Once again the French Cabinet has been forced to resign by an adverse vote of the Chamber of Deputies. At the very moment when complete unity of the Allies is more than ever necessary, the plan for an Inter-Allied War Council is jeopardised by the action of the French legislation. The much vaunted "sacred union" of political parties has been unable to withstand the strain of three years of hostilities, for the conflict of political groups is raging as bitterly as before the war, and personal prejudice against ministers, regardless of their qualifications, has more than once determined their fall. Following Briand and Ribot, Professor Painleve has become a victim of the politicians' spite.

Any change of ministry in such critical times is bound to be unfortunate, and France may well congratulate herself on the ability of her successive premiers to avoid the ill effects of changes in administration. But the day may not be so far distant when President Poincare may feel that the people are demanding Caillaux or some of his dark group or suspicious followers to control their destinies. It devolves upon the Chamber to do away with this risk by maintaining the competent, patriotic men in office, regardless of personal objections. Only thus can it do its full share toward the successful prosecution of the war.