16 JANUARY 1909, Page 16

THE MEANING OF "RADICAL SOCIALISTE." [To THE EDITOR OF TEE

"SPECTATOR. 0.1 SIR,—Muoh confusion hoe been caused in the minds of English newspaper-readers, in regard to the recent Senatorial elections in France, by the unaccountable habit Paris corre- spondents have of translating radical socialiste as "Radical Socialist." Thus the bewildered reader is told that the elections have resulted in a triumph for M. Clemenceau, whose chief claim to the support of moderate men in France has been his campaign against the United Socialist Party and its allies, the anti-militarists and the revolutionary Trade- Unions ; but be is also informed that the "Radical Socialists" have carried an overwhelming majority of seats. Naturally, he is puzzled to reconcile these statements, "Radical Socialists" in English meaning a Radical section of the Socialist Party. The fairly obvious fact, however-, is that socialists is the adjective and radical the noun, the correct translation being "Socialistic Radicals." Perhaps "social- reforming Radicals" would be the description that would please most the radicaux socialistes, who form one of the strongest groups in the French Parliament. They are opposed to Collectivism, although a considerable section of them wish to work with the United Socialists (the " UnifitSe") for the purpose of obtaining an Income-tax, old-age pensions, and other objects inscribed on their programme.—I am, Sir, &c.,

N. NEWALL.

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