15 OCTOBER 1870, Page 2

The Provisional Government has finally decided to postpone the elections

until the Germans have left France. The reason assigned is the occupation of so many departments by the enemy, but the real reason is probably the fear of being hampered in the work of defence. If the electors are in favour of war, the Assembly would only lend a moral support to the Government ; while if they desire peace, the Assembly would paralyze its action. Count Bismarck evi- dently believes that they would vote peace, and has offered to allow free elections in the occupied districts, which of course would be glad to be rid of invaders on any terms. The Government appears to be fully determined, but M. Gambetta has probably authority to summon an Assembly if he deems it indispensable.