26 MAY 1917, Page 2

It warms the heart to know that M. Ribot, at

his advanced age. can speak with such fire, eloquence, generosity, and justice as he displayed in a memorable speech at the reopening of- the French Chamber on Tuesday. The opening debate had been awaited with much anxiety, as it was clear that the recent French offensive had not satisfied the French people; for -all its obvious suceessoo and that the Government might not -be able successfully to meet the flood of inforpellations on -the subject: M. Ribot triumphed by his frankness and courage. The Government, he said, had considered', certain: penal. measures to . be necessary, and they led also made Okaagait 11141101*k .commaad. Let the Chamber

await the results before they interpellated the Government further. For the rest, M. Ribot expressed an inspiring confidence in Russia. We shall go hand in hand with Russia, who has remained faithful. With her there will never be a question of a separate peace."