The French Ministry thus reconstructed decided that it would assist
the Panama Committee to the utmost of its power—and a French Government is armoured in statutes— and would even, if necessary, bring in a Bill of its own ; but would reject the Bill proposed by M. Pourquerey de Boisserin as arming the Committee with " Inquisitorial powers." The discussion came on on Thursday, and was of the gravest character, all parties being aware that the Republic itself, and not any special Ministry, was at stake. M. Ribot, the new Premier, indeed, made this the substance of his argument; and ended a powerful and stately speech, in which he hinted that, in the event of defeat, M. Carnot, as well as the Ministry, might resign, by declaring that he" held M. Brisson responsible before the country for whatever catastrophes and misfortunes might follow." He alluded also to a "plot," which he believed was evident, to stifle the Republic in mud. M. Brisson, however, adhered to his demand that the Committee be invested with the full powers of a Court, of Justice, and the Chamber, after all these appeals, only gave the Government a majority of six, one less than the number of Ministers present. The vote was 271 to 265. It is, of course, impossible to work with a majority of that kind, and rumours of resignation at once became rife ; but the Government will be averse to embarrass M. Carnot or force him into an appeal to the people, and the Ministry have still one loophole out of the difficulty. They may bring in a strong Bill of their own, investing the Committee with all necessary powers. If they refuse to do this they will be thought to believe the scandal too dangerous for exposure, and that will ruin their party, if not the Republic also.
