins of power in defiauce of all law. Neither of theso anticipations was justiied. Torn as it hed been by the struggle of parties France welcomed the nian who promised to free her from ull. For seven- teen years M. Grévy kept entirely aloof trom politics. Iu the end, despairing perhaps of liberty through revolution, he determined to seo what measure of it could be worked out ofthe imperial institutions. It was only in 1863 that he gave way to the proposals of his friends and becarae # candidate in the Jura for the Chamber of Deputies in opposition to the official candidate. ‘The administration made huge etforts to defeat M. Grévy, but he was elected by an overwhelining majority, The result throughout France gave evidence of the universal popu- larity @f the successful candidate, and the Em- peror Napoleon UI. spoke of M. Grévy’s elec- tion as u“‘misfortune.” Another manitestation in favor of M. Grévy gave still further cause for dissat- isfaction and uncasiness at the Tuileries, ‘The newly elected Deputy was named ‘-Batonnier’’ ot the Paris Bar, and this fact was regarded as significant of hos- tihty to the Empire. Having resumed his seat in the Chamber M. Grévy gave evidence of the saine dignity, moderation, but ‘unilinching republicanism, which had marked his early career. Having been appointed President of the Lett he refused all transactions with the imperial power, and its short reply to its ad- vances be:ame famous. “Neither dupe nor accom- plice.” asserted’ M. Grévy; and the words rang thoughout the country with ominous import for the Empire. From that monicnt until the downfall of Napcleon 11, M. Grévy continued in the Chamber of Deputies to be the constant advocate ot liberty of the people, and in no single instance did he depart trom Thursday atone o'clock, at Versailles. The Ministers’ meeting to deliberate on this reply, resolved unani- mously to abide by the resolution. M. Mareére waited on the Marshil to ask him whether he had no instructions to give him, the Minister of the Inte- rior being responsible for the public tranquillity, and whether the Marshal did not wish to state his ' views on the resolutions ho had formed and tho measures they inight entail. PLANS FOR A COUP D’ETAT. “The interview was brief and courteous, but the Marshal did not in any way manifest # final decision. He confined himself to referring to the fact that he would preside at the Cabinet Council on Thursday.” Referring to the probabilitics of the future the Times correspondent fnrther says:—‘‘Perhaps M. Dufaure will retire, but a large part of the Cabinet, strength- ened in the eye of the republicans and the country by its decided and proper attitude, will remain. The Bourse’ will greet the Marshal’s retirement with rise. The conduct of the Cabinet mects with general approval. It is asserted that twenty-two of the twenty-nine members of the Electoral Commission favor impeachment of the De Broglie Cabinet. The Commission met on Wednesday, but it is be- lieved did not come to any decision." The Daily Telegraph's Paris despatch says the Commission's operations may possibly have helped Prosident Mac- Mahon's decision to resign, It is ssid materials have been found strongly incriminating not only General Grimandet de Rouchebouet, formerly President of the Council and Minister of War, but Marshal Mac- Mahon, in an attempt to organize a coup d'ctat, It MacMahon had not resigned an attempt would have boen made to bring tho facts before the Chambers. The Telegraph's correspondent surmises that if the Congress meets to elect a President it will endeavor to on and remodel the constitution, but thinks such a course wuld be successfully resisted by the moderates. THE NEW PRESIDENT OF FRANCE. The vote of yesterday, which called to the Presi- dency of the French. Republic, the distinguished ad- vocate who was a few days ago chosen to preside over the National Assembly, is but the ratification of a programme long since familiar to the leaders of the majority. Even before the death of M. Thiers the new President was often mentioned as an alternative candidate for the chief place in the Republic, and since the death of that illustrious statesman he has had no serious rival. M. Gambetta is certain to fill that position at some future time; he. might fill it now if his ambition were equal to his prudence, but he has wisely determined that he can be of greater service to France as parliamentary leader than as chief of the executive power. His support of M. Grévy was long since announced, and is ull the moro creditable to him since the two men form com- plete contrasts in many respects, and have