A dispute has broken out in the French Cabinet which
is not without significance. General Galliffet, who suppressed the Commune with such severity, had been appointed to command the cavalry manoeuvres-of the year on the eastern frontier. The Radicals fancied that the General might use his extensive command to make a demonstration against the Republic, and induced the Minister at War to order that the command should be entrusted to the senior General present. General Galliffet protested, and General Thibaudin found himself in the Cabinet in a minority of one. He thereupon withdrew his order, but did not resign, and reduced the force to be mancenvred to two Divisions. General Galliffet will still command, but the reduced force will not be massed upon the eastern border. The incident reveals the sleepless dread of the Army entertained by the advanced Republicans, who have no General, except General Thibaudin. They may have reason, but their mode of showing their fears is fatal to the Army. A General who is publicly de- clared suspect, yet retained in his command, is a General who is wilfully made dangerous to the State.
Previous page
