12 JANUARY 1878, Page 3

The Municipal elections in France turned out so favourably for

the Republicans, as to make it evident that with every fresh straggle the resolve of France to lid herself finally of the re- actionary party of the last few months is deep and steady. The Republicans have gained msmicipal ground in a great many Departments, and lost ground in none. Thus at Gap, where the Republicans had previously held but one seat out of twenty-three, they have now gained twelve ; and at Aumony they have displaced all the Conservatives, who previously had the majority. At Orleans twenty-seven Republicans have been elected, while for the other five seats they still have a chance, as second ballots are required. It is clear that the national mind has got itself completely imbued with the notion that in the Re- public there is a permanance and safety which no other form of government can now promise to France. But the Republic of their desires is no longer a fiery Republic of sensation and -emotion, like that of 1793, or even that of 1848, but rather a jog- trot Republic of the Swiss type, though capable of great deeds.