One hundred years ago
'The French,' said the late Mr Bage- hot, talking to a journalist, 'the French you have always with you.' The French Elections of Sunday were expected to be dull, but they have aroused all Europe. The peasantry, who have said nothing for four years, have, it appears, been so disgusted by the Opportunist policy, especially in relation to Ton- quin, the finances, and the religious persecutions, that they have not only crushed the Opportunists, but have shaken the Republic. The party in power have not only lost their majority, but will probably be only a third of the Chamber; the Monarchists, who were -nowhere, being another third, and the Radicals the remaining one. The Ad- ministration is stunned, and politicians in consternation; but all parties agree to await the result of the second ballots, to be held on Sunday week, the 17th inst. Should these show the results expected, a coalition Government must be formed, and there is reason to believe that this will be a matter of extreme difficulty. Spectator, 10 October 1885
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