M. de Freycinet, the French War Minister, carried his Estimates
on Monday, amidst a scene of enthusiasm the more remarkable because his speech was of the most uncompromi Fling kind. "It is vain," he said, "to hope for any reduction in the War Budget." Until the situation changes, the regular military estimate cannot sink below 222,000,000—in a country, mind, with a conscription—and to this must be added £20,000,000 more for extraordinary expenditure on defences, besides a large sum already voted and partially expended. This 220,000,000 will be spread over several Budgets ; but still, it makes a heavy addition to that of each year. M. de Freycinet denied any purpose of aggression, but declared that the situation rendered sacrifices indispensable, and appealed in rather inflated terms to the patriotism of his audience. The Chamber responded to this appeal, and though it is pledged to secure economy, passed the Estimates on Tuesday, after an almost formal debate, without a division. It is probable that the electors, who are afraid of an invasion, approve this expenditure, although it seems to have no end ; but it is difficult to avoid the idea that an extreme reluctance to affront military opinion has something to do with the im- mense outlay.
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