No. 224.
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish.
Paris, January 15, 1874. (Received January 30.)
Sir: In my No. 918 in relation to the late ministerial crisis, I foreshadowed what has actually taken place since in regard to a vote of confidence. The vote adverse to the ministry took place on Thursday, the 8th instant. The next day the Assembly adjourned over until Monday, and then the government went to work to bring all its force together [Page 407] on that day for a new trial. There was a good deal of excitement, and I went out to Versailles to attend the sitting. The chamber was very fall, and it was evident from the beginning that the government was in the majority. After a few speeches * * * * a test vote was had, and the ministry was indorsed by fifty-eight majority. The next day the ministers withdrew their resignations, and ail is now quiet on the banks of the Seine. The Assembly is discussing the “mayor’s bill,” as it is called, and it will be voted in exact accordance with the views of the government on to-day or to-morrow.
The first grand presidential ball of the season was given at the palace of the Elysée, in Paris, on Wednesday night last. Seven thousand invitations were given out, and the crowd was enormous.
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I am, &c.,