Nothing can be more obscure, more snippety, or less intelligible
than Renter's telegrams about the French elections. Half of them are not recorded, and those which are, are frequently con- fused by contradictory reports from the department and its prin- cipal city. The general results are, however, sufficiently clear. Everybody of eminence, statesman, orator, soldier, or admiral, of all opinions, has been returned ; but the total result is an over- whelming majority for the " Conservatives," that is, for the party made up of Legitimists, Orleanists, and Moderates, which is be- lieved to intend either a Monarchy or a Republic with the Duke d'Aumale for removable President. This party is also for peace, is led by M. Thiers, and will, according to the latest report, employ him to conduct negotiations. The Reds have carried every seat— except perhaps one—in Paris ; but they are nowhere in the Assembly ; Garibaldi was silenced by outcries ; M. Gambetta lies dangerously ill, worn out with patriotic fever ; and M. Lavertujon, editor of the Gironde, the organ of the Bordeaux Delegation, gives up the struggle, and " bows to the will of France with submission, but in deep sadness." It is asserted, but not on official authority, that the comparative numbers of parties are,—Orleanists, 400; Republicans, 150 ; Legitimists, 50 ; and Imperialists, 25 ; but as yet the only avowed Imperialist is Prince Napoleon, returned for Corsica.
