On Tuesday night M. Briand made an important speech upon
his policy of apaisement, and the consequent disaffection from the Government of the Radicals and Socialist-Radicals. He repudiated any idea of compromise with the reactionary Right, and declared that it would be suicidal. His action bad been taken in defence of the great mass of hard-working citizens, whose one desire is to have security based upon order, but who have to endure attacks from both sides. "It was in the interest of these people that I spoke as I did at a difficult moment." He referred finally to the many reforms necessary to prevent the disturbances which compel "the Government of the Republic to have resort to acts of authority that are a painful duty, and that require the strongest dictates of conscience to justify them."