As might have been expected, both Clericals and Jacobins were
furious with the Bill, which on Thursday was denounced both by the Radical leader, M. Clemenceau, and the Clerical spokesman, M. de Hun. The Premier, M. de Freycinet, made but ayeak defence, although he spoke three times, his main arguments being, that while the Church was established, the Bill would not affect it; that the Church and the religious Orders must be considered separate things—at which the Clericals screamed dissent; and that the State always had, and always would maintain its ascendency over corporations. The hostile parties were, however, furious ; the Chamber is no longer desirous to conciliate the Czar, who cannot act until the Russian famine is over; and -M. Constans has lost popu- larity by not standing up to be killed by M. Laur, reputed the best pistol-shot in France. The Chamber, therefore, rejected a resolution of confidence in the Government by a vote of 304 to 212, a majority of 92, and more than half the entire House. The Ministry, therefore, resigned ; and M. Carnot has either to form a new Cabinet, leaving out M. Constans. or call him 10 power to form a fighting Ministry in alliance with the Right. It is said, we know not how truly, that M. Constans has no objection to conciliate the Church as a political force.
