18 JULY 1903, Page 1

It seems evident that the reception of M. Loubet in

London has greatly delighted not only the Parisians but all French- men, and may exercise great influence in the internal politics of France. The average Frenchman gathers from it, and from the recent arrangements with Italy, that France is highly considered in Europe ; and as he is never content to be strong unless his strength is publicly acknowledged, he is, even if a Reactionary, more reconciled to the Republic. The Nationalists are for the present silent, the Funds have risen, and, according to the Paris correspondent of the Times, the. Day of the Republic, July 14th, has been kept with every manifestation of rejoicing. Perhaps the weather had some- thing to do with that, but it is quite certain that evidence of the high position of France in international-Couneils is most acceptable to Frenchmen, who regard " position " as the great test of successful diplomacy. They have had a sulky idea all along that a Republic is a very comfortable form of government, but that it has not half the effect of Monarchy upon the imagination of their neighbours.