It is universally assumed in Paris that the verdict will
be Guilty," the tribunal, the charge, and the accused being all equally political, and a full defence not being allowed in the absence of the prisoner. The knowledge of this expectation may, however, influence the Senators, who will not like being denounced as unjust Judges, and who, moreover, have a good deal to fear. Nearly four-fifths of them are elected, and have their constituents to dread, and many of them are probably not without apprehension of the General's ultimate victory and a consequent proscription. One may find oneself in Cayenne. They may reflect, moreover, that an acquittal will make General Boulanger's flight seem ridiculous, his published reason having been that although he would trust the Magistracy, he would not trust the Senate. It is certain, however, that no one believes in the impartiality of the Senate, though it is com- posed of the most respectable men in France. The responsi- bility of the Senators is diminished by the absence of the accused, who will not suffer any of the penalties to which he may be sentenced, and by the fact that he can by returning at once quash the proceedings. He must then be tried over again, though, of course, by the same tribunal.
