The French Chambers meet again next week, and the Budget
remains to be passed ; but it is hoped there will be no more serious divisions, as opinion will not approve any interrup- tion to the Exhibition, which was formally opened on Monday, and promises to be a great success. It will contain everything, say the experts, except, perhaps, an original idea. Even, how- ever, if there are divisions, the Cabinet will not, it is said, resign, but will adjourn the House for a short time and then dissolve, thus arranging for an electoral period while Paris is soothed by the scenic and profitable spectacle of her capital. Frenchmen must know France best, but that seems to outsiders rather a shallow calculation. It assumes that the peasantry are pleased because Paris is pleased, that they will forget their permanent discontents because foreigners are thronging to the capital, and that they will believe their own nominees less competent to attract spendthrifts than the nominees of the Republic. The calcula- tions of Opportunists have not been so frequently verified of late that they can be accepted as certain guides.