frequently differed upon important measures of national policy. Frangois Paul Jules Grévy is a native of the moun- tain Department of Jura, near the Swiss fronticr, and has in his uature much of the rugged downrightness appropriate to his early surroundings. Born at the course he had marked out for himself from the first moment of re-entering public life. ‘APYER SEDAN. On the night of the 4th of September, 1870, when the disaster of Sedan became known at Paris und the National Guard had pronounced the déchéance ot the Empire and the advent of the Republic, M. Jules Grévy assembicd a group of the opposition Deputies in the dining room of the guansion usu~lly occupied by the President of the Assembjy, and prepared with them a manifesto which he took to the Hotel de Vilic, accompanied by M. ‘Thiers. They found the new “Government of Nutional Defence” already con- stituted and engaged in promulgating decrees by the dozen, whereupon, refusing to associate themselves in any way with a movement they radically disapproved, future Presidents of the ench Republic retired to their homes. M. Grévy remained in retirement during the whole period of active military operations, de- clining to embarrass the government by a acless op- position. At the elections ot February 8, 1871, he was chosen Deputy of the departments comprehend- ing Paris and Marseilles, as wellas by his native Jura, but chose to take his seat at Bordeaux for the latter department. He was one of the signers ‘of the proposition to name Adolphe Thiers Chief of the Executive Power (February 17, 1871), and at the same time he was chosen to the Presidency of the As- sembly by 519 out ot 536 votes. He was retained in that post by cight almost unanimous re-clections until April 2, 1873, when he resigned in consequence of the impertinence of some of the monarchists, and refused to recall his resignation, though re-elected by aconsiderable majority. This’ was un unfortunate determination, for his successor, M. Builet, promptly bevame a tool in the hands of the intriguers, who in the following month effected the fall of Thiers. ELECTION OF MACMAHON. During the months of confused monarchical machinations which followed the election of Mar- shal MacMahon M. Grévy gave his valuable aid and advice to the combined groups of the Left, und in October of that year published a celebrated pam- phiet, ‘The Necessary Government,” which con- cluded with the statement that “France can find + satety only in the organization of the democracy.” In November, 1873, he opposed the establishment of the “Septennate” in favor of Marshal M. fahon, and refusing to recognize the constituent: powers of the Assembly, abstained from voting upon the con- stitutional laws. When M. Buffet became Premier in place of the Duc de Broglie, March ¥, 18%5, M. Grévy was recalled to his old post as Presi- dent of Assembly. He refused to be a candidate for a life seat or any other in the Senate, was re- elected to the Assembly in July, 1376, and October, 1377, and wus maintained in the Presidential chair at each renewal of the legislative offices. From the death of M. Thiers (September 3, 1877), he has been the person designated by the republican sentiment of France to G)l tne Executive office whenever it should next become vacant, and the fitness of this selection was long ago indorsed by M. Gambetta, LIKE OMAR OF MiSSOPOTAMIA, ‘M. Grévy has been compared to many heroes, an- cient aud modern. He has been called “the French Aristides,” and the late Clement Laurier happily styled ‘him ‘a Phocion, with a dash of Franklin.” Persouaily be is avery attractive man, of a calm, dig- nified, pleasant manner and fine cotmienunce. He has 4 high forehead, large, dark gray cyes; a well formed nose und a chin giving token of firumess and courage. There isa peculiar neatness in his appearance and a cortain something avout him which causes even older aud very important people to instinctively range themselves behind him. He was evidently born to command, and takes by # secmingly natural right the front rank, He has an artistic taste, a passion for rare books and works of art, and lives ina style of quiet but very decided elegance, His chief pastimes are shooting and chess playing. In the latter he has acquired a great reputation. He is often seen at the Caré de la Regence, the rendezvous of chess players, in the Place du ‘Lheatre Frangais, contending with the more expert professors of that intricate gar: Mont-sous-Vandrez on the Féte Napoleon (Auguet 15) of the memorabie your, 1813, his parents being petty farmers, nothing could well seem more unlikely than that his destiny