No. 407.
Mr. McLane
to Mr. Bayard.
Paris, August 24, 1888. (Received September 5.)
Sir: The recent elections on the 19th of August in the three French departments known as the “Nord,” “Somme,” and “Charente-Inférieure” resulted in the election in each of General Boulanger, on the issue of revision of the constitution and a dissolution of the existing chambers.
This result has taken the country somewhat by surprise, and as usual in such cases, is the occasion of much exaggeration and speculation. The simple truth is that the great mass of the conservatives, both royalists and imperialists, are in favor of revision and dissolution; some looking to the return of the monarchy, and some to that of the Empire, but all ready to vote at any time to embarrass the existing Government. It was thus that Mr. Clémenceau was able at any time, with radicals in the Chamber, to secure the support of the conservatives for the overthrow of any Republican ministry. Both Mr. Goblet and Mr. de Freycinet, whom he had assisted to elevate, were overthrown when he and his friends were discontented with their policy. At the present lime General Boulanger has adopted the same tactics, and, supported by radical republicans, he has sought the support of the conservatives, presenting only the issue of revision and dissolution, which is as popular with radical republicans as it is with monarchists or imperialists, each having, however, different objects in view.
I am prepared for some change in the relation of the Republicans in the chamber to the Floquet ministry, but I do not think there is any change in the general political situation of the country, unless it be to note that while the republicans continue to hold a majority of the chamber as well as of the people, the radical element in their organization increases in force and promises never to rest until it secures lull possession of the Government, and naturally the activity of General Boulanger and his association with the conservatives stimulates the republicans to increased zeal and vigor in support of their principles and of the republican government without much reference to its “personnel.”
I have therefore to offer no material modification of the opinions heretofore expressed to you in reference to the action of General Bou langer or of its influence on the political condition of the country, for if he passes to the conservatives he will lose all republican support, and naturally if he adheres to the latter he will not be able to maintain his association with the former. He still insists, as do his immediate friends, that he is as fully as Mr. Clémeneeau ever was in harmony [Page 558] with the republicans, and that the support he now receives from the conservatives is upon the simple issue of revision and dissolution, to which he insists the great mass of the republican party is favorable.
I have, etc.,