The Germans have at least shown good faith in leaving
the elec- tions in Alsace and Lorraine free,—which we are the more bound to acknowledge, as one of our principal objections to taking the elec- tions was the fear that the Germans would dictate the candidates proposed in departments under their influence. In Strasburg,— where even we were inclined to believe in a real Protestant and German element of some strength,—the list is ultra-Radical, with the Mayor of Strasburg, the Mayor of Schelestadt, M. Reutsch, M. Gambetta, and M. Schneegans at the head of the poll. In the Bas Rhin it is just the same. Throughout the districts which the Germans propose to annex, the French feeling and French Re- publican feeling is at its highest point. In Phalsbourg, and throughout what is called German Lorraine, the enthusiasm for the Republican candidates has been as high as in Strasburg. These departments will be annexed, but they will be, as we have always predicted, another Venetia for Germany and for Europe, —fatal to peace, perpetual irritants to war.
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