The figures as yet show that the Monarchists have secured
187 seats out of 584, and the Republicans of both shades only 136; but there are 222 second ballots to be taken, and all Parisian returns to be ascertained. It is 'asserted that a junction of all Republicans will prevent further Monarchist returns ; but those who argue thus forget that nothing succeeds in France like success, that the Monarchists were hopeless and are jubilant, and that on the 17th they will throw their entire vote. It is a wiser opinion that they will return 220 Members, leaving 364 seats to the two Republican parties. Of these latter, however, it is believed that the Radicals will certainly have 160, and possibly 180, thus leaving the Opportunists a bare third of the Chamber. Their defeat is complete, and so visible that they could hardly retain power even if the Radicals joined them, the obvious intention of France being that the Opportunist policy shall be abandoned. In Paris the Opportunists have, it is believed, returned the Premier and the Secretary of the Interior, as well as three Monarchists ; but Paris will be Radical by about 30 to 8. The increase in the Monarchical vote is extra- ordinary, the total in the elections already final exceeding three millions ; while the reduction in the Republican vote, out- side Paris, is quite 20 per cent.
