Late lieutenant of police, with no knowledge of administration, M.de Sartines, by turns rash and hesitating, had failed in the difficult department of the ministry of marine during a distant war waged on every sea; to him were attributed the unsatisfatory results obtained by the great armaments of France; he was engaged in the intrigue against M.Necker.

The latter relied upon the influence of the queen, who supported MM.

de Castries and de Segur, both friends of hers.

M.de Sartines was disgraced; he dragged down with him in his fall the Prince of Montbarrey, the heretofore indifferent lieutenant of M.de Saint- Germain.

M.de Maurepas was growing feeble, the friends of M.Necker declared that he drivelled, and the latter already aspired to the aged minister's place.