would place this peasant babe upon the seat from which the conqueror of Europe was on the verge of being precipitated. Having been enabled to acquire a good rudimentary education at the Polig- ny Lyceum, in his native department, Jules was scet to Paris, when about cignteen years of age, to study law. Before he could take his degree the “three days ot July,”’ 1830, arrived and young Grévy enrolled himself among the combatants in the barri- cades. Along with many of his fellow stu- dents he participated in the capture of the “Babylon” barracks, and declined tho offer of a decoration for individual valor on this oc- casion. Admitted to the Paris Bar in 1831 he soon acqtired an enviable reputation for the solidity of his legal attainments, and, though constitutionally averse to noisy declamation, was frequently retained as counsel for the detence in the political prosecu- tions which formed such a conspicuous feature .of the reign of the “Citizen King.” Among other simi- lax cases ho was engaged as counsel for Quignot and Philippe, members of the secret political society Des Saisons, who were concerned with Armand Barbes end Louis Augusté Blauqui in the audacio: tempt to seize upon the Conciergerie May 12, 1839, the lust armed insurrection against the “Monarchy of July” prior to its overthrow in 1844, In the | latter event M. Grévy seems to have had no | personal participation, but he was speedily selected by the republican goverament for the, post of Com. | niissary or presiding officer in his native department of Jars, This post he filled with such moderation, prudence and toleration of al! political opinions that orable watchword to hie party by his oft quoted say- ing, “The Republic must avt inspire fear.” AN 1s48, At the elections to the Constituent Assembly of 1848 M, Grévy was returned for Jura at the head of the list of eight deputios, baving received the enor- mous number of 65,000 votes. He at once became prominent as @ lewlet of the moderate Left, was a momber of the Committee of Justice and Vice Pros- ident of tho Assembly. As an orator he made his | mark bythe peculiarly judicial character of his utterances, and, while supporting the measures of his party, mavaged to keep clear of all entanglement with the socithatic theories and propositions then so prevalent among his political asso- ciates. He wads one of the first to perceive the danger which monaced the stability of the Repub- Ne from Prince Lonis Napoleon, and it was probably with a view to that peril that he dvew up his tanous | srucndments to the constitutional draft in the fol- liwing tern ‘Act. 41. The Natioual Assembly del- | egates the executive power to a citizen: who receives the title of Presiteut of the Councti of Ministers. Art. 43. The President of the Council of Ministers ts wamed by the National assembiv by secret bal | | its dislike for His play is rapid and he is seldom defeat Though ® man of great weslth he is exceodingly simple in his haba and may often be seen taking his coffee, smoking his eijar or playing his favorite game in a public café, Like Abraham Lin- coln, he is acapital story teller, aud is exceodingly fond of a good pun. As a presiding oficer he was sober, serious, self-possessed even phiegimatic— though few men have been more severely tried thi he was by the irrepressible rowdyism of Paul de Cassagnae and the Bonapartists generally. He is a good parliamentarian and few persons have a more intimate knowledge of the quatitics of all the men now in public lite, a knowledge which will uow stand him in excellent stead, EX-PRESIDENT M'MAHON. Mario E. Patrice Maurice de MacMahon, Marqnis of MacMahon and Duke of Magenta, was born in 180s, of a family that had emigrated from Ireland in 1636, after sacrificing all their property to the cause of the Stuarts. Settled in Burgundy, the MaeMahons re- built their fortunes, iIntermarried with the French nobility and became rich and influential. ‘he Mar- ehal’s great-grandfather was created count by Louis XV., and his father was raised to the Drench House of Peers, in 1817, by the title of marquis, He ebhorred the Liberals, Protest- ants and Jews, talked contemptuously of the revolution, and in every way advanced his royalist and Catholic views, Tho present Marshal was educated in these views, having a Jesuit tutor, who, fortunately however, was a thorough Christian and gentleman. When seventeen he entered the military school of St. Cyr, and at ninctecn—then a straight, tall boy, with wide bine eyes, light flaxen hair and a thoughtful demeanor— joined the army. He eschowed dissipation, but was a noted and skilful dueilist, being singularly