18 DECEMBER 1869, Page 2

M. Magne's report on French Finance was issued on the

13th inst. He says the floating debt has been reduced to £32,720,000, rather a large sum, but less by £8,200,000 than on 31st July, 1868. He has a surplus for 1868 of £720,000, expects a surplus of £2,200,000 for 1869, and prophesies a surplus of £4,000,000 for 1871, which is a long way off. All this would be very satis- factory, for there really has been an increase in the indirect taxes, if only M. Magne could guarantee France against extra credits or more loans ; but he cannot, and the Chamber cannot till it has obtained more control over affairs.