15 OCTOBER 1898, Page 2

The latest report from Paris is that the strike of

workmen which during part of the week threw forty thousand men into the streets, though not over, is dying away. The original strikers, who were employed on works for the coming Exhibi- tion, have not given way ; but the thousands who "went out"

to prove their "solidarite with their brethren" are gradually returning to their labour. The Government were beyond measure alarmed by this movement. They expected, it is believed, an attack upon the rich or the Jews, and prepared for it as if for a civil war. They brought forty thousand men into Paris, and encamped whole brigades of them in the streets so that they might be seen, whereupon the characteristic comment of Paris is that they are very badly dressed,—which, owing to the expense of providing uniforms for such huge masses of men, seems to be true. It is added that the proportion of cavalry is most unusual, the Govern- ment trusting that arm because its officers are in great part well-born men, or men:well off. We do notiquite see why a Radical Government should prefer those classes, and suspect a kindlier explanation. Cavalry clear streets much more easily than infantry, and with much less bloodshed. Your Continental rioter is prepared to die, but he is not prepared to be ridden over.