M. 011ivier, the coming Minister of France, has been injuring
his prestige during the week in all sorts of ways. In the first
place, he talked rather too much about his appointment before all was settled, so that when negotiations broke off, Frenchmen thought him placed in an absurd position ; and then; while expect- ing to be Minister, he wrote a silly letter. It was addressed to an elector of the third circumscription, but was intended for all electors of the district, and summoned them to vote for M. Pouyer- Quertier, as a man who in denouncing free-trade had learnt the principles of political freedom, and who would oppose "pussy demagogues from London or elsewhere," i.e., Ledru Rollin and Cremieux, men whom it was necessary to fight everywhere even to the death. The letter is so much in the Cassagnac style that it was condemned even by M. 011ivier's friends, and helped materially to destroy the great Protectionist's last chance. Some- how, M. 011ivier, with all his ability and moderation, manages to leave an impression of what the Americans call "gas on the brain," of a man who is intermittently bereft of his usual judgment. One predicts failure for him, without knowing precisely why he is to fail.
