15 OCTOBER 1887, Page 3

The scandal may have grave political consequences, for two reasons.

One is that in France the Government is held re- sponsible for all things, and the other is that M. Gr6vy may be goaded into resignation. One main object of attack is M. Wilson, the President's son-in-law, who is accused by Madame Limousin and many journals of selling decorations for 22,000 each, of speculating, and of jobbing in contracts. He absolutely denies all charges, and as yet there is no tittle of evidence against him, except a statement by one of the accused that he once saw a letter in which IL Wilson refused to continue dealing with Madame Limousin because she did not bring enough money. Even this has, under cross-examination, been retracted, and was obviously an inven- tion intended to alarm the police ; but it has given the newspapers an excuse for attacks which M. Grevy, at his great age, has not the nerve to bear. It is feared, therefore, that he may plead his health as a reason for resigning, in which event the struggle for the Presidency will, it is expected, be dangerously bitter.