The Aftermath of Stavisky The French jurymen who have just
emerged from the interminable trial of Stavisky's alleged accomplices (many of whom, including his widow, they acquitted) haVe followed up their verdicts with a remarkable gesture. They haVe addressed to the President of the Republic a joint manifesto calling 'attention to defects in the French- judicature and civil service: After pointing out that the prolonged success of Stavisky's frau& was rendered possible by the complicity of judges and officials, they bluntly add that, in their opinion, some who are guilty have not been punished, while others who have been . punished are. not guilty. These representations cannot be ignored, by the public, for it knows that few, if any, disinterested laymen have got so far behind the scenes in the Stavisky affair as these jurors have.. Yet, it remains more than doubtful whether anything will he done. The real culprits are not the judges and civil servants, but the powerful members of the Chamber and the Senate, before whose nod judges and civil servants tremble,. since they can stop promotion in the official, hierarchy. The abuse is gross, even deadly, but how can it be ended ? Only a Government would have the power, and before the same nods every Govern- ment trembles too.
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