THE BELGIAN CRISIS
Towards a Poullet-Vandervelde Ministry

(From our special correspondent)
Brussels, June 6. Alea jacta est. The parliamentary right wing thus decided yesterday that the best solution was still to share power with the Socialists. The discussion, it is true, was heated, and while 74 votes were cast in favor of admitting the Catholic-Socialist Cartel, 4% voted vigorously to oppose it. Among the latter, we should mention those of Mr. de Broqueville, Baron Houtart, and Mr. Jaspar, while the names of Mr. Van de Vyvere, Mr. Albert Braun, and Father Rutten are found among the members of the majority.
Many Catholic newspapers today are expressing either their dismay or their indignation. This speaks volumes about the importance of the resolution just passed, which, in any case, marks a milestone in the parliamentary history of the Catholic Party.
Although the right-wingers have left it to the socialists to have the final say in this matter, there is no longer any doubt that the two-party combination I mentioned will be accepted tomorrow by the Workers' Party congress. It is only too certain to reap benefits.

We can therefore consider the Poullet-Vandervelde ministry a done deal. We already know its composition, except for a few positions whose incumbents could change. The presidency of the council, with economic affairs, would go to Mr. Poullet; justice to Mr. Tschoffen; finance to Mr. Janssen, director of the National Bank; agriculture, probably to Mr. Van Dievout; national defense, probably to General Kestens; colonies, perhaps to Count de Lidekerke. All other portfolios will be allocated to the Socialists, who will take the following positions: Mr. Vandervelde, Foreign Affairs; Mr. Wauters, Industry and Labor; Mr. Anseele, Railways; Mr. Huysmans, Science and Arts; Mr. Laboulle, Interior;
All the strong minds, all the wills, unfortunately, are preferably found on the Catholic team.

H. P.