The present rulers of France show signs of fear lest
they should be drawn into the vortex of political moderation, and swallowed up by M. niers and his friends. In taking a stand against all parties—and in France, at present, each of the many parties is the rival of all the rest—they have cordially accepted the alli- ance of none; and have thus fallen into a defensive isolation. A little while ago, it was understood that they had abandoned a favourite intention, and meant to leave the election of President to the universal suffrage of the people; but now, it is reported, they have gone back to their idea, and intend to support M. Flo-. con's motion—" That the National Assembly delegates the execu- tive power to a citizen, who shall receive the,title of President "; the President being thus eligible by the Assembly, not the people. It was expected that such an arrangement would favour the elec- tion of General Cavaignac; though the last monthly appoint- ments of Chairman and Secretaries for the Committees indicate a considerable swerving from pure Republicanism in the Assembly. The orders to muster cannon and troops show that the Ministe- rial Republicans expect resistance : but cannon will do little to- wards preserving for them the sanction of public opinion. A scandalous scene in the Assembly exhibited the Government in no very imposing. attitude. Several political banquets have been characterized by an ostentation of Red Republicanism and that equivocal form of Democratic doctrine which is meant to attract the support of the Communists without entailing the responsibilities of a complete adhesion. The dinner at the Chalet was the first of the series, and others have been held. One at Toulouse was supposed to have received official countenance, and Ministers were questioned. M. Senard equivocated ; General Lamoriciere disavowed the support in the most explicit manner: there is therefore inferred to be some difference of opinion in the Government. But the most scandalous part of the affair was the attempt of the Ultra Republicans of the Left to silence M. Denjoy, the questioner. His calm perseverance provoked a tumult, in which he was threatened with personal molestation ; while the uproar exposed the feebleness of authority in the Chamber.
With every attempt to place the finances in a favourable point of view' the aspect is gloomy : the expenses of the current year cannot be reduced lower than 71,000,000/. sterlina- ; there will be a deficit of 12,000,000/. ; and there is no better prospect for next year. Efforts are made to cut down 'salaries and abolish super- numerary offices ; which may effect some saving ; but at what a cost of discontent and disaffection ! Every dismissed servant is an enemy, and there will be an army of them.
As yet, no ray of hope pierces the clouds that darken the future of France : with a beg-gared exchequer, a contumacious Cham- ber, and a wavering policy, the Government seems ill prepared to face its difficulties.
