Louis André

He was the instigator of the Affaire Des Fiches, a scandal in which he received reports from Masonic groups on which army officers were practicing Catholics for the purpose of denying their promotions.

[4][1] In 1876 Louis André married the opera singer Marguerite Chapuy, who had created the role of Micaëla in the premiere run of Bizet's Carmen in March 1875.

These would be marked either Corinth or Carthage -- the Corinthians being the sheep who should be promoted and the Carthaginians, the goats who should be held back.

Officers loyal to the republican ideals were encouraged to report the opinions voiced by their colleagues in the mess.

The resulting scandal led directly to the resignation of French Prime Minister Emile Combes.