expert in pinking his adversary in the fleshy part of the right arm, just above tho elbow, thus obliging him to drop his foil like whotecal, This thrust got to be known a3 la botie MacMahon, «In isuy he was made lieutenant, and distinguished himscif soon after in Algiers. When Charles X. was dethroned his father, the Marquis, forfeited his peerage by refusing allegiance to Louis Philippe, and the young Heutonant naturally dis. liked the new regimé, At the sicye of Antwerp, in 1832, he gained his captaimey; was decorated with Legion of Honor in 1887, and rapidly nose thenceforta till, in 1845, he becamo a colonel and took the oath of fealty to the king. In 1845, by hie father's death, the present Marshal as- | sunied the title of marquis, and, an avowed legitt- mist, ho was sincerely pleased when Louis Phil- ippe fell, in 1848. By this time his eMiciency aud patriotism had gained him a national reputation and the uew Republhe at once promoted him to a ma- oy general’s rank, Gi coutl not disguise and secretly longed that Henri V, would re-enter France, The advent of Na- poleon to the throne, however, rerved the same pur- pose, and hie support of monarchy was rewarded with a Heatenant generalship. He was now forty two. rick aud bad iade splendid marriage with the | | NEW YORK HURALD, FRIDAY, JANUAKY 31, 1879—TRIPLE SHEET. daughter of the Royalist Due de Castries and created such 4 favorable impression that Napoleon remarked, “He has the eyes of an honest man and will never be- tray a trust.” BETURN FROM ALGERIA. It would be unnevessury to follow the Marquis throuyh the succeeding Crimean and Italian wars. He was no strategist, but, as a brave leader, was ac- corded such duties as the storming of the Malakoff and of bolding the post of honor at the Wattle of Ma- yenta, where he saved the French army. For this he wa» created Field Marshal and Duke of Magenta. However, his great popularity made Napoleon jeal- ous, and in 1864 he sent him im vi Algeria, as Governor General. He returned in 1570 to engage in the Prussian war and to suffer a series of deteats, which proved disastrous to his coun- try. ‘fhe French never blamed him, however; they looked upon him ax the victim ot Napoleoni: incapacity. Through the succeeding dark days of the Commune the galiant Marshal battled heroically for his country’s salvation, and its defeat put the crown to his prestige with the army, In 1873 a grate- ful nation made him @ Presideut—not king, as it is said he secretly hoped to be. He sgon was dragged into a conilict of authority with the new fledged As- sembly, but to prevent anarchy his term of office was | rolonged und the press prohibited from attacking be His tour of the provinces in 1874 showed that the people had every contidence in THE CRISL OF "75. The subsequent crisis of 1875 proved a severe test ty the new era of government. objection to a republican Ministry and his arbitrary dissolution of the Assembly in the struggle over the constitutional laws well nigh caused a coup d'état, However, pru- dence, ever a characteristic of the somewhat obsti- natesresident, allowed a new Cabinet to torm, and the political struggle gave place to another hollow trace. It was evident, however, that his conserva- tism was most distasteful to the republicans, and in 1877 the audacious intrigue of the Due de Brog- lie, which was tooo by President MacMa- hon, led him into a veritable parliamentary Sedan, where he had to either surrender at discretion or take Up urins ugainst his country. From this he extricated himself by dissolving the Chamber of Deputies, and in # manifesto said he wouM remain in power “to defend conservative interests with the support of the Se * His position, thus an- nounced, create! a tremendous sensation. Gradu- ally, however, the obstinate ’resident saw his danger, andthe De Broglie Ministry was forced to resign. His submission, however, wes not an absolute sur- render, He yielded with bad grace, as if against his will, ‘Lhe next Cabinct was to be formed as a compro mise, but the Duke d’Audiffret-Pasquier refused to negotiate with M, Duiaure, and then MacMahon decided if he could not form a Cabinet pleasing to the Chamber he would have one to suit himseit, and the Senate assuming this frighttul responsibiiity the crisis soon became to the last degree alarming. His own followers began to weaken, andin the end the President was forced to submit to the radical Left in the Chamber of Deputies, and requested M. Dufaure to formu Ministry, which has subsequently strug- gled to carry out a policy distastetul to the country, and now in the general political downfall MacMahon