13 JULY 1889, Page 2

The French Parliamentary atmosphere grows hotter and hotter. On Thursday,

M. Laguerre, a leading Boulangist Deputy, asserted that the High Court was "a hateful farce," and when called to order, declared that he should remain in the tribune as long as he pleased. The President rebuked him, the Chamber withdrew his right to speak, and the sitting was twice suspended ; but there M. Laguerre stood till 6 o'clock, all business being at a standstill. It is supposed that the Boulangist object was to impede a proposed Bill prohibiting any candidate from standing for two seats; but it is more probable that the object was to bring the Parliamentary parties into disrespect as incapable of maintaining order. Another Minister, moreover, is accused of corruption. This time it is M. Constane, who is accused by M. Richaud, late Resident-General in Toolignin, of having, when Resident-General there, taken a

heavy bribe to allow of public gambling. The incriminating paper is published by M. Rochefort, and is said to be genuine. It proves, of course, nothing of itself, except that M. Richaud disbelieved in M. Constans' probity ; but it will have its effect in the provinces, where the Wilson case fatally shook confidence.