The new French Ministry formed by M. Briand calls itself
one of "Republican conciliation," and will carry on the programme of M. Clemenceau. M. Pichon remains Foreign Minister, M. Barthou is Minister of Justice, M. Millerand Minister of Public Works, General Brun Minister of War, and Admiral Bone de Lapeyrere Minister of Marine. The Cabinet contains six of M. Clemenceau's Ministry. On Tuesday the Government made its first appearance in the Chamber, and by 306 votes to 46 obtained a formal expression of approval for its programme. The Times correspondent says that parts of M. Briand's speech were applauded by the whole House. He guaranteed that the country should have full value for its expenditure on the Navy. In domestic affairs the Government intends to press on the Old-Age Pensions Bill and the Income-tax Bill. Proportional representation is to be tried at the next municipal elections. It is proposed to try the significant experiment of creating certain free ports.
