The debate in the French Chamber on the Anglo-French Agreement
ended on Saturday last, when the House voted a distinct declaration of approval by 436 votes to 94. The entire Convention was then ratified by 443 votes to 105. This majority, too, was a sincere one, M. Deschanel, the former President of the Chamber, who understands the temper of the Deputies, affirming that even sharp critics of the Agreement cordially accepted the entente cordiale between the two countries. The only doubts were as to the treatment of France in the matters of the road to Lake Tchad, of the terms of the arrangement as to Gambia, and of that everlasting bone of contention, the right to buy bait in Newfoundland. M. Delcasse promised that all these subjects should be considered in subsequent negotiations, but insisted that the Agreement should be accepted as a "firm and imperative" one ; which was agreed to, though not till the Chamber had affirmed the necessity for such negotiations by a nearly unanimous vote. Of the general opposition, part represented a certain discontent in the maritime provinces, where the vote of the fishermen in- terested in cod is important; but the greater portion came from the few Anglophobes, who will probably exist in France, as Francophobes will exist in England, while the nations endure. The event is considered by all parties in France a new guarantee for peace, not only between the countries concerned, but all over the world, France and Britain when acting in unison being able to exert their influence everywhere.
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