The French Ministry is evidently greatly perplexed by the growth
of Socialist feeling within the Radical Party. It cannot break with that party, and it cannot accept its ideas, n,nd pre- sents itself accordingly in an apologetic attitude. On Thursday, for example, M. Camelinat and nine other Deputies submitted a resolution calling upon the Government to confiscate the mines at Decazeville and vest them in the pitmen. The Minister of Public Works, M. Baihaut, at first strongly reprehended this advice ; but finding that it was acceptable to the Extreme Left, he contented himself with condemning the project, not as a naked robbery under colour of law, but as likely to lead to a sterile form of Communism. He is, however, protecting the property of the mine owners, and outside the Clmmber exerts, himself to induce the miners to submit. Incidents of this kind almost justify the excessive fear with which owners- of property in France regard the progress of Radicalism ; but it must not be forgotten that the majority of peasants, who possess all power, are determined to defend property, and that the miners of Decazeville have one genuine and most serious- grievance. 'There can be little doubt, after the statements made in the debate upon the Watrin murder, that their lives have been risked in order to avoid expenditure on the necessary measures of precaution.
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