1 APRIL 1865, Page 1
A most important amendment on the address has been introduced.
into the French Corps Ldgislatif by no less than fifty-six members. They propose to suggest to the Imperial Government an inquiry into the laws of succession, with a view to changes "favourable to an extension of the rights of fathers of families." In fact they want among other liberties liberty to make a will. The operation of the law of equal succession, which pulverizes every large estate and covers every little one with mortgages, is beginning to be severely felt, but the passion for equality is still too strong for any radical change. The utmost that can be done, we imagine, is to leave the father his right to bequeath one-third,. but even that is a great improvement.
