M. D'Estournelles, a retired diplomatist, made on Monday a remarkable
speech in the Chamber of Deputies. He depre- cated the extension of the Colonial Empire of France. France had enough territory, and her steps forward in the Soudan, on the Niger, in Siam, and even in Madagascar, only involved her in international complications. She should remain a great European Power, develop her transmarine possessions, and cultivate the regard of their peoples so that in the event of European complications the natives might help her to defend them. Above all, France should not extend herself into Yunnan, which was not a rich province, but which was protected by Chinese susceptibilities. M. Fransois, in his recent exploring mission on behalf of a railway project, only just missed exciting a popular in. surrection. M. D'Estournelles further observed that the French taxpayer would not pay for the colonies, and hinted that in the effort to make them pay for themselves the taxes had been raised to a point which was politically dangerous. The speech was received with great respect by the Chamber, and expresses, we believe, the opinions of many French statesmen. Indeed, only a few months ago the Ministry positively prohibited all Governors of colonies from sending out expeditions without previous sanction, and intimated that they did not want such expeditions suggested.
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