M. Maine, Conservative Republican and Protectionist, delivered on Sunday a
furious speech at Remiremont, in which he attacked the Waldeck-Roneseau Cabinet for having no policy except hostility to the Army and friendship for the advocates of Dreyfus. He denied absolutely that there was any military plot, and described the Govern. ment as a "petty and harassing tyranny" intended only to secure " reprisals " upon those who had assailed the Jew. He did not defend the Nationalists, but declared that the Government had created that party by refusing a general amnesty,—which, be it observed, would have included men like General Mercier. The speech, in fact, was a determined attempt to stir up the slumbering ashes of the Anti-Semite agitation, and is regarded as proof that when the Exhibition is over the great faction fight will recommence. It may, but the Exhibition will last till October, and in France the water runs so fast under the bridge that it is useless to predict. What seems certain is that every Deputy or Senator who can speak well, and is not a Minister, is an open or silent enemy of this Government, which, nevertheless, is successful at by- elections. The people appear to enjoy rather than to accept the furious words of the talkers.
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