The election of M. Jaures, the well-known Socialist Deputy, as
Vice-President of the Chamber is fresh and striking proof of the impotence of the Nationalist opposition. M. Jaures, who is of bourgeois origin and of remarkable University distinction, has written learnedly on history and philosophy; but of kite years (according to the interesting summary of his career in
Thursday's Times) he has developed from an idealist into a man of action, and played a leading part in the organisation of Socialism in the French Chamber. Of his disinterested- ness and sincerity the Dreyfus case has furnished sufficiently convincing evidence. The real significance of his election is that it lends official endorsement to his recent speeches in favour of disarmament, and his declaration that the Triple Alliance was "a necessary counterpoise to French Chauvinism." One of the best justifications of the appointment is to be found in the raving telegram which it has elicited from H. Deroulede.
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