On Sunday, elections took place in France to fill the
vacancies caused in the Senate by the retirement of a portion of the House. Eighty seats were balloted for, with the result that 74 Republicans and 6 Conservatives were returned,--a net gain to the Republicans of ten votes. Henceforth the Senate will contain 238 Republicans, and only 56 Reactionaries,—a welcome sign that the number of Frenchmen who desire to change the form of government rather than to obtain good government is steadily diminishing. This crushing defeat, coupled with the semi-official reconciliation which is now taking place between the Church and the Republic, puts an end, we -trust, to monarchical pretensions in France. Another feature of the elections is the return of M. Jules Ferry to active politics. After an eclipse of nearly six years, "Le Tonquinois," as he declares himself proud to be called, returns to the Legislature intent, it is said, upon vindicating his old Colonial policy. If, as is alleged, Tonquin turns out to possess the best coal-field in Asia, the nickname may in- deed become a title of honour; but that chance is, we should say, remote. In any case, M. Ferry, who is unquestionably a man of power, will make his presence felt. It is said that he wishes to obtain the Presidency of the Senate ; but if so, he can only desire it for a time, and in order the better to seize his real object, the Presidency of the Republic.
