As Consuls do not enjoy the immunities of Ambassadors, the
case seems one to be settled by diplomacy, the point at issue being the interpretation of the Treaty of 1884; but the journals of Paris, which hold the French claim to Tunis to be assailed in the affair, are boiling over with rage and arrogance. Three hundred thousand Italians, who " rob " France by working on her territory for her benefit, are to be expelled ; King Humbert is to be dethroned or reduced into a German vassal ; and Tunis is to be annexed off-hand. So high has the storm risen, ti al;
the Temps of Thursday solemnly warns the Press of Paris to be less irritating, or it will produce war, and that the dispute has created anxiety on every Exchange in Europe. A way out will probably be found, but the readiness of the French Govern- ment to resort to menace whenever Italy is concerned does not tend to peace. It points to profound irritation among French statesmen at the attitude of Italy, which, should it con- tinue, will induce Italians to desire war while their allies are powerful, lest it should come on them when they are alone. M. Flourens, whose ascendency over most English correspondents we do not quite understand, certainly succeeds in holding the flag of his country high ; but it is at a price which may prove a dear one. The Italians are not at all prepared to see the action of their Courts impeded by threats of war.
