The singular quiescence in France in view of the great
election to come off on Sunday week still continues. Some fifteen hundred candidates have, however, come forward, and it is known that upwards of a hundred Deputies will not present themselves for re-election. The number of Deputies defeated Will be at least as many, and the new Chamber will therefore, in any event, contain an unusual number of new men. The issue of the struggle is as uncertain as ever ; but on September
6th, M. Thevenet, Minister of Justice, addressed a most im- prudent circular to the Bishops, directing them to inform their clergy that their interference in elections is prohibited by law. The circular is ridiculous, as the surge are Frenchmen, and can consequently wrap up their opinions in words as little liable to be misunderstood as to be prosecuted, and it has greatly irritated the Bishops. Two of them have replied, claiming for their clergy the privilege enjoyed by all other Frenchmen ; and it is believed that the influence of the whole clerical order, still great in many Departments, will be thrown against the Republic. General Boulanger does not intend to return previous to the elections, but to await the validation of his own election (quite inevitable if his party have a majority), and then re-enter France as a Deputy, and therefore beyond arrest on any charge, without the express assent of the Chamber, which in that event would be refused.
