The debate upon.M. Abel Ferry's motion in the French Chem-
her on Friday week passed off very favourably for the Govern= ment. M. Ferry wanted the Government to assume control in the war are:*, complaining that General Joffre had so much administrative work on his hands that his attention was dis- tracted from purely military affairs. M. Briand pointed out that the Government were already controlling the war area is all desirable senses, and then implored the Chamber not to indulge in rambling debates raising fundamental and dangerous questions of authority. Only harm could come of them. He felt so strongly on this subject that if M. Ferry's motion were discussed the Government would at once resign. Although M. Ferry's speech had been a good deal cheered, M. Briand carried his point by a majority of 230. In former days the claims of the French politicians over the Generals were a notorious cause of military instability. Even if M. Ferry may have had some technical facts on his side, M. Briand justly feared a reopening of very old questions on very old lines ; and the success with which he maintained his position proves in what a new spirit France conducts this war.
Previous page