is forced to leave the seat where for so long he has at- tempted to. wield the power of @ semi-dictator. In social life the Marshal is famous, and was fully fitted to lead in the most cxacting socicty in existence. ALL THE WORLD HOAXED. PRACTICAL JOXING OF TOO SERIOUS A NATURE— CAPTAIN ADAMS DENIES THE PIRATE STORY, [bY CABLENIO THE HERALD.) Gnrernocs, Jan. 30, 1879. The British ship Ralston arrived here to- day. Captain Adams laugheg heartily (not knowing the serious importance which the government had attached to the pirate hoax) when he shown the account of the mysterious vessel in the newspapers. He said to the Henatp correspondent, emphatically:—“I never wrote the letter referred to, or any other on that supject, and I cannot ac- count for the matterin any way, e I did not even joke at Queenstown on the sub- ject.” He expressed the hope that the Ad- miralty would investigate the hoax thor- oughly. SLAUGHTER OF A CARAVAN. was SIX HUNDRED PERSONS MASSACRED, [By CABLE TO THE HERALD.] Loxpox, Jan. 31, 1879. A Vienna despatch to the Daily Telegraph says a party of insurgent Arabs attacked o caravan near Hedjax and killed 600 per- sons. GENERAL CABLE NEWS. PROGRESS OF THE PLAGUE--RUSSIA’S POLICY OF CONQUEST—POPE LEO XIII. TO HOLD A CON- SISTORY SOON—FAILURES IN GREAT BRITAIN. [Bx caBLE TO THE HERALD.) Loxpox, Jan. 31,1879, It is officially announced at St. Petersburg that the plague has appeared at Selitrenoi-gorodok, on the Volga, seventy miles trom Wetlianka, A Derlin Gespatch says:—“Professor Hirsch, of the Uni- versity, and a young physician have been designated by the government to proceed to Russia and inquire into the character of the prevailing epidemic.” The ‘Governor of Saratoff telegraphs. to St. Petersburg that measures of protection against the plague, such as the isolation of the infected districts ahd their disinfection and the establishment of sanitary cor- dons, have been taken throughout the govern- ment of Saratoff, and especially on the Astrachan frontier. The Sanitary Commission of the Scheldt have ordered quavantine of all vessels from the Black Sea. An imperial decree is published at Berlin prohibiting, in accordance with the pro- posals of the Plague Committee, tlie importation of all the articles which are prohibited by the Austrian Committee and also all manufacturers of felt. The Imperial Chancellery has been authorized to draw up resolutions relative to travellers’ begwage. It is denied that Herr Finkelnberg declared measures for establishing military cordon around the infected districts were already preparing. RUSSIA TN CENTRAL ASIA, ‘The St. Petersburg Golos says in reference to the movements of Russia in Central Asia that these over- ations had a defensive, not an offensive character, “It is time to cease dreaming of expeditions of Russian outposts leading tq a struggle with the advancing power of England and to cease relying upon the hos- tility of local emirs and khans. It is time to con- contrate and fortity our rule in the districts already occupied, which, especially the Caucasus, are held by the strength of bayonets as a base of defence against England, our determined enemy.” AVGHANISTAN, A despatch from Khost, to the Standard, says General Roberts had no sgoner evacuated Matoond (the capital of Khost) than it wes surrounded by thousands of Mongols, The British returned and rescued the chief, whom they had left in authority, burved the fort and then returned tocamp. In their retreat thoy were harassed by the Mangals, General Roberts has abandoned Khost for the present, as he is convinced that such disturbances will be in- cessent, TORKRY AND WER For. Tho Agence Russe of St, Petersburg states that the delay in the signature of the treaty of peace between ‘Yarkey and Russia is in consequence of the indis- position of the Sultan, Intelligence has been re- ceived here that Spuz and Zabliae have been evacu- ated by the Tarks, and that Podgoritza. will be sur- rendered to-day or to-morrow. THK CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY QUESTION, ‘The Paii Mai! Gasette’s Dublin correspondent says | a lull has occurred in the discussion of the Catholic university question, the opinion being that what- ever negotiations have taken place with the Roman Catholic bishops have come to naught in consequence of their refusal to moderate their demands, POPE LEO'S PLANS, A despatch from Rome states that a consistory is fixed for the 2st of February, The Pope will retrace his allocution, and will retrace the Pontifical policy | of the year. He will aivo give a sketch of his schemes for the future. FAILURES, Messrs, Dyce, Nicol & Co., merchants, at No, 55 Loadeonhall street, Loudon, B, ©., have failed Liabilities are reported to be £14,000 ($45 The failure of James Hardy & Vo., lace manufac. turers, at Nottingham, is also announced, Their liabilities are £53,000 ($256,520). HM. ON. Muchas & Nanhew. marchanta and abin ual exile to | Their 7 brokers, of Liverpool, have failed. Their liabilities are £170,000 ($822,900), A liquidator has been appointed for the General | Bankiag Company (limi ently founded by Albert Grant, who is the managing director, The capital is £300,000 ($1,452,000). + DRITIAH LABOR TROUBLES. fhe proposed reduction waves of the en- | giueers aud dock laborers in Liverpool is t» be | carried into effect on Saturday. “Some resistance | is anticipated, A-despatch to the Times from Preston says concerted action by the various Lancushire Cotton Masters associations is expected with a view | to effect a ten per cent retuction of the wages of all | classes of operatives. CABLE ITEMS. Prince Bismarck’s protectionist tariff will include duty on English coubof ten per cent ad valorem. ‘The United States frigate Constitution sailed yes. terday from Portsmouth for New York. ‘The German government is seriously occupied ir the consideration of the Guelph fund question. ‘The Berlin Post expresses approval of the recent suggestions in French newspapers of @ central European customs union, General Grant and party have arrived at Alexan- dria, Egypt. A Constantinople despatch to the Times says there is reason to believe that a represen- tative of the French bondholders have made an arrangement with the Porte, which, if ap- proved, will secure Turkey an advance of £10,000,000 and place the Turkish customs under international supervision. ot Saw Franctsco, Cal., Jan. 30, 1879. Advices from Sydney, N. 8. W., of January 2, re- port that the seamen’s strike there continues, but negotiations were proceeding with a view to its termination. The importation of 300 Chinamen to take the place of the sailors nearly failed in consequence of the wreck of the steamer Mecca, which was bringing them from Hong Kong, but they were all saved and would be forwarded by another steamer. A monster meeting been held to pro- test against the influx of Chinese, and a memorial to the Governor was adopted. ‘The Premier was in favor of legislation restricting immigration from China. ‘The government of New Zealand intended to intro- duce w reform bill, abolishing boroughs and plurak Yoting, establishing triennial parliaments and con- ferring on the Cabinet the right of appeal to the country. According to the latest reports from New Caledonia the revolt of the natives was being gradually sup- pressed, but therc had been several recent cases of murder and cannibalism. HOTEL ARRIVALS. Senator-clect O. H. Platt, of Connecticut, is at the Hoffman. Ex-Governor Alexander H. Bullock and Charles F. Conant, of Massachusetts, and Rear Ad- miral Enoch G. Parrott, United States Navy, are at the Fifth Avenue. Captain Richard C. Mayne, of the British Navy, is at the Clarendon. Benson J. Losa- ing, of Chestnut Ridge, N. Y.; Bank Superintendent Henry L. Lamb, of Albany, and August Wilhelmj are at the Westminster. Captain W. K. Mayo, United States Navy; Senator Ira Davenport, of Bath, N. ¥., and ex-Governor Henry D. Cooke, of the District of Columbia, are at the St. James. Adjutant General Franklin Townsend, of Albany, is at the Brunswick, Captain Boyle, of the British Army, and Captain Hains, of the steamship Scythia, are at the Brevoort. Locke Richardson, of Sy is ab the Sturtevant. Congressman-clect John Van Voorhis, of Rochoster, is at the Windsor. Professors Ezra Abbot, of Har- vard College, and C. M. Mead, of Andover Theologi- cal Seminary, are at the Everett. Homer Ramsdell, of Newburg, is at the Park Avenue. Surgeon Ed- ward 9, Matthews, United States Navy, is at the Astor. THE WEEKLY HERALD. ONE DOLLAR PER FREE. YEAR—POSTAGE THE CHEAPEST AND BEST NEWSPAPER IN THE WORLDNOW READY. The Wexkiy Hrnatp for this week contains tele- grapic news from aff parts of the world; Washington Correspondence; a detailed description of the Attack on: the Cheyennes at Bluff Station; Grant Of to India; Shere Ali and Russ’ Has Piracy Revived? Belvidere’s Doomsday ; Mrs. Cobb's Statement; Peril- ous Voyage of Captain Boyton and a HeraLp re porter; The New York Custom House Controversy; Possessed of a Devil; a Tale of Shipwreck; a Letter from Jeff Davis; Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII. De- nouncing Socialism; Masked Burglars in New Jersey; Half Underground; a Sermon by Rev. T. 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