NEWS OF THE WEEK.
filHE situation in France is very grave indeed. On Tuesday the Kerdrel Committee presented its "Report" on the reply which ought to be made to M. Thiers' Message, a report which had been Noted by nine to six. This document, which we have analysed elsewhere, was drawn up by M. Batbie—a man supposed to be a moderate, but hated by the Reds for his alleged cruelty—and proved to be a furious attack upon the Radicals, as no party, but only a " league of destruction," equally hostile to all parties deserv- ing of respect. It was admitted, however, that they were "march- ing towards legal and irremediable triumph," and the Assembly was, therefore called on to form a "Government of combat," which would enlighten the country electors and keep the Radi- cals down. As a means to this end, the Committee insisted that Thiers should cease to present himself in the Chamber, and should appoint responsible Ministers,—that is, should .descend from a President into a sort of King, yet remain without power of dissolution.
