No. 220.
Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish.
Paris, March 12, 1875. (Received March 25.)
Sir: The new ministry was announced in the official journal yesterday morning, and I send you herewith a list of the members. Although the [Page 465] constitutional laws were passed on the 25th February, you will see that it was not until the 11th of this month that this ministry was formed. The delay arose from the great difficulties in the way of constituting it in a manner acceptable to the majority of the 25th of February. Mr. Leon Say, the minister of finance, and Mr. Dufaure, the minister of justice, were in the cabinet of Mr. Thiers, and both are able men, who command the confidence of the country. Mr. Wallon, the minister of public instruction, is the author of the amendment which was adopted by one majority, making the republic the definitive government of the country. The Duke Decazes retains his portfolio as minister of foreign affairs, much to the gratification of the diplomatic corps. General Cissey continues to be minister of war, the Marquis de Montaignac minister of marine, and Mr. Caillaux minister of public works. Mr. Buffet, the president of the Assembly, takes what must always be deemed the most important ministry, that of the interior, which is charged with all political matters. The Viscount de Meaux, who is the new minister of agriculture and commerce, belongs to the minority in the vote of the 25th of February, his appointment being the result of a concession to the moderate right, said to have been asked by the President. On the whole, I think the ministry has been well received, but it is necessary to wait and see what programme it will adopt.
I have, &c.,