The favourable impression created by the composition of the Ministry
was strengthened by M. Poincare's statement in the Chamber on Tuesday. The Government's first duty, he declared, was to secure the final ratification of the Franco- German Agreement and an honourable understanding with Spain. It would enable them, he went on, "to maintain between a great neighbouring nation and France, in a sincerely pacific spirit, relations of courtesy and candour inspired by mutual respect of their interests and their dignity." At the same time they intended to remain as fully as ever faithful to their alliances and friendships. After a reference to the intro- duction of electoral reform based on proportional representa- tion and the serutin de lisle, M. Poincare announced that the Government would maintain L'dcole leave as the national school open to all the children of France and scrupulously respectful of liberty of conscience. They also intended to deal with insurance for sickness and invalidity and to hasten the deliberations of the Senate on the Income-Tax Bill. He concluded by expressing the firm resolve of the Government to maintain the national defences at a pitch of efficiency which would enable the country to meet any emergency. After the brief debate a vote of confidence was passed by the overwhelming majority of 440 to 6, the Socialists abstaining.
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