M. Ribot has succeeded where M. Viviani failed, and on
Tuesday it was announced that he had formed a Cabinet, with M. Leon Bourgeois as Foreign and IL Delcasse as War Minister. The new Cabinet, in regard to the record of its members, is a good second to M. Poincare's Adminis- tration of "all the talenta," and the patriotism of M. Ribot in exchanging his well-earned retirement for the cares of office at the age of seventy-two has proved an inspiring example. It is all to the good that the new Cabinet, though representing various shades of Republicanism, is solid on the question of national defence and the Three Years' Service Law. On the question of the national finances and fresh taxation it is hoped that M. Ribot may be able to effect a compromise with at least a seetion of the followers of M. Caillaux, which will enable him to secure a majority without having recourse to the support of the Monarchical Right. Much depends on the attitude of M. Clemenceau, who has wrecked many Adminis- trations in the past, and, while an avowed supporter of the Three Years' Law, is bitterly, and so far irreconcilably, hostile to M. Poincare. It is expected that in the critical division, which takes place after we go to press, the Ministry will command a small majority.
