Friday's news from Paris shows that the new Ministry has
not yet been formed, but, unless something unforeseen happens, H. Briand, who was summoned to the Elysee on Thursday, will succeed in his task. M. Briand, who has hitherto been Minister of Justice, is a man of high character and great ability, and we sincerely trust that he will obtain the support of his former colleagues and of the Chamber of Deputies. Though he began his political life as a Socialist, his views have been considerably modified, and there is now no fear of a Briand Administration giving alarm to the moderate supporters of the Republic. It may be remembered that H. Briand's handling of the question of disestablishment was marked by tact and good temper. In spite of his adherence to Radical doctrines, or what are deemed Radical doctrines in France, his is essentially a Whig mind. It will be interesting to see whether IL Delcasse will be offered the post of Minister of Marine.
