17 OCTOBER 1863, Page 2

M. Billault, Premier of France, and representative of the Government

before the Chambers, died on Tuesday of rheumatism .uf the heart. He is a loss to the Emperor, as his personal character was respectable, and he had begun to display very considerable ability as a debater. It is supposed that M. Rouher will be appointed his successor, but neither he nor M. Baroche, the only probable candidates, are fair opponents for M. Thiers. Cannot the Emperor secure that redoubtable champion? He founded his poli- tical reputation on writings in praise of one Bonaparte, and may easily finish it by speeches in defence of another. That would be in precise accord with the new euphuism for " ratting," namely, " development of opinions." M. Billault used to excuse his change by saying that he was one of the Napoleonidm, and M. Thiers may in turn assure the Palais Royal that " a friend sticketh closer than a brother."