Passion is rising high in the French Chamber between the
Nationalists and Republicans. On Friday week, during the resumed debate on General Andre's conduct in allowing espionage in the Army, and consulting the Masonic lodges as to the political views of individual officers, the General was openly called a " liar " ; and though his assailant apologised, the heat of the debate increased, until at last a Deputy, M. Syveton, rushed forward and struck the Minister for War upon the forehead so violently that he was covered with blood, and has since been seriously ill. On the following Tuesday the Chamber by a vote of 415 to 141 authorised M. Syveton's prosecution, and he has since been arrested. The Govern- ment, moreover, on the spot demanded a vote of confidence and received one by a majority of 343 to 246. The affair is considered a most scandalous one ; but it is nevertheless evident that the more violent Nationalists approve the conduct of M. Syveton, who, though liable to serious con- sequences, makes no apology, and is inclined to argue that he ought to be challenged, and not prosecuted. It is believed that, besides the new fury of the Clericals, the Nationalists are influenced by a strong desire to prevent the ratification of the Agreement with Great Britain, which greatly offends their friends in Rome and elsewhere. Their first motive, however; is doubtless a desire to conciliate the Army, which is offended by General Andre's tolerance of espionage, and by the readi- ness of the Government to prosecute some of the worst actors in the Dreyfus case.
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